Welcome CGMA Representatives

October 30, 2025, Government Shutdown Update

Civilian Employee Loans

• Civilian employee shutdown loan applications will continue to be processed and approved.
• General Schedule (GS) civilian employees will receive the equivalent of E-7 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), while Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) and Wage Grade (WG) employees will receive the equivalent of E-5 BAH.

Active-Duty Loans

• Active-Duty applications will remain open.
• CGMA HQ will notify Representatives when they may begin approving applications if the November 15th paycheck is missed.

Application Frequency

• All clients may apply for shutdown assistance once per month (one month from the date of your previous application), regardless of the number of missed paychecks during that period.
• Civilian employees are not authorized to submit a new application for each missed paycheck. However, they may apply before the 30-day period if they are experiencing severe financial hardship that prevents them from meeting basic needs such as rent, mortgage, or food.

Loan Limits

• Total CGMA loans are capped at $9,000.
• Members with an existing CGMA loan may borrow only up to this limit unless additional approval is granted by CGMA Headquarters.

Program Priorities

• While all CGMA programs remain open, priority will be given to shutdown loans and emergency assistance—such as emergency travel and essential living expenses—during this period.

For immediate assistance or inquiries:

Jason Wong, Chief Operating Officer, Office: (703) 547-7163, Email: jason.wong@mycgma.org

Jing Patton, Operations Support Manager, Office: (703) 334-7773, Email: jing.patton@mycgma.org

Andrea Cacciola, Training & Case Management Coordinator, Office: (571) 397-2317, Email: andrea.cacciola@mycgma.org

Have you been appointed as a CGMA Representative/Assistant Representative by your command?

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Connect with your current CGMA Representative. Meet with your assigned CGMA Rep to kick off your onboarding process.
2. Rep’s Training on the CGMA Portal. Complete the training in the CGMA Representative Portal. This will familiarize you with all tools and resources available for role.
3. Reach out for support. If you don’t have a Rep to conduct a proper on-site relief, contact rep.support@mycgma.org for assistance.

We are here to support you every step of the way!

Before you transition our of your role, ensure a smooth handoff and exit be following the steps below:

1. Audit your rep site’s contacts and units. Review and confirm all Reps and tenant units that your site serves to ensure they are up to date.
2. Add new CGMA Reps. Use the New Representative Form to add new CGMA Reps to your site and ensure continuity of support.
3. Update the departing Rep’s affiliation. Mark an end date on the departing Rep’s profile to reflect their departure.
4. Share your feedback. Please complete a brief offboarding survey to share your experiences and help us improve the process.

• CGMA Desk Guide – A brief guide to your responsibilities and CGMA’s programs. The online version is kept up to date.
• 2010 CGMA Operating Manual – Note that the Desk Guide is more authoritative, especially for dollar amounts.
• CGMA Forms – A list of all current forms.

• Army Emergency Relief (AER), 703-601-2770
• Air Force Aid Society (AFAS), 703-972-2604
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, (NMCRS), 703-696-1482

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) is the only non-federal entity statutorily recognized as the CG’s Military Aid Society. See 10 U.S.C. § 1033. Coast Guard employees are permitted to solicit funds for CGMA in their official capacity. See 5 C.F.R. 2635.808(b). COs/OINCs/supervisors and individuals may all use their official title, position and authority to speak, write and encourage other members of the Coast Guard to encourage them to donate to CGMA. Donations always are the members’ choice.

Click here for the full CG Playbook for Supporting Organizations provided by COMDT (CG-LGL).