Maryland has implemented housing protections for furloughed federal, state, or local government employees at the risk of eviction or foreclosure. More information is available at the Maryland Workers Impacted by Recent Federal Actions webpage.
The Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest Furlough Relief loans of up to $10,000 during the shutdown. Call 800-491-2328 for assistance.
The Commerce Department Credit Union is offering 30-day zero interest loans for federal workers during the shutdown for up to $10,000. Call 888-626-9845 for assistance.
The Navy Federal Credit Union is offering zero interest loans of up to $6,000 to its members and other federal government employees during the shutdown. Call 888-842-6328 for assistance.
Army Emergency Relief provides interest-free loans equal to the amount of one paycheck, up to a maximum amount of $6,000, for soldiers and families who experience financial hardship due to a lack of pay. Call 866-878-63788 for assistance.
The U.S. Employees Credit Union is offering interest-free shutdown loans to eligible members. Call 312-922-5310 for assistance.
USAA’s Government Shutdown Program is offering no-interest loans and other payment relief options from $500 to $6,000. Call 210-531-8722 for assistance.
PenFed is offering zero-interest loans equal to the amount of missed paychecks for furloughed federal workers who are existing members and have their pay directly deposited to their PenFed account. Call 1-800-247-5626 for assistance.
For a list of additional credit union programs click here.
For a list of assistance programs from banks click here.
Utility Bill Resources
Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) Energy assistance programs tailored to help customers with temporary or extended hardships, including those impacted by the federal government shutdown. Available supports include: flexible payment options, late payment charge waivers, streamlined verification, and proactive assistance resources. Impacted federal workers are encouraged to contact BGE’s Customer Care team at 1-800-685-0123 for information about these support measures and how to access them. BGE customers can visit bge.com/heretohelp for more ways to manage their bill, use energy more efficiently, or access energy assistance. This includes:
Budget billing information and online self-serve sign-up for customers who prefer a predictable monthly bill that spreads energy costs throughout the year.
Chesapeake Beach Town Hall Chesapeake Beach residents may call to determine a payment plan for their utility billing payments. Residents may also contact the Town Hall for assistance finding local resources. Phone: 410-257-2230
North Beach Town Hall North Beach residents may call to discuss a deferred payment arrangement for their water and sewer services. Phone: 301-855-6681
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) SMECO is offering extended utility arrangements or extensions for customers who are furloughed employees, waiving an immediate good-faith payment to establish a payment arrangement (which under normal circumstances is required), waiving late payment fees, and pausing disconnection for non-payment for federal employees. If you are having trouble paying your electric bill. Please visit www.smeco.coop for further information or call 888-440-3311.
Verizon is offering flexible payment arrangements.
Food Resources
Calvert County Public Schools Calvert County families who have lost income due to the government shutdown may apply for FREE or reduced-price meals (FARMs). Families who would not ordinarily qualify for the FARMs program could be eligible for the remainder of the school year because of the current loss of income.
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) will continue to process new SNAP applications. Cash benefits including Temporary Disability Assistance Program and Temporary Cash Assistance will still be issued in November, and Medical Assistance Programs are not immediately affected by the shutdown at this time. DHS encourages you to keep your information up to date and apply at MarylandBenefits.gov to ensure you continue to receive all benefits when the shutdown ends.
Transportation Resources
Free Local Public Transportation: Calvert County Government’s Department of Community Resources, Division of Public Transportation continues to provide essential public transit services to help residents access work, appointments and community resources. Calvert County’s bus system remains fare-free and operates on its regular schedule unless otherwise announced. Riders can find up-to-date route information, schedules, and service alerts at CalvertCountyMd.gov/Transportation. For additional assistance or mobility service inquiries, call 410-535-4268 or email Transportation@CalvertCountyMD.gov.
MTA and MARC: Governor Moore announced that the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) will provide free MARC and Commuter Bus service to federal workers during the shutdown.
Employee/Business Assistance
Calvert County Economic Development Provides existing businesses and new entrepreneurs with technical assistance and access to many local, regional, state and federal business resources. In addition to a network of resource partners, Economic Development is part of a larger circle of services that includes experts who can provide assistance and information on a wide range of business issues. Phone: 410-535-4583
Calvert County Department of Social Services (DSS) The Food Supplement Program (FSP) has temporary cash assistance and other emergency assistance programs available to eligible low-income households. During the shutdown, DSS will show leniency on child support cases with deferred payment option. Phone: 1-800-332-6347 or 443-550-6900
Calvert Family Advocates Limited assistance on a case-by-case basis with rent, mortgage, utilities and childcare. Phone: 443-550-6917
Project ECHO Canned goods, toiletries, bathroom tissue and vouchers to the thrift shop for clothing and household necessities. Phone: 410-535-0044
Government Employee Inquiries
Information and Guidance from OPM Federal employees are recommended to consult with their agency’s HR office or check the furlough page of OPM’s website for updates.
U.S Dept. of Veterans Affairs The Veterans Benefits Administration has posted a web page with a variety of resources of what is impacted by the shutdown.
Calvert Library Maintaining a list of resources, with a focus on free and reduced cost deals for dining and activities offered by local and state businesses.
My Fed Benefits Website includes shutdown assistance map of local resources by state and special offers for federal employees.