Shutdown FAQs
Who can get help from CGMA?
CGMA provides assistance to active-duty Coast Guard members, Coast Guard Civilian employees, and eligible family members.
If you are not part of the Coast Guard, there are other military aid societies that can help:
Army: Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Air and Space Force: Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)
Navy and Marine Corps: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)
Coast Guard Auxiliarists and Retirees are not eligible for shutdown loans.
Are applications open right now?
Yes. Applications for both civilian and active-duty members are currently open.
Active-Duty Members: You may apply now, but funds will not be disbursed until October 31, in time for the November 1st paycheck.
Civilian Employees: Your applications are being processed now. You may apply once every 30 days. For example, if assistance was received for the October 15th pay period, the next eligible application date is November 15th.
All applications must be submitted through CGMA Portal
I am a Coast Guard member. What type of help can I get?
If you are in need of financial support to help pay for things like rent, insurance, childcare, or food, and your primary bank will not grant you a loan, you can apply for a CGMA shutdown loan.
The amount is based on your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) — or the E-7 rate if you’re a civilian employee. You can apply once every 30 days while the shutdown continues.
How do I get help from CGMA during a shutdown?
You can apply online through the CGMA Portal.Funds are sent by ACH bank transfer or Zelle.
Getting help from CGMA won’t affect your credit score or security clearance, and you don’t need to be a donor to qualify.
However Repayment starts through allotment/payroll deduction once the government reopens, and the loan should be paid back within three months.
You can also choose to repay it all at once in a single payment.
If payments aren’t made, your account could be sent to a collection agency, which may hurt your credit score and impact security clearance.
If a member is deployed, can their spouse get help?
Yes! Spouses can apply for assistance through the CGMA Portal
Can I get a shutdown loan if I already have a CGMA loan?
Yes. You can still apply, but your total CGMA loan amount cannot be more than $9,000.
Can both members of a dual-military couple get loans?
Yes. One member can apply using BAH with dependents, and the other using BAH without dependents.
Can non-rates who don’t get BAH apply for a loan?
Yes. Non-rates can get a loan up to the BAH without dependents amount for their area.
For members receiving Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA), will the loan be based only on rent?
No. If you receive OHA, your loan will be based on the total amount — including rent, utilities, and maintenance.
How do civilian employee loans work?
GS employees may receive up to the E-7 military equivalent BAH.
Full-time NAF or WG employees may receive up to the E-5 military equivalent BAH.
If the employee has dependents, use BAH with dependents; if not, use BAH without dependents.
What if my unit doesn’t have a CGMA Representative?
You can apply through another CGMA Representative Site.
Use the “Find My Representative” tool on our website to locate the nearest one.
What about retirees and widows?
Retiree pension and annuitant pay are protected and will not be affected by a shutdown.
Will Personal Financial Managers (PFMs) be available?
Yes. PFMs are available to help during a shutdown. Click here to find your local PFM.
When does loan repayment start?
Repayment automatically starts through allotment/payroll deduction once the government reopens and the loan should be paid back within three months. You can also choose to repay it all at once in a single payment.
What will CGMA do if members miss a second paycheck?
CGMA is closely watching the situation.If a second paycheck is missed, we’ll review and update our plan to make sure members continue getting the support they need.
I own a local business. How can I help?
Businesses are welcome to help Coast Guard members — as long as the offer is open to everyone and the business has no official ties to the Coast Guard. Check with local ethics office for additional guidance.
You can also make a donation at www.mycgma.org/donate
How can people support CGMA?
You can donate at www.mycgma.org/donate or start a fundraiser