Maryland Offers $700 Interest-Free Loans to Laid-Off Federal Workers

Federal workers in Maryland who’ve recently lost their jobs now have a lifeline — a new interest-free loan program designed to help them stay afloat during tough times.

Gov. Wes Moore announced the Federal Emergency Loan Program on Thursday, which offers a $700 interest-free loan to Maryland residents impacted by federal job loss. The support is available to those affected by mass layoffs, relocations, shutdowns, or other job-disrupting circumstances.

“This is the latest chapter in our work to ensure our federal workers get the support they need,” Moore said. “While chaos continues in Washington, Maryland responds with courage.”

Who Qualifies?

• You must be a Maryland resident who previously worked for the federal government.
• You’re eligible if you’ve been laid off in the past six months.
• You can still apply if you’re working part-time but experiencing financial hardship.
• Federal contractors are not eligible.

To qualify, applicants must be facing serious financial strain, such as trouble paying rent, mortgage, childcare, car payments, healthcare bills, utilities, or credit cards.

The loan program is part of the Protect Our Federal Workers Act, which Governor Moore signed into law earlier this year.

How It Works

• Loan amount: $700
• Repayment: Within 180 days, with a possible 90-day extension
• Application deadline: Within six months of your job loss
• How to apply: Fill out the application at mdol.submittable.com/submit

Applicants need to provide:

• Proof of Maryland residency
• Documentation of federal employment termination
• A signed statement confirming financial hardship

If approved, the loan will be sent by mail. Repayment is made online.

Maryland Offers $700 Interest-Free Loans to Laid-Off Federal Workers was originally published on wolbbaltimore.com