ALCOAST 434/18 - DEC 2018 COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE (CGMA) AVAILABILITY DURING THE LAPSE IN DHS APPROPRIATIONS

R 271409 DEC 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N07220//
ALCOAST 434/18
COMDTNOTE 7220
SUBJ: COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE (CGMA) AVAILABILITY DURING THE LAPSE IN DHS APPROPRIATIONS
1. Summary: This ALCOAST provides guidance on CGMA support to the workforce during the
lapse in appropriation.
2. Background. During any single pay cycle, approximately $150 million is required to
pay all military and civilian employees. CGMA is committed to doing what it can for the
Coast Guard family, but its resources are not without limit. In order to maximize the
support that can be provided, CGMA categories of support have been assessed and most
regular assistance programs will be either temporarily halted or curtailed as below.
CGMA revenue for providing support is largely based on allotments (donations and loan
repayments); if there is no appropriation, then the expected revenue stream to support
our assistance programs is not available.
3. This temporary policy focuses on loans for the junior enlisted and civilian categories of the
workforce. While all members and employees may experience strain during this Lapse,
assistance (for pay checks affected) is available: 
    a. Active E5 and below: $550 married, $350 single. These members may apply for this
assistance on or after 31 December 2018.
    b. GS-6/equivalent WG and below: $550 married, $350 single. These members may apply
for this assistance on or after 11 January 2019.
    c. For all others: None at this time. Retirees and annuitants are not currently subject
to the lapse in appropriation for the paycheck on 31 December 2018.
    d. Exceptions: CGMA HQ will consider any special or unique circumstances on a case by case
basis. These appeals should be made through the local CGMA representative. Commanding
Officers and Officers in Charge should be involved in requesting approvals.
   e. All lapse assistance will be repaid via lump sum during the first pay initiated after
the lapse ends.
   f. Spouses with the active duty member deployed may get assistance based on the paygrades
and guidance above. Members about to deploy should leave a completed CGMA Form 16
(Pre-Authorization Form) with the spouse prior to deployment in order for their spouse to
be able to apply for CGMA assistance.
   g. If your local CGMA representative is unavailable, please engage the next higher
command CGMA representative or CGMA HQ.
4. Regular Programs Status:
   a. Loans for emergency travel remains in full effect.
   b. Requests for emergency home repair, travel issues, emergency vehicle repairs in order
to travel to/from duty, special needs support, respite care and service animal loans should
be sent to CGMA HQ for consideration, but only if the situation is dire and cannot wait until
the conclusion of the lapse period. Application must include a clear statement of the
consequences if the loan is not made before the conclusion of the lapse period.
   c. Request for rental/mortgage or utilities assistance should be sent to CGMA HQ for
consideration, but only if eviction/cutoff is imminent. This must include documentation
supporting the imminent action against the member.
   d. Suspended program: Quick Loans, SEGs, Uniform Replacement, Education Loans, Closing
Costs, Debt Management, PCS Child Care, Pet Expenses and Insurance assistance are all
temporarily suspended until the end of the lapse period. For SEGs, the one year requirement
for dated receipts will be extended to include the lapse period. 
5. Other Resources:
   a. Credit Unions and Banks: Personnel are strongly encouraged to contact their banking
institutions to see what programs they are offering personnel affected by the lapse.
Many of them are offering interest free loans to cover their normal pay. 
   b. Other Mutual Aid Societies and Red Cross: Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society,
Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society and the American Red Cross all stand ready to assist. 
In addition to providing the same levels of lapse assistance as noted in para 2.a above,
they can also provide routine assistance for emergency vehicle repairs and emergency home
repairs that are not dire as noted in para 3.d above.
   c. CG SUPRT is also available to help (1-855-CG SUPRT (247-8778)) https://www.cgsuprt.com/ 
6. For more information on how to receive assistance, please see your local CGMA representatives.
7. RDML Matthew Sibley, Acting Assistant Commandant for Human Resources, sends.
8. Internet Release is Authorized.