Governor Moore Announces Emergency Loan Program for Former Federal Workers Now Open for Applications

BALTIMORE, MD (June 5, 2025) - Governor Wes Moore today announced that the Maryland Department of Labor has launched the Federal Emergency Loan Program, opening an online portal for qualified former federal employees to apply for an emergency, no-interest loan. The loan program was created through the Protect Our Federal Workers Act, which the governor signed into law in April.

“Maryland is mobilizing. In partnership with the Maryland General Assembly, we are extending a hand to our public servants and protecting our people,” said Gov. Moore. “This is the latest chapter in our work to ensure our federal workers get the support they need, from building new pathways to careers in education to delivering essential resources to families in need. As we continue to see chaos from Washington, Maryland continues to answer crisis with courage.”

The $700 interest-free loan must be repaid 180 days after the loan agreement is signed, with an option to apply for a 90-day extension if financial hardship persists.

Former federal employees may qualify for the loan by meeting the following criteria:

A resident of Maryland;
Terminated from federal employment due to a mass layoff, relocation, or closure of a unit of the federal government, or similar circumstances beyond the the individual’s control;
Termination occurred within the six months before applying for the loan, and on or after January 1, 2025; and
Experiencing financial hardship, which might include difficulty making on-time payments for a mortgage or rent, utilities, healthcare, childcare, a car loan or car insurance, credit cards or loans, or other household expenses.

“Let’s be clear—these federal workers didn’t lose their jobs because they failed us,” said House Majority Whip Jazz M. Lewis. “They lost them because of reckless decisions in Washington that turned public servants into political targets. These are our neighbors, our veterans, our civil servants—people who dedicated their lives to this country. With this program, Maryland is doing what Washington won’t: standing by the people who’ve always stood up for us. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Moore and his team for standing with me to protect the livelihoods of our federal workers. In times of uncertainty, leadership means showing up—and that’s exactly what this program does. Together, we’re putting Maryland values into action and standing up for the people who make our government work every day.”

"Marylanders who are facing financial hardship due to the loss of federal jobs have dedicated their lives to public service. It’s essential that we support them during this challenging time," said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. “This loan program is an important piece of Maryland’s larger effort to respond to federal job loss, providing emergency financial assistance while we are also working to connect thousands of Marylanders to new job opportunities and help with career transition.”

The loan application is now available at mdol.submittable.com/submit. Applicants will need to provide documentation of Maryland residency and cause and date of federal employment termination, in addition to attestation to financial hardship.

For more information, visit the MD Labor website and see the program FAQs.

For support, applicants can email MDfedworkerloan@submittable.com or call 410-541-1075 (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday).

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The Maryland Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dinah Winnick