During a federal government shutdown, many federal employees in Maryland face financial uncertainty due to furloughs or working without immediate pay. In response, state agencies, local businesses, and community organizations have mobilized to provide support through various programs and offers. This article details the available assistance for Maryland-based federal workers, focusing on financial relief, consumer protections, and community-provided freebies and deals. All information is derived from official state resources and verified local news reports covering the 2025 shutdown period.
Financial Assistance Programs
The Maryland state government has launched several programs to provide direct financial support to federal employees affected by the shutdown.
Federal Shutdown Loan Program The Maryland Department of Labor offers the Federal Shutdown Loan Program (FSLP) for "excepted" or "essential" federal employees who are required to work during the shutdown but are not receiving a paycheck. This program provides a no-interest loan of $700 to help cover essential expenses such as rent and groceries. The loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, allowing workers time to receive back pay from the federal government. To apply, Maryland residents can access the program through the Department of Labor.
Maryland’s Federal Worker Emergency Loan Federal employees who have been laid off during the shutdown are eligible to apply for Maryland's Federal Worker Emergency Loan program. This program also offers a $700 no-interest loan for those experiencing financial hardship.
Payment Plan Deferment for Federal Workers
Federal employees who are currently on state tax payment plans and are unable to make payments due to the shutdown may request a deferment. Once approved, the payment plan will be paused for the duration of the shutdown and up to 60 days after it ends. To apply for a deferment, affected workers must email [email protected] with the following information:
- Full name
- Address
- Last 4 digits of the Social Security number
- Case number or payment plan ID
Unemployment Insurance Some furloughed workers are eligible for unemployment insurance through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program. However, it is important to note that recipients will be required to repay these benefits after the shutdown concludes.
Consumer and Utility Protections
Maryland law includes several protections for federal employees facing housing and utility insecurity during a shutdown.
Eviction and Foreclosure Protections Under Maryland Real Property §§ 7-105.1 and 8-401, involuntarily furloughed federal employees may petition courts to temporarily pause eviction or foreclosure proceedings. To qualify, individuals must be current federal employees living in the property, be unpaid due to the shutdown, and attend the required court hearing. If granted, the pause can last up to 30 days beyond the end of the shutdown. These protections apply to federal, state, and local employees but not to contractors.
Utility Protections Maryland’s Public Utilities Article (§ 7-307.4) prohibits gas and electric companies from cutting off service to furloughed federal employees. This protection begins on the eighth day of a shutdown and continues through seven days after it ends. To be protected, federal employees must notify their utility provider, verify their furlough status, and agree to a payment plan.
WSSC Water Relief The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) provides relief for impacted federal employees by suspending service turnoffs, waiving late fees, and extending enrollment in the "Get Current" program through November.
Community and Business Freebies and Deals
Local businesses and institutions in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. area have historically offered freebies and deals to support federal workers during shutdowns. The following offers have been confirmed for the current shutdown period.
Free Meals - Ekiben: This Baltimore-based restaurant is offering a free meal to furloughed workers. Federal employees must show a valid government ID to redeem the offer. The deal is scheduled to continue until the end of the shutdown. - Homegrown Restaurant Group: Bill Blackburn of Homegrown Restaurant Group has stated that the group is providing sandwiches to those in need, continuing a practice established during the 2013 shutdown.
Free Transportation - MARC and Commuter Bus Services: Federal workers can use MARC and Commuter Bus services for free in Maryland during the shutdown. To ride for free, individuals must show a valid ID badge to the operator. This deal will continue through the end of the shutdown.
Museums and Entertainment - Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens: Located in Washington, D.C., this museum offers complimentary admission to federal workers who present a government ID. The offer includes access to the grand home and lavish gardens once owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post. - The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture: This museum, which explores Black art, history, and culture in Maryland, offers free admission to federal workers. This offer will continue until the end of the shutdown. - Bennett’s Curse and CreepyWoods Haunted Forest: Located in Baltimore and White Marsh, Maryland, these attractions are offering a “Furlough Fear Deal” to federal employees affected by the government shutdown.
Other State-Supported Resources
Social Services and Benefits - Social Security/SSI: Benefits continue, but processing delays may occur. - Medicare and Medicaid: Services remain uninterrupted, though call center wait times may increase. - VA Medical Facilities: Facilities remain open, but call centers may have limited staff. - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Will operate without interruption in Maryland. - SNAP/WIC: Benefits are uninterrupted for now. - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Will respond to emergencies, but long-term projects may be delayed.
Education and Child Care - Child Care Scholarship Program: The Maryland State Department of Education confirms this program continues uninterrupted. - Head Start Programs: These programs have state support to maintain services during the shutdown.
Housing and Financial Assistance - Section 8, HUD-VASH, and Continuum of Care: These housing assistance programs will continue during a short-term shutdown. Participants must continue paying their share of rent. - Small Business Administration (SBA): Loan and grant payments may be delayed. - Federal Tax Returns: All federal tax returns and payments must be made as scheduled, though processing times will be delayed. - FHA Loans: Closures may be delayed due to staffing shortages.
Conclusion
During the 2025 federal government shutdown, a network of state-level financial programs, legal protections, and community-driven freebies are available to assist Maryland-based federal workers. Essential support includes no-interest $700 loans from the Maryland Department of Labor, temporary deferments on state tax payment plans, and legal protections against eviction and utility shut-offs. Furthermore, local businesses and cultural institutions are offering tangible relief through free meals, transit, and admission. Federal employees are encouraged to verify their eligibility for these programs and to contact state agencies or individual businesses directly to access the available support.