CGMA Support During a Potential Government Shutdown.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is ready to respond should a lapse in appropriation occur.  

CGMA is here for you. For 100 years Mutual Assistance has been the go-to resource for the Coast Guard community in times of disaster and financial emergencies.  

If a government shutdown occurs and you are an employee of the U.S. Coast Guard, please follow these steps:  

1. See if the financial institution you bank with can provide a 0% interest loan. USAA, Navy Federal, and First Command are each offering this service.  

2. If your bank does not offer you a 0% payroll loan, visit Shutdown Loan – Coast Guard Mutual Assistance to start an application. 

• Civilian Employees can submit an application for a 0% interest CGMA shutdown loan beginning Friday, 3 January.  
• GS Civilian Employees are eligible to receive up to their military-equivalent’s monthly BAH
• Full-time NAF/ WG employees are eligible to receive up to the E-5 military equivalent monthly BAH per locality, with scaling for typical weekly rates.  

• Active Duty members can submit an application for a 0% interest CGMA shutdown loan beginning Wednesday, 8 January. 
• Active duty members are eligible to receive up to their monthly BAH.  
• Spouses of those deployed may also apply online.  

• CG Academy cadets are eligible to receive up to their typical monthly stipend. 

3. Coast Guard members need not contact their CGMA Representative to initiate the shutdown loan application; members can apply directly online Shutdown Loan – Coast Guard Mutual Assistance 

• Your local CGMA Representative will review the application, including eligibility requirements, prior to approving loans. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How much money can my representative authorize? Your local CGMA Representative can authorize a shutdown loan, up to $4,500 per member. For those with BAH’s that exceed $4,500, your loan application will be reviewed and processed at CGMA Headquarters.  

How long does it take to receive funds once my loan application is approved?  Loan disbursements typically take between 1– 2 business days to process. Payment is available via ACH bank transfer of Zelle; 

How do I repay my loan? Repayments via allotment will begin after the government re-opens and pay is reinstated. Shutdown loans are expected to be repaid to CGMA within two months. A lump sum repayment is also acceptable.  

Do I need to actively contribute to CGMA to be eligible for assistance? No. But do note that CGMA is 100% funded by donations and Active Duty monthly allotments are essential to replenish this fund.  

Does CGMA conduct credit checks? No. However, loans that are not timely repaid are sent to a collection agency for remittance. If this happens, your credit score and/or security clearance may be affected.  

Has this happened before? Yes. During the 35-day lapse in appropriation early 2019, CGMA delivered $8.4 Million to over 6,200 members of the Coast Guard workforce.   

I love the Coast Guard! How can I help? Thank you for wanting to help! You can donate here. The best way to help Coasties during this time is to make a donation to CGMA. CGMA operates on 100% donations and is the official aid society of the United States Coast Guard.