USCG Pay & Personnel Center             

Aug. 10, 2022

E-Gov Travel System (ETS) Frequently Asked Updates

An updated (August 10, 2022) list of ETS frequently asked questions is available via PPC's ETS web page (https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/tvl/ets). This list covers post-go-live issues. Here is a direct link to the file (the file is in PDF format): https://wwsw.dcms.uscg.mil/Portals/10/CG-1/PPC/GUIDES/TRAVEL/ETS/ETSPostGoLiveFAQs.pdf

Jan. 14, 2022

Your PCS move just got easier—Coast Guard Mutual Assistance rolls out two new programs in support

Your Coast Guard family’s permanent change of duty station (PCS) move is now supported by two new programs offered by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA). As of Jan. 1, 2022, both programs operate year-round and provide compensation toward specific family relocation fees. The first is a grant, called the Education Advocate Grant, and the second is a no-interest loan, called the Spouse Professional Requirements Loan Program.

Jan. 12, 2022

Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP)-VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) Off-Set Phase Out

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 changed the way that Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuity payments are reduced (off-set) by the receipt of VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC).

Nov. 4, 2021

Regular to Reserve (R2R) Frequently Asked Questions

The Coast Guard inadvertently misinterpreted a 2010 BCMR ruling for a Regular to Reserve (R2R) case in which it was authorized to close the break in service of a member who transitioned into the Coast Guard Reserve by way of Regular to Reserve (R2R). PPC blanketed this ruling to any R2R Rehire from 2010-2017 and aligned their Anniversary Year with their Pay Base Date.

Oct. 28, 2021

Reminder: If your retirement date is on or after 1 January, 2022, as of 1 November 2021, PPC/RAS will no longer accept Form CG-4700 as your application for retirement pay

CG Form 4700, Coast Guard, PHS & NOAA Retired Pay Account Worksheet and Survivor Benefit Plan Election is being phased out. Coast Guard, PHS and NOAA personnel will join their DoD counterparts and begin using DD Form 2656, Data for Payment of Retired Personnel to establish their retired pay accounts at the Pay & Personnel Center.

Oct. 4, 2021

ETS First Logon and ADVTRAV Profile Data Transfer

Per ALCOAST 361/21, the entire Coast Guard workforce (military, civilian and reserve) will receive invitations via an email from etravelservices@cwtsatotravel.com on 04 October 2021 to activate your account. These invitations will expire within 72 hours; failure to activate in the required timeline will create additional administrative workload on support staff. Commands should ensure all service members are provided adequate time to complete the activation process. Accounts will remain active for 90 days and members who have not logged on will receive a reminder to log in or risk the accounts being disabled.

Aug. 30, 2021

Joint Travel Regulations Update to Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) - Flag Voice 556

As part of this change, TLE can be extended for up to 60 days due to the severe housing shortage brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.  This JTR change, however, is not retroactive for expenses incurred prior to 25 August 2021. This change is not a blanket approval to increase all TLE to 60 days; it is intended to target those CONUS areas where the housing market is significantly stressed by the pandemic. 

Aug. 26, 2021

Video: E-Gov Travel System (ETS) Training Begins on August 31

Master Chief Petty Officer Patricia Pilkington talks about the new travel system E-Gov Travel System, or ETS, coming on board Oct 1, 2021. Pilkington talks about training that users can expect to undergo prior to the new system going live at the beginning of the new fiscal year.

Aug. 6, 2021

Leadership and Management School (LAMS) Completion Deadline for Servicewide Exam Waiver Process Guidance

PPC (ADV) has created a process guide which provides reference to policy, procedures and information on submitting Leadership and Management School (LAMS) completion deadline waivers to PPC. LAMS completion deadline waivers are available to allow for certain provisions where individuals are unable to complete LAMS prior to the Servicewide Examination Eligibility Date (SED).

June 8, 2021

COVID-19: Reserve Demobilization Guidance Issued

ALCOAST 210/21​ provides guidance for units and Servicing Personnel Offices (SPOs) on common issues and questions identified during the Release from Active Duty (RELAD) process for reservists recalled to active duty under USC Sec. 12302 or USC Sec. 12301(d) (contingency Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS)). For purposes of entitlements and benefits, COVID-19 response is considered a contingency operation. ​

Dec. 15, 2020

Hardship Duty Pay-Restriction of Movement and other COVID-19 Pay and Allowances

ALCOAST 278/20 formally authorizes, as of 03 April 2020, HARDSHIP DUTY PAY-RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT (HDP-ROM) and other temporary policy changes for several travel allowance, Food Service policy, and certain Special & Incentive (S&I) pays as part of the overall military effort to support our members and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Pay and Personnel Center is now processing these claims in accordance with the following guidelines and procedures.

Nov. 3, 2020

COVID-19: Travel and Leave Policy - Update 3

This ALCOAST cancels REF (A) and provides all Coast Guard (CG) members with travel and leave policy as it relates to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The intent of this ALCOAST is to update procedures for leave and foreign travel. This is in response to the changing force health protection posture in relation to COVID-19.

March 24, 2020

The Armed Forces Retirement Home Offers Affordable Independent Living for Eligible Veterans!

The Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) – which offers affordable independent living to eligible veterans in its Washington, D.C., and Gulfport, Miss. locations, is now accepting applications for residency in 2020!

March 23, 2020

Coast Guard Travel and Leave Policy Updated

ALCOAST 098/20 provides Coast Guard members with updated travel and leave policy guidance as it relates to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The intent of this ALCOAST is to assist unit commanders to preserve force readiness and accomplish CG missions. Please see paragraph 4, Domestic Travel, for important guidance regarding local leave.

Aug. 23, 2019

TRICARE: Retiring from Active Duty Brochure (PDF)

A four-page brochure that explains TRICARE coverage options after retiring from active duty. The brochure describes what stays the same, what changes, what actions to take, and what program options are available. It also provides information on dental coverage and the pharmacy benefit. Contact information is also included.

June 12, 2019

Moving Away to College May Change Your Child's TRICARE Options

Is your student heading away to college this fall? TRICARE coverage of eligible dependents extends to college students. A change of address, such as moving to a new country, city, region, or ZIP+4 code is a TRICARE Qualifying Life Event (QLE). If this QLE applies to your student, you have 90 days from the date of the address change to change his or her TRICARE Prime or TRICARE Select health plan.