Disaster & Emergency Assistance

Who helps the helpers? We do.

CGMA offers comprehensive Disaster and Emergency Assistance Programs to support our Coast Guard community during times of crisis. These programs provide financial aid and resources to help navigate the challenges posed by natural disasters, personal emergencies, and unforeseen hardships.

Types of Assistance

Disaster Assistance: In events such as hurricanes, fires, or other natural disasters, CGMA offers interest-free loans and grants to cover expenses related to evacuation, temporary housing, essential household goods replacement, and initial repairs.

Emergency Assistance: For urgent situations requiring immediate attention, CGMA provides support for essentials and temporary issues.

We’re committed to supporting you during challenging times.

Coast Guardsmen and Civilian woman riding on a floating raft during a flood.

Amount

Varies by category

Type of Assistance

Interest-Free Loan

Grant

Eligibility

Active Duty

Auxiliary

Civilian Employees

PHS Officers and Chaplains

Reserves

Retired Military Personnel

Surviving Spouses

Need help?

Start with your local Representative.

There are more than 600 Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Representatives to help you.

How to Apply

Apply Online:

Or contact your CGMA Representative to start the process.

Immediate Loans

During evacuation or after a disaster, clients may borrow up to $6,000 for their urgent needs. No payment is expected for the first 3 months, so clients can determine if they are eligible for grants. All applications must be submitted within 90 days of the disaster’s occurrence.

Grants

Food Loss:

Up to $250 for members without dependents and up to $500 for members with dependents
Receipts of food replenishment

Personal Property Loss:

For losses insured but not reimbursed
Up to $1,500 for essential needs only such as clothing, linens, kitchen essentials, and medical essentials.
This program will no longer cover major appliance replacement
Requires receipts for all items needing replaced

Home or Vehicle Damage:

For losses insured but not reimbursed
Up to $5,000
Vehicle damage requires the insurance settlement or insurance policy showing deductible and documented cost of repair or statement of total loss
Home damage requires documentation of repair cost and insurance settlement, which must include deductible information
Home must be primary residence (occupied by owner)