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Federal Shutdown Loan Program

If you are an “excepted” federal employee (also called “essential”) working during a federal government shutdown without pay, you may be eligible for a no-interest loan through Maryland’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program. 

The Federal Shutdown Loan Program offers a zero-interest $700 loan to applicants who:

  • are residents of the state of Maryland;
  • are current federal employees; and
  • are designated as “excepted” employees, who must work through the shutdown without pay.

This loan is to be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive their back pay from the federal government.

The online application portal is open now.

Apply for loan

What you need to apply

  • U.S. or state government issued photo identification (a current Maryland driver’s license is preferred) 

  • Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN)

  • A real-time photograph taken by smartphone or webcam during the application process

  • At least two different documents providing proof of Maryland residency. These could include:

    • Utility, telephone, cable or satellite TV bill
    • Checking, savings or financial account statement
    • Property tax bill or receipt
    • Mortgage account statement, deed, or other proof of homeownership
    • Residential rental contract (current apartment lease, or other current rental or real property with signatures)
    • Mail from a federal, state or local government agency, or
    • Installment (loan) documents from a bank or other financial institution

  • At least two different documents providing proof of your federal employment. These could include:

    • Recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notification of Personnel Action)
    • Last two federal pay stubs, or
    • 2024 W-2 from the federal government

  • At least one document that provides proof of your “excepted” designation from the federal government. This could include: 

    • Email or other official notification of “excepted” status from the federal government

Loan program guidelines, FAQs, and help

For more information, please also see our guidelines page and answers to frequently asked questions. If you need further assistance or have questions about your loan application, please contact the program support team via email at MDshutdownloan@submittable.com or by phone at 410-849-6424 (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday).

Additional support resources

Additional resources and information for workers whose jobs have been affected by the federal government shutdown are available on our dedicated support page, which features details on unemployment insurance benefits and reemployment support.

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 our Maryland UCFE FAQ page.