Resources and Support for Coast Guard Members and Families during the 2026 Government Shutdown

Our programs remain open and accessible to Coast Guard members and families. Below is a list of additional resources available during the partial government shutdown.

by Jennifer Crowley Fyke

March 4, 2026

A partial government shutdown began on February 14, 2026, after funding for the Department of Homeland Security lapsed, impacting appropriations for the U.S. Coast Guard. On Friday, February 27, a segment of the civilian workforce received only a partial paycheck.

The Coast Guard reported that as required by law, the service began “executing an orderly suspension of certain activities while continuing missions necessary to protect life, property, and national security.”

The Coast Guard Foundation plays a critical role during these periods by continuing our existing support programs and, in this case, focusing on morale and wellness initiatives so that Coast Guard members and families have access to essential resources during these stressful times.

This support includes providing emergency disaster relief, tragedy assistance, and morale and wellness support, including mental resiliency programming. As well, our spouse education grant program will begin issuing awards soon, and these grants will help Coast Guard families with out-of-pocket expenses. Distribution of all pending and approved grants and scholarships will continue without delay.

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class Rhett Hasting and Petty Officer 2nd Class Vincent Moreno

Additional support is available to help Coast Guard families bridge the gap until paychecks resume.

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) offers immediate, interest-free loans up to the amount of one paycheck after taxes, with a maximum amount of $6,000. Loans are available to active duty, reservists on active duty, and general schedule, full-time wage grade employees and full-time non-appropriated fund employees and can be accessed here: https://www.cgmahq.org.

Financial institutions like Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, First Command, PenFed, SeaWest and other banks and credit unions may provide paycheck advances or short-term support until back pay is received. If you don’t bank with one of these institutions, reach out to your bank or credit union to see what paycheck advance or short-term loan options they offer.

Reach out to your unit ombudsman about any additional family support you may need during this time. They may have a local resource list to help connect you with available services.

By leveraging these resources alongside the Foundation’s programs, Coast Guard members and their families can maintain stability and focus on their critical missions during the partial government shutdown.

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Avery Tibbets and Ensign Nicholas Reeser

A message to our Coast Guard family: The Coast Guard Foundation and our community of supporters nationwide appreciate your service and sacrifice. Please reach out with any questions about Coast Guard Foundation programs that we are offering during this time. Message us at shipmate@coastguardfoundation.org with any support questions. We’re here for you and your family during this uncertain time.

Unit leadership: Please let us know how your crews are doing. The Coast Guard Foundation will continue to work with the Coast Guard to meet your morale and wellness needs now, and always.

We will use this site to provide information to members as we learn about resources from businesses, non-profits and community organizations that offer assistance during the shutdown.

U.S. Coast Guard photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Avery Tibbets, Auxiliarist Matthew Thompson, Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Robertson

Resource List for Coast Guard Members:

Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) offers immediate, interest-free loans up to the amount of one paycheck after taxes, with a maximum amount of $6,000 and is available to active duty, reservists on active duty, and general schedule, full-time wage grade employees and full-time non-appropriated fund employees and can be accessed here..

Military Families Magazine compiled a useful list of shutdown resources for Coast Guard members and families that includes the financial institutions and credit unions listed here, as well as other relief organizations and food assistance programs.

Navy Federal Credit Union has a government shutdown assistance program. Eligible Navy Federal members seeking assistance in the event of a government shutdown are now able to enroll in the credit union's Paycheck Assistance Program, which could provide up to $6,000 in paycheck loans.

USAA's government shutdown program provides help with a no-interest loan equal to the amount of a member's net pay, up to $6,000.

First Command's government shutdown assistance program offers a pay advance loan and several other options for financial relief. They will match the full amount of your normal government direct deposit.

PenFed Credit Union offers special programs for their members impacted by the shutdown, including a no-interest loan equal to the amount of a paycheck, for customers who direct deposit into their PenFed checking account.

SeaWest Coast Guard Federal Credit Union is offering no-interest payroll advance for existing members with direct deposit. New members and existing members with no direct deposit ar also eligible with additional documentation.

MyCG published a few articles with resources for all members:
Where can I find financial resources during a shutdown?
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 funding lapse
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance ready to support Coast Guard families during government shutdown

by Jennifer Crowley Fyke