If you are a Maryland Federal Employee impacted by the shutdown, you are encouraged to visit our Federal Shutdown Resources page.
Federal Shutdown Resources
On October 1, 2025, the United States federal government shut down after Congress failed to reach a budget agreement for fiscal year 2026.
In partnership with other state agencies, the Office of the Maryland Comptroller is here to assist federal workers and their families who have been impacted by the shutdown. We will continue to update this page with useful information as long as the shutdown remains in effect.
Payment Options For Impacted Federal Employees
If you owe money and are on a payment plan, please call us or visit our customer service portal, MyComConnect to register for an account (if you haven't already.) The Office of the Comptroller will not require you to make any payments during the shutdown. Our agents are standing by to assist you.
Please visit our Tax Debt Assistance page to learn about our relief programs.
Maryland’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program
In response to the federal government shutdown, the Maryland Department of Labor is launching Maryland’s Federal Shutdown Loan Program (FSLP), which provides financial support to Maryland residents who are “excepted” federal employees (also called “essential”), meaning they are required to keep working during a federal government shutdown but are not receiving a paycheck during that time. The program offers a no-interest loan of $700 to help workers cover expenses such as rent and groceries. The loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive their back pay from the federal government.
Capitol Building DC
All available resources for federal workers from the Governor’s shutdown site.
Federal Shutdown Impact
What Marylanders Can Expect:
- Social Security/SSI benefits continue, but delays may result due to longer processing times.
- Medicare and Medicaid services are uninterrupted but call center wait times may increase.
- VA Medical Facilities remain open although call centers may be limited in staff.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will still operate in Maryland without interruption.
- SNAP/WIC benefits uninterrupted, for now.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency will still respond to emergencies, but long-term projects will be delayed.
- All federal tax returns, payments, etc. must be made as scheduled, although processing times will be delayed.
- FHA loan closures may be delayed due to staffing shortages.
- Small Business Administration loan and grant payments may be delayed.
- Federal (HUD and VA) Housing assistance programs will continue, potentially with delayed payments. Participants must still pay their portion of rent.
- US Mail will continue to be delivered.
- National Parks and museums will be closed.
- Air travel may be impacted by long TSA lines.
- Federal Courts remain open.
What Federal Workers in Maryland Can Expect:
- Essential workers will continue to work.
- Non-Essential workers will be furloughed without pay, although back pay is usually provided once the shutdown is over.
- US Military personnel will continue to work without pay. After the shutdown they should receive back pay.
- Federal employees are protected from eviction during furloughs.
- State Employees funded through federal streams will not be immediately impacted.