Due to the government shutdown, the National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Examination Centers (RECs) are closed until further notice. Customer walk-in service at the RECs is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are cancelled.
Open Enrollment for Healthcare Period during lapse?
Dental and Vision Insurance can be shopped/compared and obtain information on open enrollment here: BENEFEDS | Federal Benefits Enrollment (FEDVIP, FLTCIP, FSAFEDS)
Information on primary health care can be found here: Federal Employee Health Benefits (PSC-CPM) | U.S. Coast Guard Plans can be shopped and compared here: Healthcare : Compare 2026 Plans - OPM.gov
We are awaiting further guidance on open enrollment and USCG processes and will provide updates when available.
Use of government equipment during shutdown? Prevention of network lockout.
See 3A in linked document: opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/reference-materials/guidance-for-shutdown-furloughs-sep-28-2025/
In general, furloughed employees can use government equipment for personal tasks
My travel claim from the end of last fiscal year is still unpaid. I suspect the approvers are also furloughed.
Many travel claim approvers maybe furloughed, see attached “ETS Traveler Basic training slides” to select an alternate approver (Slides 63-64).
General Information:
The Coast Guard is committed to supporting our workforce during the lapse in appropriations. Please don't hesitate to seek help if you need assistance. You can reach out to your command, your work/life specialist, your chaplain, or a Coast Guard personal financial manager. You can access services through one of our two employee assistance programs - Military OneSource for uniformed members, and Federal Occupational Health for civilians. And the following organizations may be able to help you cover bills and other critical expenses:
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: CGMA is offering interest-free loans up to $6,000. Here is a link to instructions and what to expect. Before applying, CGMA requests you first check with your bank or credit union, since they have limited resources and rely on allotment donations.
- Navy Federal Credit Union: Offers interest-free loans in the amount of direct deposit pay, up to $6,000, no credit check.
- PenFed: Offers interest-free loan equal to the amount of your paycheck if your payroll is directly deposited into your PenFed checking account.
- USAA: Offers interest-free loan in the amount of direct deposit pay, up to $6,000; must be repaid within three months.
- First Command: Offers interest-free payroll advances in the amount of direct deposit pay; must be repaid within three months. For more information and resources, visit MyCG and the 2025 Appropriations Lapse Sharepoint site.
Email/Outlook “Out-of-Office” Message:
I will be out of the office starting [DATE OF NEXT WORKDAY], 2026. Due to the current federal funding hiatus, I will not be able to return emails or telephone calls until I return to duty upon conclusion of the funding hiatus.
Voicemail “Out-of-Office” Message:
You have reached [XXX] at the Office of the [XXX] for the Department of Homeland Security. I will be out of the office starting [DATE OF NEXT WORKDAY], 2026, due to the federal funding hiatus. I am not able to access or return voicemail messages during this time. Please leave a message and I will return your call upon my return to duty upon conclusion of the funding hiatus.
- Set your "out of office" and voicemail message using the attached template before departing for the day.
- Take home links, usernames and passwords to WebTA and MyEPP. NOTE: e-OPF is no longer accessible from home.
- Take home the building status hotline number in the event you do not receive an AWS message via text, call or e-mail.
- Take home all food, medicine, medical devices (hearing aids, prescription glasses, etc.), clothing, etc. that you may need in the event of a long term lapse in appropriations.
Link to OPM furlough guidance:
Furlough Guidance
Employee assistance and military work life services remain available to the workforce and their families 24/7/365. Visit .