Resources for those affected by the Federal Government Shutdown
The City, County, and State are stepping up to support residents impacted by the federal government shutdown.
Please note that while many of these resources are available to any resident, some are specific to federal workers and contractors. Please check with the appropriate agency for qualifications or requirements.
The Moore-Miller Administration has announced new actions to provide urgent relief to federal employees, contractors, families, and vulnerable residents across the state. With nearly 269,000 federal workers and 225,000 contractors in Maryland, these measures aim to lessen the shutdown’s wide-reaching effects.
Find the full announcement, fact sheet, and resources here: response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/shutdown
The Maryland Public Servants Resource Website centralized hub offers immediate support for federal employees impacted by job loss or furlough. Key offerings include:
- Unemployment Insurance (UI): Eligible federal employees can file claims through the UCFE (Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees) program.
- Career Support: Free job search assistance, resume workshops, and training services are offered at 33 American Job Centers across Maryland.
- Legal Services: Access to legal consultations for navigating employment-related challenges.
- Federal Employment Rights: Information on employment protections and regulations via the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and other federal resources.
Visit the Maryland Public Servants Resource Website: response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/
County Executive Aisha Braveboy has shared additional support resources available to Prince George’s County residents including food, emergency assistance, energy assistance, medical assistance, temporary cash and other programs.
Learn more here: princegeorgescountymd.gov/departments-offices/news-events/news/federal-government-shutdown-resources-0
WSSC Water is supporting federal workers impacted by the government shutdown by suspending water shutoffs, waiving late fees, and extending its Get Current bill assistance program through November 30. Flexible payment options and other financial assistance programs are also available to help residents stay current on their bills.
Learn more at: wsscwater.com
PEPCO has several key support measures to help federal workers and contractors available including Flexible Payment Options, Late Payment Charge Waivers, and Proactive Assistance Resources. Impacted federal workers should contact our customer care team for more information about these added support measures and how to access.
- Pepco: pepco.com/BillSupport or call 202-833-7500
- BGE: bge.com/heretohelp or call 1-800-685-0123
The Pathways Forward Resource Hub was developed by the University of Maryland’s Center for Community Engagement. This dynamic platform curates current and evolving support tools tailored to individuals affected by layoffs, job shifts, or federal funding changes.
Visit: Pathways Forward Resource Hub | Center for Community Engagement
Employ Prince George’s (EPG) is the principal workforce development organization serving Prince George’s County. Operating as a nonprofit in partnership with the county government, EPG provides over 14 specialized workforce programs and connects jobseekers with local employers.
Services include:
- Career Coaching & Job Matching: Personalized support for individuals transitioning to new careers or re-entering the workforce.
- Training Programs: Access to industry-specific skills training and certification courses funded by the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA).
- Business Connections: EPG partners with local employers to align jobseekers with current job openings and workforce needs.
Visit: employpg.org
The City of College Park also has a financial assistance program for individuals & families. The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance to eligible College Park individuals and families who have urgent food, shelter, rent, medical, dental and transportation needs. Payments will be sent directly to the related vendor. Assistance for groceries will be in the form of gift cards to College Park stores.
Submitting and application does not mean you are approved for assistance funds. Grants will be reviewed and awarded based on urgency of need and until available funds are depleted. Assistance funds are limited and grant payments will be made directly to vendors bi-weekly.
In general, eligibility is determined by residency in the City of College Park and a financial hardship to meet an urgent need. The application form is intended to provide 1.) proof of residency, and 2.) proof of hardship/need. The description of hardship and requested assistance will help the City’s review committee in determining the applicant’s degree of relative need and enable us to make a fairer determination in the award of funding and determine that assistance requested fulfills the eligibility requirements.
- Maximum financial assistance per household is $2,500 for eligible expenses.
- Only one application per household.
