Financial Assistance

The Commander, Navy Region Southwest Fleet and Family Support Center's Personal Financial Management Program goals are to:

• Assist Navy personnel in establishing and maintaining sound money management practices
• Empower service members and their families to better manage financial resources and meet financial goals by developing their skills and increasing their knowledge
• Provide a continuum of training, information and counseling services

To assist you and your family in being financially prepared, the CNRSW FFSC offers workshops and consultations on topics including, basic money management, investing, home buying, credit card management, car buying, consumer awareness and more. For more information please visit the San Diego Navy Life Southwest website or contact your local FFSC Navy Base San Diego at 619-556-7404.

Protect your financial health. It is important to you and your career. Need help with finances? Military and community resources can help.

• Talk to your command financial specialist, they have tools to help and will respect your privacy.
• Visit CNRSW Fleet and Family Support Centers for valuable and confidential advice and assistance. Call our nearest location to schedule an appointment.
• Banks and credit unions on military bases are tasked to help you. Let them work for you!
• The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers budget counseling and emergency financial assistance. Visit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society website for contact information for all locations.
• Visit Military OneSource or call 800-342-9647 for advice and assistance, 24 hours a day, 365 days out of the year.

To help prepare for a move, stop by your local Fleet and Family Support Center and ask about the following travel entitlements: Advance Pay, Per Diem, Temporary Lodging Allowance for travel outside the continental United States, Temporary Lodging Expense for travel within the continental U.S., Mileage in Lieu of Transportation, and most importantly Dislocation Allowance.

Keep in mind that if Advance Pay is taken, repayment starts immediately over a twelve-month period. We suggest consulting your command financial specialist or one of FFSC’s personal financial managers if you believe that taking Advance Pay might cause financial hardship.

Cost of living depends on various factors. Cost of living in San Diego is comparatively high. The median price for a one-bedroom apartment in San Diego is $1765. The average two bedroom apartment is $2234. Pet policies vary. Some rentals charge a pet deposit that varies based on breed, size, and number of pets.

Military Housing is another option for housing in the San Diego area. Please see the Housing Overview article in Plan My Move for more information.

Utilities

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is committed to providing you with safe, reliable energy and exceptional customer service. For more information on programs and services, contact SDG&E 800-411-7343.

Energy Bill Discounts:

• Based on your income and the number of people living in your home, you may qualify to receive a 20% discount on your monthly energy bills.
• Households with three or more persons, who do not qualify for the 20% discount, may be eligible for a discount on electricity costs once energy usage reaches certain levels. Income requirements must be met.
• SDG&E can come to your home and provide a FREE screening that will educate you on being more energy efficient, and provide information on average costs for different areas.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage

Minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles (California Insurance Code §11580.1b)

• $15,000 for injury/death to one person.
• $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
• $5,000 for damage to property.

Liability insurance compensates a person other than the policy holder for personal injury or property damage. Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements. Check your policy or talk to your agent or broker to verify.

California Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program information is available on the Department of Insurance website.

Things to keep in mind while transferring

When traveling, emergencies happen. Here are some resources that can assist you.

For vehicle emergencies:

• In the event of a financial emergency while in transit to your new duty station, call the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337, who may assist eligible members and families on behalf of Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Once you arrive in the greater San Diego area, call NMCRS NB San Diego 619-767-6800, NB Coronado 619-545-4477, and MCRD 619-524-5734 MCAS Miramar 858-577-1807 for information and assistance.
• If there is no military installation listed for the area, call Military One Source at 800-342-9647
• Dial 2-1-1 from any land line phone for a hospital, road service, depending on the emergency. 2-1-1 is not nationwide; however it is available in most areas.
• Alert your new command.

In case of a medical emergency involving loss of life, limb, or eye sight, go to the nearest hospital. Call TRICARE within 24 hours for authorization. For other medical care, call TRICARE before seeking medical assistance. TRICARE will assist you in locating a provider. For more information, visit their website or call your previous TRICARE Region:

• TRICARE North Region (HealthNet) 877-874-2273
• TRICARE South Region (Humana) 800-444-5445
• TRICARE West Region (United Healthcare) 877-988-9378
• TRICARE Overseas (WPS) 888-777-8343