UPDATE March 2026: The website https://response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/shutdown has been activated in response to the partial federal shutdown impacting the Department of Homeland Security. The site provides information about services that may assist workers and suggestions for working with creditors, and highlights several key protections and programs, including:

• Foreclosure and eviction protections under Maryland law.

• Electric and gas utility service protections under Maryland law.

• Partnerships with local credit unions and banks to provide low-interest loans and financial assistance.

• Information on the Maryland Department of Labor’s shutdown loan program.

INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE: Website provides information on resources like unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, and reemployment support. Information will be updated as additional details become available.

Unemployment insurance for former federal employees and furloughed federal employees: Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own or furloughed during a federal government shut down can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). Some federal employees may receive severance pay as part of separation, which can impact unemployment benefits, visit the website for more information. For information on eligibility, visit the website.

Unemployment insurance for other workers impacted by federal actions: Workers impacted by federal actions—such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government and are now unemployed due to no fault of their own—may be eligible to apply for regular Unemployment insurance. Visit the website for more information.

Maryland Department of Labor offers a wide range of virtual and in-person services for workers seeking new opportunities or in need of reemployment support. Visit a local workforce development center, https://labor.maryland.gov/county/, for broader services, including résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, support in coping with job loss and job transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more.

A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9AM to 12Noon. Visit the website and e-mail [email protected] to register.

Visit the FAQs page, https://labor.maryland.gov/employment/fedworkerfaq.shtml for answers to common questions from workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities.