Some federal employees who are working but not being paid during the government shutdown can apply for a loan from the state of Maryland, the governor announced.
Maryland’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program provides a one-time, no-interest loan of $700 for Maryland residents who are federal employees and considered essential federal workers, Gov. Wes Moore’s office said Monday.
“It is our responsibility to provide a bridge for those who are working without pay. This loan program is a critical lifeline to ensure that our neighbors can continue to put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads while we await a resolution,” Moore said in a statement.
According to the Department of Labor, the loan is designed to help essential federal employees with food and rent expenses while workers await their paychecks. The loan must be repaid in 45 days after the shutdown ends.
Applicants can apply for the loan now. However, loans only will be issued if the shutdown is still in effect on Oct. 15. If that is the case, the Maryland Department of Labor and the Treasurer’s Office will mail the first batch of loan payments on Oct. 16.
What do you need to apply?
U.S. or state government-issued photo ID
a Social Security number or individual tax identification number
a photo taken during the application process
two different documents providing proof of Maryland residency
two different documents providing proof of federal employment
one document that provides proof of “excepted or essential” designation from the federal government
The loan application is available here, and applicants can find FAQs in both English and Spanish for support. For assistance, applicants can email MDshutdownloan@submittable.com or call 410-849-6424, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What if I am not an essential federal employee?
Furloughed federal employees, meaning federal employees who are not required to work and are not getting paid during the shutdown, can apply for the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program.
Furloughed employees of federal contractors, who are not working and not getting paid, may be eligible for state unemployment insurance benefits.
Moore called for a shutdown deal to reopen the government.
“The emergency support we announce today will keep public servants afloat as we enter a second week of this shutdown. But no state can continue to fill the massive gap created by Washington. The president must come to the negotiating table in good faith and close a deal to open the government,” Moore said.