Skip to Content
Maryland Workers Impacted by Recent Federal Actions

Food, Cash, and Other Assistance

Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program

The Maryland Department of Labor launched the Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program, opening an online portal for qualified former federal employees who are Maryland residents to apply for an emergency, no-interest loan. The loan application is now available at mdol.submittable.com/submit.

The $700 interest-free loan is due 180 days after the loan agreement is signed, with an option to apply for a 90-day extension if financial hardship persists.

For more information and required qualifications, visit the MD Labor website and see the program FAQs.

For support, applicants can email MDfedworkerloan@submittable.com or call 410-541-1075 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday).

Unified Benefits Screener

Use Maryland's Unified Benefits Screener to quickly and easily check eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Women Infants and Children (WIC), and Home Energy Assistance Program (OHEP) benefits. The process takes approximately five minutes and can be completed from a smartphone, laptop, or library computer.

Additional information about specific programs is included below.

  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): TEFAP provides emergency food assistance to families in need through local food banks and food pantries. If you live in Montgomery or Prince George’s County, find a location nearest to you. If you live in any other area in Maryland, find resources using your address or zip code.
    
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP): SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, provides food benefits to families. Use Maryland's Unified Benefits Screener to quickly and easily check eligibility.
    
  • Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA): TCA provides cash assistance to families with dependent children while preparing participants for independence through work. TCA benefits can be used to pay for rent, utilities, and basic household items. Use Maryland's Unified Benefits Screener to quickly and easily check eligibility.
    
  • Child Support: Impacted federal workers may qualify for a modification of their child support obligations. Maryland’s Child Support Administration works with custodial and noncustodial parents and guardians to ensure children have the support they need to thrive.
    
  • Credit Union Support for Members: MD|DC credit unions are offering financial assistance and payment flexibility for members impacted by changes in their federal employment status. Members are encouraged to contact their credit union directly to determine eligibility and explore available relief options. Many credit unions also provide free financial counseling to help those facing financial challenges.

    A variety of financial assistance options may be available, including:
    
    • Penalty-free share certificate withdrawals
    • Payment deferrals on existing loans
    • Line of credit increases
    • Loan adjustments on a case-by-case basis
    • Auto loan refinancing
    • Increased credit card and credit line limits
      
    To learn more about the specific programs you may be eligible for and to discuss your options, please reach out to your credit union directly. If you need to find your credit union’s contact information, you can use the National Credit Union Administration credit union locator.

Additional Resources

  • The 17 Community Action Agencies across Maryland also provide a wide range of safety net and basic needs assistance programs to individuals who are below 200% of the federal poverty level or are low-income – services include food pantries and nutrition assistance, basic needs assistance, childcare, aging services, healthcare services, workforce development, transportation, and more.
    
  • Information on comprehensive services, emergency shelter, permanent housing assistance, legal services, and more for individuals experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, gender-based violence, or other forms of harassment or abuse can be found on the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence website and Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault website.