ALCOAST 012/19 - JAN 2019 EXPANDED LIMITS TO CGMA LOANS DURING LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS

R 151936 JAN 19
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-13//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N07220//
ALCOAST 012/19
COMDTNOTE 7220
SUBJ: EXPANDED LIMITS TO CGMA LOANS DURING LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS
A. COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC 271409 DEC 18/ALCOAST 434/18
1. The Vice Commandant recently announced an increase to Coast Guard Mutual
Assistance (CGMA) interest-free loans for a select group of Coast Guard members
consistent with the Commandant’s commitment to provide best support to those
impacted by the lapse in appropriations. This ALCOAST announces another
expansion of that access thanks to the generosity of CGMA donors, including a
$15 million donation from USAA, and a partnership with the American Red Cross
(ARC). It also outlines updated application procedures. Effective immediately,
all civilian employees and active duty members are eligible for expanded CGMA
assistance as defined below. If you intend to apply, please read the directions
carefully as this is a modified/simplified process, and involves the ARC for
certain members/employees.
2. Expanded limits for CGMA interest-free loans:
    a. Up to $1000 for personnel with dependents;
    b. Up to $750 for personnel without dependents;
    c. If individual circumstances dictate, any person may apply for funds in
excess of the established limits (a-b above). They must personally visit a local
CGMA representative to complete the full application process.
3. Procedures:
    a. Furloughed civilian employees. While active duty and non-furloughed members
can verify employment at work, furloughed civilian employees will need to utilize
a CGMA representative for verification. To apply, take the following steps:
      (1) Locate a nearby CGMA representative at: www.cgmahq.org;
      (2) Before visiting a representative, go to the “Forms” section of the CGMA
Website and fill out “CGMA-12, Federal Funding Lapses CG Assistance”;
      (3) With your filled-out CGMA-12, visit your CGMA representative, and
complete the process;
      (4) You will receive an in-person check that day.
     b. Active duty members and non-furloughed civilian employees. To deal with
an anticipated high volume of applicants in this category, the Service and CGMA
are partnering with ARC to streamline application procedures for this group only.
To apply, take the following steps:
     (1) Go to: www.cgmahq.org, then “Forms”, then fill out “CGMA-ARC, Federal
Funding Lapses ARC Assistance”;
     (2) Have your supervisor electronically sign the CGMA-ARC form;
     (3) Visit the ARC website at https://saf.redcross.org/css and click on
“Create Account”. (The ARC has a 24-hour “Hero Care Center” Hotline should you
have logon problems: 1-877-272-7337);
     (4) Logon to the account, and click on “New Request”;
     (5) Follow the steps to request your loan, which will include uploading
your CGMA-ARC (e-validated) form;
    (6) Payment will be issued via Western Union within 24 hours.
4. All CGMA interest-free loans will be automatically repaid, via lump sum, on
the first pay period after the lapse ends.
5. Up to date lapse in appropriations information can be found at:
www.dcms.uscg.mil/budget; this site contains authoritative documents, Frequently
Asked Questions, an interactive mailbox, a Resources Guide, a helpline, and
other useful information. As always, CG SUPRT is 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.