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

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

Unemployment insurance for former federal employees

Federal civilian employees who become unemployed 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.

Some federal employees impacted by federal agency reductions in force may be receiving severance pay as part of separation. For information on how severance pay will affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits in Maryland, see the page Federal Severance Pay: Important Information on Unemployment Benefits for Federal Employees, so you can make an informed decision on if and when to apply.

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 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 onhow to apply for the regular Maryland UI program.

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, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and e-mail FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.

Broader services 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). See our resource guide (guía de recursos en español) for details.

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

Reinstatement rights 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 for reinstatement to any skilled or professional service position previously held. Being placed on the reinstatement list does not guarantee reemployment, but it does make you eligible to be contacted for interviews. For more information and to apply for the reinstatement list, please visit our Reinstatement page. For further information, please call 410-767-4850.

Recruitment Events & Job Fairs

Recruitment events offer a great way for jobseekers and employers to connect. The following events are being offered to help federal workers and contractors find their next opportunity:

Check out this site to learn more about broader hiring events scheduled across Maryland.