While most of the military branches remain unaffected by the partial government shutdown over funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that began on Feb. 14, the U.S. Coast Guard —which falls under DHS— could see their first missed paycheck this Friday, Feb. 27.
Congress returned to D.C. on Monday, Feb. 23. The Senate vote for DHS funding will be on Tuesday, Feb. 24, before the president’s State of the Union address. Despite the planned vote, there are concerns that there will be no resolution and the shutdown will continue. Here are some resources for Coasties if that happens.
Military credit unions /Banks
Navy Federal Credit Union: Open to eligible members, NFCU is currently accepting enrollment in its paycheck assistance program. Eligibility requirements include meeting three criteria, and funding is determined by the member’s last eligible direct deposit of pay.
USAA: Starting Feb. 25, the USAA no-interest loan will be available before the first missed paycheck for eligible members. Members can reach out before then to apply for bank, property & casualty and life insurance relief.
PenFed Credit Union: PenFed is currently offering its members Furlough Relief Assistance, which includes a paycheck protection loan, skipping payments on eligible loans, and home loan assistance. Visit its special programs page for more information.
First Command: A no-interest pay advance loan is available for those who are employed by an impacted federal agency and have their government pay on direct deposit with First Command for at least 60 calendar days preceding the date of the shutdown.
Organizations
Chief Petty Officers Association: Military Families Magazine did not receive a response at the time of reporting, but will update if we hear back.
The Coast Guard Foundation provided us with the following statement:
“The Coast Guard Foundation is watching the shutdown closely and staying in touch with Coast Guard leaders so that we may assist members during this uncertain time.
Coast Guard members are deployed around the globe and nationwide. They are staffing vessels, aircraft, and emergency centers, carrying out their important and dangerous missions for our nation.
The Coast Guard Foundation will continue to stand by members and their families by maximizing our vital support as much as possible. This includes supporting their resilience through suicide intervention and prevention training, couples’ communication workshops, and morale projects at units. We will continue our life-changing scholarships to members, spouses, and children. We are also raising resources to assist with emergency disaster relief or tragedy assistance if needed. If anyone wishes to support these efforts, they can learn more at coastguardfoundation.org.”
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA): CGMA is currently accepting applications for interest-free loans up to the amount of one paycheck after taxes (most recent deposit), not to exceed $6,000. Eligibility includes:
- Active duty,
- Reservists on active duty,
- General schedule, full-time wage grade employees and full-time non-appropriated fund employees, or
- Spouses may apply on behalf of the member.
To submit an application, login to the CGMA portal.
Operation Homefront: The Critical Financial Assistance Program® is designed to provide short-term financial help for military families who are experiencing financial hardship, including a delay in pay. Families can review eligibility guidelines and begin the application process by visiting the Critical Financial Assistance page.
Food pantries/ Grocery assistance
Stronghold Food Pantry: an organization that supports military families facing food insecurity that has been proactive in distributing information for its services. Prior to the shutdown, the nonprofit reached out to Coast Guard spouses across the country to ensure they knew about Stronghold’s efforts to share within their communities.
“We want Coast Guard families to know that we are a resource that stands alongside them; we have already had an influx of Coast Guard spouses asking for support that we are fulfilling,” said Monica Bassett, Stronghold’s founder and CEO. “We know uncertainty impacts families who already might be living close to the edge. That’s why we remain ready.”
Military families can request food support and assistance via their website. Stronghold Ambassadors across 20 states are armed with information and resources to support military families in their communities.
Blue Star Families (BSF): Nourish the Service is a BSF initiative in partnership with Chobani to address food insecurity in military families. During the government shutdown in Oct. 2025, the nonprofit compiled a list of its chapter pantries and other resources across the nation to support service members and families who need a little extra help.
Feeding America: a nationwide network of food banks (not specific to only military families) that offers a search tool to find food pantries and meals programs by zip code.
Support
Coast Guard Ombudsman Program: Locate your unit’s ombudsman online.
Military OneSource: A list of dedicated resources for Coast Guard families is available, to include support for financial counseling, mental health and peer-to-peer connections.
