Resources for Maryland’s Former Federal Employees and Other Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Transition or Shutdown

Are you a Marylander who has recently lost your job as a federal employee or contractor, or who is affected by the federal government shutdown? This website provides information on resources like unemployment insurance benefits, career guidance, reemployment support, and available loan programs. This information will be updated as additional details become available.

Unemployment insurance for former federal employees and furloughed federal employees

Federal civilian employees who become unemployed or are furloughed due to government shutdown (not working and not being paid), due to no fault of their own, can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). For information on eligibility, how to apply, and more, see the page Maryland Unemployment Insurance Information for Federal Employees: FAQs and the unemployment insurance page for federal employees impacted by a furlough.

Some federal employees impacted by federal agency reductions in force may be receiving severance pay as part of separation, which can impact unemployment benefits. For information on how severance pay will affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits in Maryland, call a claims agent at 667-207-6520, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you can make an informed decision on if and when to apply.

Steps to Prepare for a Reduction in Force is our quick-reference guide on steps current federal employees can take now to help them in the event they need to apply for unemployment insurance benefits in the future.

Unemployment insurance for other workers impacted by federal actions

Other workers impacted by federal actions—such as employees who worked for a private sector employer that contracted with the federal government and are now unemployed (furloughed or laid off) due to no fault of their own—may be eligible to apply for regular unemployment insurance. See the Regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) Overview flyer for information on how to apply for the regular Maryland UI program.

See also the unemployment insurance page for federal employees and federal contractors impacted by a furlough.

Worker support in finding a new job

Maryland offers a wide range of virtual and in-person services for workers seeking new opportunities or in need of reemployment support.

A virtual workshop designed specifically for former federal employees, federal contractors, and other workers impacted by federal government transition is available on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.

Broader services are also available. These include résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, effective job search strategies, support in coping with job loss and job transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more.

These resources are provided through 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). For more details, see our resource guide (guía de recursos en español)

See our FAQ page for answers to common questions from workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities.

Federal Shutdown Loan Program

If you are a Maryland resident and federal employee who is designated as “excepted” (also called “essential”) during a federal government shutdown, and required to work without pay, you may be eligible for a $700 no-interest loan. This loan is to be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive their back pay from the federal government. Learn more on our loan information page or submit an application.

Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program

If you are a Maryland resident and federal employee who was recently terminated from your position, you may be eligible for a $700 no-interest loan, to be repaid within 180 days. Learn more on our loan information page or submit an application.

Opportunities to return to state employment for recent federal employees who were also former state employees

If you are a former state employee and you resigned from your state position less than three years ago, you may be eligible to retain your seniority if you are rehired by the state. For more information please visit the Maryland Department of Budget and Management’s Reinstatement page or call 410-767-4850.

Recruitment Events & Job Fairs

Recruitment events offer a great way for jobseekers and employers to connect. Check out our recruitment event and job fair calendar to learn more about hiring events scheduled across Maryland.