October 16, 2025
As the government shutdown drags on, we know many of our local individuals and families are dealing with a lot – from trying to figure out how to pay their bills, to navigating the anxiety and uncertainty of not knowing when you’ll be back at work.
The good news is that you are not alone, and help is available to get you through until the furlough ends and the federal government reopens. Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources for government employees residing in D.C. and Maryland.
At Z Family Law, we are committed to doing our part as well to help furloughed federal workers, because your new beginning shouldn't have to wait until the government reopens. Call us at (301) 781-7930 to discuss flexible financing arrangements for your family law matter.
Resources for Impacted Federal Workers, District of Columbia Department of Employment Services
District of Columbia Fedsupport: Resource center includes links and information on unemployment insurance, foreclosure assistance, family resources, health insurance information, support for renters, student loan help, webinars, and more.
Maryland Unified Benefits Screener: Quickly and easily determine your eligibility for benefits through public assistance programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance, WIC, and Home Energy Assistance Program benefits
Maryland Community Action Partnership: A nonprofit network of 19 Community Action Agencies serving Maryland and the District of Columbia. Provides assistance and support in a variety of areas, including: housing services, energy and emergency assistance, food and nutrition services, employment and education support, health services, transportation, and tax assistance and financial planning.
During the Government Shutdown, Washington Council of Lawyers: A list of links and resources for furloughed federal employees and DC residents.
Federal Employees and Federal Contractors Impacted by a Furlough, Maryland Department of Labor: Information for furloughed workers regarding eligibility for and access to unemployment benefits in the state of Maryland.
Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program: Access to emergency, interest-free loans of $700 for qualified former federal employees residing in Maryland.
Credit Unions Support Members Affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, MD | DC Credit Union Association: Lists financial assistance options available through MD | DC Credit Union Association institutions.
Housing Resources, State of Maryland: A list of available resources in Maryland, including mortgage assistance, eviction support, affordable housing and homelessness prevention resources, and assistance with energy and utility bills.
Pepco, BGE & Delmarva Power are committed to working with furloughed employees. Contact customer support for financial assistance and flexible payment arrangements.
Federal Government Shutdown: Information for our Neighbors, Maryland Food Bank: Provides answers to FAQs and general information for federal employees and contractors, and Find Food Search tool for assistance locating food pantries and distribution sites in all areas of Maryland except Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Capitol Area Food Bank Interactive Partner Map: Find food pantries and distribution sites for emergency food assistance in the District, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland, and Fairfax and Prince William Counties in Virginia.
Montgomery County, Maryland Family Justice Center: Provides support and services free of charge to domestic violence survivors and their families, including: on-site therapy services, career counseling, referrals to shelters, food banks, and other basic need resources, legal advice and representation, immigration services, and assistance completing Protective Order petitions and filing criminal charges.
Rise Up Federal Workers Legal Defense Network: A network of lawyers providing pro bono assistance to federal workers who have lost their jobs illegally.
Maryland Workers List of Legal Resources and Federal Employment Rules & Regulations Resources, State of Maryland
988 Helpline: Call or text 988 for emergency emotional support from trained counselors free of charge. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Access HelpLine, Washington D.C. Department of Behavioral Health: Call 1 (888) 7WE-HELP or 1-888-793-4357 24/7 for immediate help from certified behavioral health care providers.
Psychology Today therapist finder: Filter by gender, location, insurance, pricing, and more.
Mobilize Montgomery: Provides support to employers and employees in Montgomery County, MD affected by governmental budget cuts. Resources include the Federal Workforce Career Center, job listings, professional development programs, training and resume-building opportunities, workshops, job fairs, assistance navigating unemployment insurance, and more.
At Z Family Law, we are committed to helping furloughed federal workers through flexible financing arrangements, because your new beginning shouldn't have to wait until the government reopens. Call us at (301) 781-7930 to find out how we can help.
Disclaimer: This article is current as of October 2025, and all content is provided for informational purposes only. None of the information provided in this article, or elsewhere on this website, shall constitute or be construed as legal advice. For information specific to your individual circumstances, call us at (301) 781-7930 today.