As the federal government shutdown continues, thousands of Maryland residents — including many living and working in the Baltimore region — are feeling the strain. From missed paychecks to uncertainty about essential services, the impact is widespread. Fortunately, both the State of Maryland and community partners nationwide are stepping up to help.

Below is a list of key Maryland-specific and national resources available to assist furloughed and unpaid federal employees during this period.

Maryland-Based Support

1. Maryland Zero-Interest Loan Program

Governor Wes Moore announced a zero-interest $700 loan program for federal employees who are working without pay during the shutdown. Managed by the Maryland Department of Labor, the program offers short-term relief for state residents.
Apply here

2. Free MARC Train and Commuter Bus Rides

Federal employees can ride MARC Train and Commuter Bus services for free during the shutdown by showing valid federal ID.
Details

3. Free Meals from Ekiben

Baltimore’s beloved restaurant Ekiben is providing free meals to furloughed and unpaid federal workers who show valid government ID.

4. Free Concerts from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) is offering free tickets to select performances for federal workers during the shutdown.

5. DoorDash SNAP/EBT Grocery Delivery

DoorDash now allows SNAP/EBT payments for eligible grocery orders — providing greater food access for workers and families facing financial strain.
Learn more

National & Financial Assistance Resources

Major Banks and Credit Unions

  • Bank of America: Priority assistance line for furloughed employees — 844-219-0690
  • Chase Bank: Federal employee assistance line — 1-888-356-0023
  • Congressional Federal Credit Union: Relief Line of Credit — 800-491-2328
  • FedChoice Federal Credit Union: Support for existing and new members. fedchoice.org
  • Interior Federal Credit Union: Special zero-interest loan up to $15,000 (30-day grace). Call 800-914-8619
  • Navy Federal Credit Union: Emergency loan program — 1-888-842-6328
  • PayPal: $25 million fund for interest-free cash advances ($250–$500). Existing customers call 1-877-689-1975
  • U.S. Bank: Waiving late fees and offering mortgage deferrals.
  • U.S. Employees Credit Union: Shutdown loans available. Call 312-922-5310
  • SunTrust (now Truist): Offering customer hardship programs.
  • Synchrony Bank: Allowing deferred payments for major retail cards (Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, etc.).
  • Union Plus: Grants and hardship loans for union members — 800-472-2005
  • Wells Fargo: Dedicated support lines for all account types.

Grants and Federal Employee Relief Programs

  • FEEA-NARFE Fund: $100 grants for active federal employees not receiving pay. feea.org
  • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Loan payments may be suspended during non-pay status. Call 1-877-968-3778

Automotive & Financial Services

  • Toyota & Lexus Financial Services: Payment extensions up to 2 months.
    • Toyota: 800-874-8822
    • Lexus: 800-874-7050
  • Hyundai Capital: 30-day payment extension. Call 800-523-4030
  • Kia Motors Finance: 30-day deferral. Call 866-331-5632
  • Ford Credit, GM Financial, Mercedes-Benz Financial: Payment deferrals and fee waivers available.

Mobile & Utility Providers

  • AT&T: Late fee adjustments and payment extensions.
  • Sprint: Short-term payment solutions — 1-888-211-4747
  • T-Mobile: Payment flexibility — 1-877-746-0909
  • Verizon: Promise-to-Pay program for deferred billing — 1-866-266-1445

Housing and Rental Assistance

  • National Rental Home Council: Deferred rent payments with no late fees for furloughed renters.
  • OPM Sample Letters: Federal employees can use sample letters to request leniency from landlords or lenders.

Food Access and Family Resources

  • Feeding America: Nationwide network of 200 food banks and 60,000 pantries. feedingamerica.org
  • School District Meal Programs: Families experiencing loss of income due to furlough are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Contact your local school district.

Insurance and Payment Relief

  • MetLife: 30-day grace period on premium payments. Call 1-800-GET-MET8
  • Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance: Temporary cost-of-insurance waiver. Call 844-800-9146 or 888-513-8797

Other Notable Programs

  • Rent-A-Center Benefits Plus: Payment waiver for unemployed members (up to $1,000 or 4 months).
  • USAA: Deferring payments on loans and credit cards for members affected by the shutdown.
  • U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Federal workers may be eligible for unemployment compensation through state agencies.

Stay Informed, Stay Connected

From Maryland’s loan and transit programs to nationwide financial relief and local acts of kindness, support is available to help federal employees navigate the challenges of the shutdown. Federal workers are encouraged to contact lenders, credit unions, and community partners directly to access assistance while operations remain paused.

Harold Booker Jr.
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Harold Booker Jr. is the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, a boutique firm that specializes in project management, technology, and community engagement. He is also a frequent contributor to the Baltimore Times, writing about arts, culture, and social issues that connect personal history with community impact.

Harold Booker Jr. is the founder and principal of DrewJenk Consulting, a boutique firm that specializes in project management, technology, and community engagement. He is also a frequent contributor to...

One reply on “Comprehensive Resource Guide for Federal Employees Impacted by the Government Shutdown”

  1. My name is Cathy Waugh. I am the head of the outreach committee for Moving Dance Company Center in Cockeysville MD. We are offering a free 6-week dance and movement class to support workers. How can I get the word out?
    Cathy

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