The Federal Shutdown Loan Program provides financial support for federal workers who reside in Maryland and who are required to continue working during a government shutdown but are not receiving a paycheck during that time. These workers are designated as “excepted” workers. They are also called “essential” workers. The assistance–a no-interest loan of $700–is offered by the Maryland Department of Labor because “excepted” workers are not eligible for unemployment insurance benefits due to their work status. The loans help workers meet expenses like rent and groceries. After the shutdown ends and workers receive their back pay, the loans must be repaid.
Shutdown - February 2026
The loan application portal is scheduled to open on or around Monday, February 23rd, 2026. No loan proceeds will be issued unless the shutdown is still in effect on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026. To be eligible for payment at that time, you must be working without pay due to a lapse in appropriations. If you are no longer an “excepted” employee on March 3rd and have returned to regular pay status because appropriations to your agency have been restored, you will not be eligible for a loan.