ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that the Maryland Department of Labor is now accepting applications for the Federal Shutdown Loan Program. The program offers financial support to Maryland residents who are “excepted” federal employees, meaning they are required to work during a federal government shutdown but are not receiving pay.
Eligible workers can receive a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 to help cover expenses like rent, groceries, and bills. Loans must be repaid within 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving recipients time to receive their back pay. Applications are available at mdol.submittable.com/submit, with FAQs in English and Spanish. Workers can also get support by emailing MDshutdownloan@submittable.com or calling 410-849-6424. The program will issue loans only if the shutdown continues as of October 15. The Comptroller’s Office will process applications, and the Treasurer’s Office will begin mailing the first payments on October 16.
Governor Moore said the program is meant to provide immediate relief for federal workers while urging federal officials to end the shutdown. Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu said the program ensures essential workers can continue to meet basic needs while waiting for pay. The state is also offering support for furloughed federal employees and contractors, including unemployment insurance, career guidance, virtual workshops, recruitment events, and assistance with health coverage, housing, and food.
Maryland has one of the largest federal workforces in the nation, with 269,000 residents employed by the federal government and more than 160,000 federal civilian jobs in the state. Past shutdowns have had major economic impacts. The Moore-Miller Administration will continue monitoring the situation and work to ensure federal programs like Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, Head Start, and veterans’ services remain operational during the shutdown.
Photo: Maryland.gov