Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program

If you are a federal employee who was recently terminated from your position, you may be eligible for a no-interest loan through Maryland’s Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program. 

This program offers a zero-interest $700 loan to applicants who:

• are residents of the state of Maryland;
• are former federal employees who were terminated from their federal jobs after January 1, 2025;
• were terminated due to a mass layoff, relocation, or closure of a unit of the federal government or similar circumstances beyond the employees' control; and
• are experiencing financial hardship.

Applicants must apply within six months of termination, and this loan is required to be paid back.

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) 

• 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 former 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 termination from the federal government. This could include: 

  • Recent SF-50 (Standard Form 50 - Notification of Personnel Action);
  • Reduction in Force (RIF) notice from the federal government; or
  • Email or other official notification of termination 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 MDfedworkerloan@submittable.com or by phone at 410-541-1075 (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 transition are available on our dedicated support page, which features details on unemployment insurance benefits and reemployment support.