Editor's Note: This article was last updated on Feb. 18, 2026.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA): CGMA is offering interest-free loans up to the amount of one net paycheck with a maximum of $6,000. Here is a link to instructions and what to expect.
Navy Federal Credit Union: Offers interest-free loans in the amount of direct deposit pay, up to $6,000, no credit check.
USAA: USAA’s Government Shutdown Program includes a no-interest loan equal to the amount of one net paycheck, up to $6,000. Applying for this no-interest loan will not affect a member’s credit score.
First Command: Offers interest-free payroll advances in the amount of direct deposit pay, must be repaid within three months.
Your Financial Institution: Some financial institutions offer to cover military members' typical federal direct deposits if a government shutdown occurs or offer a no interest bridge loan until pay deposits normalize. These programs might require you to register ahead of time. Before applying, read the fine print. Some programs may require a hard credit inquiry or limit the amount that you can borrow.
United Way: Those struggling with basic needs can reach out anytime to the United Way. The United Way resources include local general utility assistance, short-term rental payment relief, and food banks/ food pantry locations. To find your local United Way resource listing, you may dial 2-1-1 on your phone or visit their website: https://www.211.org/
Personal Financial Managers: PFMs are a part of the Work-Life staff at each Health, Safety, and Work-Life Regional Practice. If a PFM is not available at your location, please reach out to your Command Financial Specialist or Military OneSource. For additional resources and information for the Personal Financial Management Program, please visit this webpage: Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP).
Command Financial Specialist (CFS): CFSs are military members appointed by the commanding officer to provide basic financial education to field units and refer complex cases to PFMs. CFSs are located at many centralized units throughout the Coast Guard.
Military One Source: Offers a wide range of individualized consultations, coaching, and non-medical counseling for active-duty members, reservists, and their dependents. Contact 800-342-9647 or visit their website.
Federal Occupational Health (FOH): FOH is the Coast Guard’s new employee assistance program for civilians. FOH services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, and include free, confidential counseling and financial support. Call 1-800-222-0364 or visit their website.
Military Leader's Economic Security Toolkit: This toolkit is available to Coast Guard leaders and personnel to support the economic security of service members and families. Information provided ranges from how leaders can start conversations to assess food insecurity and financial well-being to housing resources / entitlements and additional resources available to members. Military Leader's Economic Security Toolkit
Spouse Resources: For financial education geared toward military spouses, please visit MilSpouse Money Mission or https://www.milspousemoneymission.org/.
Coast Guard Foundation: The Coast Guard Foundation will continue to operate programs focused on morale and wellness, as well as resources that members and families may need - providing emergency disaster relief, tragedy assistance, and morale and wellness support, including mental resiliency programming. All pending and approved grants and scholarships will continue. Visit Coast Guard Foundation for more info.
Be sure to contact your creditors and utility companies (internet, electricity, water, cellphone) before your payments are due. Working out the details and making a plan prior to your bills becoming past due will save you late fees, debts sent to collections, and possible negative marks on your credit report.
Remember, it is always best to research all options and determine what solutions are ideally suited for your particular situation.
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