Resources for Maryland’s Former Federal Employees and Other Workers Impacted by Federal Actions

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 and the unemployment insurance page for federal employees impacted by a furlough.

Some federal employees impacted by federal agency reductions in force may be receiving severance pay as part of separation, which can impact unemployment benefits. For information on how severance pay will affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits in Maryland, call a claims agent at 667-207-6520, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., so you can make an informed decision on if and when to apply.

Steps to Prepare for a Reduction in Force is our quick-reference guide on steps current federal employees can take now to help them in the event they need to apply for unemployment insurance benefits in the future.

Unemployment insurance for furloughed federal employees

During the federal government shutdown, October 1, 2025 – November 12, 2025, many furloughed federal employees applied for unemployment insurance through the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) program. If you received benefits through UCFE, please note that once you return to work you are no longer eligible for these benefits.

To close your claim, you can stop filing weekly claim certifications or call 667-207-6520 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.) for assistance. When you receive your back pay, any unemployment insurance benefits you collected during the shutdown will need to be repaid. For details, see the Federal Employees: Furlough Repayment webpage.

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 (furloughed or laid off) 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 on how to apply for the regular Maryland UI program.

See also the unemployment insurance page for federal employees and federal contractors impacted by a furlough.

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 a.m. to 12 p.m. See workshop details (información del taller en español) and email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up.

Broader services are also available. These 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 more than 30 American Job Centers (AJCs) and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). For more details, see our resource guide (guía de recursos en español)

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

Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program

If you are a federal employee who was recently terminated from your position, you may be eligible for a $700 no-interest loan, to be repaid within 180 days. Learn more on our loan information page or submit an application.

Federal Shutdown Loan Program (not currently accepting applications)

The Federal Shutdown Loan Program is no longer accepting applications.

This program launched on October 6, 2025, to provide financial support to “excepted” (also called essential) federal employees who were required to work without pay during the shutdown. That shutdown has now concluded, and we are no longer able to accept new applications for this program. However, MD Labor will continue to process all applications received prior to the end of the shutdown.

In the event of a future federal government shutdown, this program would relaunch, to provide $700 no-interest loans to excepted federal workers living in Maryland.

Opportunities to return to state employment 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 to retain your seniority if you are rehired by the state. For more information please visit the Maryland Department of Budget and Management’s Reinstatement page or call 410-767-4850.

Recruitment Events & Job Fairs

Recruitment events offer a great way for jobseekers and employers to connect. Check out our recruitment event and job fair calendar to learn more about hiring events scheduled across Maryland.