Lapse in Appropriations Update Letter from ADM Charles Ray

Dear Coast Guard Retiree or Annuitant,

As the partial government shutdown continues, the U.S. Coast Guard remains unfunded and it is unclear when this lapse will end. Unfortunately, if we do not receive an appropriation in the near future, you will not receive your normal Retiree Pay or Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments on February 1, 2019. Your payments, including back pay, will resume when the Coast Guard receives an appropriation, continuing resolution, or other legislative measure that funds our Service.

You have faithfully served your Nation, and will always remain a part of our Coast Guard family. The entire Coast Guard senior leadership team considers it our personal obligation to ensure you receive the pay and benefits to which you are entitled. As we navigate this unprecedented situation, please use the following resources to understand your support options and stay informed on developments:

• Lapse In Appropriation Website: We are regularly updating www.dcms.uscg.mil/budget with leadership messages, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and available resources. One of these resources is Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) which is offering $1,000 interest free loans for retirees and annuitants in need. Please visit www.cgmahq.org or call the official Coast Guard Helpline at the number below for additional details.
• E-Mail Your Questions: Send lapse-related questions to 2019LapseQuestions@uscg.mil. We will research them, and then post the answers at the website above in the FAQ section.
• Automatic Updates: Sign up to receive automatic updates via email or text at public.govdelivery.com/accounts/usdhscg/subscriber/new. Join over 22,000 retirees on this distribution list.
• Coast Guard Helpline: If the website and FAQs do not answer your questions, call the official Coast Guard Helpline at (866) 772-8724.
• National Retiree Helpdesk: You can also reach the volunteer-staffed National Retiree Helpdesk at (833) 224-6743 or NRHDesk@gmail.com for questions regarding all retiree benefits.

I know this lapse in appropriation places a heavy burden on our retirees and annuitants, and we will continue to use the links above to communicate with you. At the same time, Coast Guard senior leaders are pursuing every avenue available to mitigate the impacts on you and your families. This event has only reinforced that the Coast Guard's greatest strength has been, and will always be, the dedicated men and women who have selflessly answered the call - and you are undoubtedly part of this legacy.

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