1005 N. Glebe Road, Suite 220, Arlington, VA 22201 800-881-2462
In the time of a major disaster, such as a hurricane, the Coast Guard community can count on Coat Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) as a trusted and reliable resource, ready to provide emergency assistance for evacuation and cash needed to meet basic living expenses such as food, shelter, and clothing. We understand that recovery takes time. CGMA’s loan to grant conversion process helps Coast Guard members returning to their homes with the financial resources needed to replace essentials such as food and appliances, and commence repairs.
Preparation Checklist
CGMA Pre-Authorization Form (Active Duty only)
CGMA Recommends that members assigned to deployable units provide their spouses with a copy of CGMA Pre-Authorization Form (CGMA Form 16). This will facilitate family members being able to get immediate assistance in the event of a natural disaster. The form should be submitted to the unit CGMA Representative.
Enroll in Zelle
Zelle is the only method by which CGMA can deposit funds directly into the member’s account. It takes about 5 minutes to enroll and it is free! (Look for Zelle on your banking app.) Clients should contact their bank about enrolling if they are not already enrolled. All CGMA clients are strongly encouraged to enroll in Zelle now. While paper checks remain an option for clients, electronic payment through Zelle greatly reduces processing time and allows CGMA to distribute funds to members even faster.
Emergency Disaster Assistance is available to ALL CGMA Clients
(acitve duty, reserves, retirees, civilian employees, auxiliarists)
Immediate Loans
In times of a major disaster, such as a hurricane, CGMA’s initial objective is to rapidly provide emergency assistance for evacuation, and cash needed to meet basic living expenses such as food, shelter, and clothing. Immediately following a natural disaster/hurricane, clients may borrow up to $6,000 for their urgent needs. Repayment of these loans may be deferred for four months to allow sufficient time for the member to apply for some or all of the loan to be converted to a grant. NOTE: Members will have up to eight months to apply for a loan to grant conversion. This will allow sufficient time to settle with their insurance companies. The deadline will always be eight months after the date the storm makes landfall/strikes.
To apply for emergency disaster assistance, please complete CGMA Form 6 (Application for Disaster Assistance). Unlike other kinds of CGMA assistance, this application does not require a Command Endorsement or the submission of a Budget Form
Disaster Grants
Members will have up to eight months to apply to convert their Emergency Disaster Loan to a grant. Applications to convert disaster loans to grants, or for grants where there was no previous loan, should be submitted on CGMA Form 6a (Application for Disaster Grant.) This form requires no command endorsement or a budget form. The grant application DOES require proper supporting documentation. The documentation requirements are explained on page 2 of Form 6a.
NOTE: Applications submitted without proper documentation will cause significant delays in processing.
CGMA will provide grants for the following losses which occur as a direct result of a hurricane, extreme (named) storm, or other natural disaster. Clients should be properly insured and are expected to file a claim against their insurance company. Proof of insurance deductibles are required.
CGMA works because it has the resources needed to do the job. If you find yourself in need of assistance, do reach out. All of our normal programs and services also remain available. If you are able, please give generously. Your generous support ensures that CGMA continues to stand strong, able to provide the resources necessary for our shipmates to be mission ready and their families to feel secure.
For media inquiries, please contact media@cgmahq.org