When a government shutdown or job dismissal strikes, it can send even the most stable household into a whirlwind of uncertainty. The anxiety is real. The bills don’t stop arriving, groceries still cost more, and the future can feel suddenly unpredictable.
But amid all that uncertainty, there are still concrete steps you can take to protect your financial footing and plan your next move. Whether you are a federal worker, a contractor, or part of the private sector, the key is to act quickly, stay informed, and lean on available resources.
Here are five of the most important steps to take if you are furloughed or dismissed from a job, along with local resources and strategies to help you stabilize and move forward:
1. File for Unemployment Benefits Immediately
Don’t wait to apply for unemployment — doing so can delay your first payment. File as soon as possible to ensure your benefits begin from your last day of employment.
In Maryland, visit mdunemployment.com to start your claim.
Washington, DC residents can apply at dcnetworks.org., and Virginians at vec.virginia.gov/unemployed.
Federal contractors can also apply, though eligibility may vary by state. Keep weekly records of your job search activities, which most states require to maintain benefits.
2. Review and Prioritize Your Bills
It’s essential to understand where your money is going. List all your bills, separate needs from wants, and communicate early with creditors or service providers. Many banks and utility companies offer temporary hardship programs, deferred payment plans, or no-interest loans for furloughed workers. Protect your essentials first: housing, utilities, food, and insurance.
For local assistance, Baltimore residents can access rent and utility support through https://mima.baltimorecity.gov/eviction-prevention-program-english and bge.com/assistance.
3. Seek Job Placement and Career Assistance
While you may not control the timing of a furlough, you can control how prepared you are for the next opportunity. Explore free job placement and career counseling programs through your state’s workforce system:
- Maryland Workforce Exchange: mwejobs.maryland.gov
- DC American Job Centers: does.dc.gov/service/american-job-center
- Virginia Career Works: virginiacareerworks.com
And don’t overlook community-based organizations like the Forward Women’s Leadership Forum, which provides workshops, coaching, and peer networking through its Career Corner at forwardwlf.org/mission.
4. Maintain Health Coverage
If your job loss affects your health insurance, you have several options. Federal employees typically maintain their FEHB coverage throughout a furlough. Others may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period through Healthcare.gov.
Maryland residents can apply through Maryland Health Connection, and DC residents through DC Health Link.
5. Reassess Your Career and Income Options
A furlough can also be a moment of redirection. Take this time to reflect on your strengths and goals. Explore online certifications, micro-learning programs, or entrepreneurship training. The Forward Women’s Leadership Forum regularly offers workshops to help women pivot careers, refresh resumes, and explore business ownership as a new path forward.
Remember: A pause is not the end. It’s an opening to prepare for your next level.
Finding Support in Uncertain Times
Job loss or furlough can feel isolating, but resources exist throughout Baltimore and the DMV to help families through financial strain.
Community networks, food programs, and workforce development centers are ready to help.
To make it easier, the Forward Women’s Leadership Forum has created a Government Shutdown Survival Guide — a one-page resource listing essential services in the Washington, DC–Maryland–Virginia–Baltimore region, including unemployment contacts, bill assistance, food programs, and career links.
You can access the full guide here:
🔗 Download the Government Shutdown Survival Guide
About the Forward Women’s Leadership Forum
The Forward Women’s Leadership Forum (FWLF) is a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization empowering women through four core pillars: Finance, Careers, Entrepreneurship, and Health & Wellness. Each year, FWLF connects thousands of women through leadership programs, the Forward Women’s Circle, the annual Women’s Forum, and community initiatives like Camp Learn & Lead.
To learn more or get involved, visit www.forwardwlf.org.