Government shutdown (photo credit – The Politico)

As of today, October 1, 2025, the federal government has shut down. This means hundreds of thousands of employees and contractors across Maryland are directly affected. Paychecks are paused, essential services face uncertainty, and families feel the strain.

With nearly 269,000 federal employees and 225,000 contractors living and working in Maryland, these measures are designed to protect workers, families, and our local economy.

Resources for Federal Employees and Contractors

  • Maryland Public Servants Resource Website: Updated with unemployment insurance, housing, utility protections, and veteran resources. Visit: go.md.gov/FederalShutdown.

  • Eviction and Foreclosure Protections: Federal employees who are unpaid during the shutdown can ask courts to temporarily pause eviction or foreclosure proceedings.

  • Utility Protections: Gas and electric providers cannot disconnect service if federal employees are unpaid during a shutdown. These protections apply starting on the eighth day and continue through seven days after it ends.

  • Financial Support: Maryland credit unions and chartered banks are offering assistance such as emergency low-interest loans, penalty-free withdrawals, payment deferrals, and line-of-credit increases.

  • Unemployment Insurance (UI): Furloughed employees not receiving pay are eligible for UI but must repay benefits once back pay is received.

  • Federal Shutdown Loan Program: Qualified Maryland residents may apply for a $700 interest-free loan. Applications open October 6.

State Employees Funded by Federal Programs

Governor Moore has reassured state employees funded through federal programs that they will not be immediately impacted. Maryland expects reimbursement for eligible expenses, as in past shutdowns.

Continuity of Federal Programs

The State is committed to keeping essential programs running during the shutdown:

  • Department of Human Services: SNAP, SUN Bucks, Temporary Cash Assistance, energy assistance, foster care, child support services, and child protection programs will continue.

  • Department of Health: Medicaid coverage, services for people with disabilities, inpatient care, vaccination clinics, and food safety monitoring will remain uninterrupted. WIC will continue for a short period.

  • Housing and Community Development: Section 8 vouchers, HUD programs, and homelessness assistance programs will continue. Participants must still pay their share of rent.

  • State Department of Education: Child Care Scholarship Program payments will continue. Head Start programs will also receive state flexibility to continue services.

Support for Veterans and Military Families

The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund provides one-time grants for active-duty service members, National Guard/Reserves, veterans, and Gold Star families facing temporary financial hardships. Learn more at: veterans.maryland.gov.

📌 For more details and updates, visit the Maryland shutdown resource page: response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants