ALCOAST 306/20 - AUG 2020 COVID-19: COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE (CGMA) COVID ASSISTANCE

united states coast guard

R 121112 AUG 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05760//
ALCOAST 306/20
COMDTNOTE 5760
SUBJ:  COVID-19: COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE (CGMA) COVID ASSISTANCE
1. On 1 Aug 2020 Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) implemented six programs to
widen the financial safety net for the Coast Guard community. These programs include
both grants and loans. All CG Active Duty, Reserve, Civilian Employees, Retirees and
Auxiliarists are eligible for these programs.
2. Personnel wishing to learn more about these programs, described below, are encouraged
to contact their local CGMA Representative. A CGMA Representative is the collateral
duty designated person(s) entrusted with the local administration of CGMA policy and
funds. Commands are encouraged to post the Coast Guard email address and work telephone
number of the unit’s CGMA Representative. Publishing the information in unit common
areas, newsletters, or other official communications methods will ensure unit personnel
are aware of whom they may contact for assistance. Spouses of members who are deployed
should contact the CGMA Representative at the nearest CG shore command for assistance.
More information about the programs is available on the CGMA website at www.cgmahq.org.     
3. COVID-19 Assistance Programs. These programs all expire on 31 December 2020. The
intent is primarily to assist members with the extra costs incurred during the fall
school term. In order to qualify for grants, all purchases must be made by 01 November
2020. All CGMA loans are interest free. Collection of these loans will commence in
early 2021.
   a. SEG-C Autumn. This is a one-time grant of up to $500 to help with the cost of
various school supplies for the fall school term. This grant is available to members
with dependents in Pre-K through 12th grade. Members who received the previous spring
semester SEG-C are eligible to receive the fall grant as well.
   b. Childcare Grant. This is a one-time $500 grant to help offset the increased
demand and hurdles to securing ongoing childcare throughout the school term (15 August
– 31 December 2020). This grant is available to members with dependents ages 0 to 12
years old. 
   c. Childcare Loans. Up to $6000 in loans is available to assist members with the
cost of ongoing childcare. This loan is available to members with dependents ages 0 to
12 years old. Members who received this type of assistance prior to 01 August 2020 are
eligible for a second loan.
   d. In-Person Tutoring Grant. This is a one-time grant of up to $1000 to assist
members with dependents in Pre-K through 8th grade with in-person tutoring costs.
CGMA still provides, and recommends, free online access to another tutoring alternative,
www.tutor.com, for all military and civilian employees and their dependents.
   e. Supplemental Special Needs Grant. This is a one-time grant of up to $1000 to
assist member with dependents enrolled in the CG Special Needs program. The requirements
for this grant are identical to the current Special Needs Grant program but authorizes
an additional $1000 during the period 01 August 2020 to 31 December 2020.
   f. Lost Wages Loan. Loans up to $6000 are available to assist members whose spouses
lost their jobs, had their hours reduced, or otherwise lost income, but have not
yet received federal benefits (unemployment). Members may receive an amount equal to
two months of lost wages (less any federal or local/state assistance received). Members
who received this type of assistance prior to 1 August are eligible for a second loan. 
   g. Should other COVID 19-related needs arise, please contact your local CGMA
representative for guidance. This could include COVID 19-testing not covered by TRICARE,
quarantine costs, food costs if you qualified for free or reduced lunch at school,
funeral and/or storage costs, etc. CGMA will consider all requests.
4. CGMA offers a helping hand to shipmates and co-workers in need through direct
financial aid and a wide range of programs and services. As a donor supported non-profit,
CGMA receives no federal funds and it must rely on our generosity and our desire to look
after our own. For 96 years, CGMA has proven to be a valuable community resource. CGMA’s
ability to respond to challenges such as the pandemic is based entirely on ongoing
generosity and support from members of the Coast Guard. Per the Ethics Guiding Principles
for Supporting Organizations, COMDT (CG-LGL) of 31 July 2019, 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 donate to CGMA. Donations always are the
members’ choice. Through donations great or small, we can ensure CGMA remains strong
and ready to serve our Coast Guard family for years to come. If you would like to
support CGMA please go to: www.cgmahq.org/give. 
5. Ms. Michelle R. Godfrey, Acting Assistant Commandant for Human Resources, sends.
6. Internet release is authorized.