Where to Find Help During the Government Shutdown

Written by Elizabeth Krischer

As the government shutdown continues into another month, it can be overwhelming for affected families to find resources. We have put together a list of options from the state, the county, local businesses, and organizations that can bridge the gap.

According to the Maryland Food Bank’s website, “Federal employees and people who work for federal contractors may receive charitable assistance from nonprofits for needs that arise during the shutdown and beyond. Although there are rules that prohibit federal employees from accepting gifts from the public while completing official duties related to their federal employment, federal employees and people who work for federal contractors are allowed to receive charitable assistance from nonprofits and other organizations that aid community members.”

Whether you’re looking for food, funding, or free services, help is here.

Food

The Maryland Food Bank has many pantries in the county through both community and faith-based organizations. Some organizations require proof of Annapolis residency or Anne Arundel County residency, but many do not have requirements.
Caring Cupboard is a local organization that provides food, personal hygiene and baby resources through their food pantry, and Little Free Pantries. The little pantries are available to all. Caring Cupboard’s food, hygiene and baby pantry days require an ID that proves county residency. Go to their Facebook page for updates on days and times.
The Anne Arundel County Public Library’s branch at the Annapolis Mall (known as Discoveries: The Library at the Mall) has a hygiene, baby, and food pantry. Visit their website for days and hours. No ID is required.
Free Formula Exchange is a website where parents can offer their extra formula to families who need it. Just post your needs for someone to reach out with what they have available.
Fort Meade Spouses Club has many programs that support military individuals and families, including a food pantry. Check out their Facebook page for days and times.
You can sign up for the Holiday Sharing program to be connected to someone ready and willing to provide a meal for Thanksgiving. This is available for “families and seniors (65 years old and older) who receive an invitation from the Department of Social Services and had active SNAP and/or TCA benefits prior to September 1st.”
DoorDash has created an Emergency Food Response which will both deliver free meals through food banks and waive fees for SNAP recipients. Visit their site for more information and to see which grocery stores are part of the program.
Instacart is offering a 50% discount for SNAP recipients in November as long as they placed an order with their SNAP information in October.
For your furry friends, the SPCA of Anne Arundel County (AACSPCA) has a Pet Food Bank Program to support anyone struggling to feed their pets.
The Senior Dog Sanctuary in Severn, MD, has a Pet Food Bank program for seniors who are 55 and older. The food bank is open every first and third Monday and Saturday of the month from 9 AM to noon. Must be an Anne Arundel County resident.

Funding and Financial

First, go to Maryland Benefits on the State of Maryland’s website to apply and find out what benefits you may be eligible for.
Essential workers who are working without pay can apply for a one-time, interest-free loan of $700, to be repaid within 45 days after the shutdown ends. Applicants must provide proof of Maryland residency, a valid ID, and verification of essential (also known as “excepted”) federal employment status. See the state’s webpage about the Federal Shutdown Loan Program for more information.
Unemployment insurance benefits are available for eligible former employees as well as current employees who have been furloughed. According to the Maryland Department of Labor’s website, “Federal civilian employees who later receive retroactive pay for the shutdown period will be required to repay any unemployment benefits received.” This also includes others affected by the shutdown, such as contractors directly employed by the government and workers who are employed by a private company contracted with the government. However, unemployment benefits are not available for active duty military and essential (“excepted”) federal employees.
The MD|DC Credit Union Association has announced that many credit unions are offering assistance programs, such as short-term relief programs, low-rate credit cards, payment deferrals, fee waivers, and financial counseling. Visit their website for more information, or reach out to your credit union.
Many banks are also offering assistance to federal employees affected by the shutdown. Contact your bank directly to see what they offer.
According to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, PayPal Credit is offering interest-free cash advances to existing and new customers. “Minimum loan is $250 with a maximum cash advance of $500. Your account must be in good standing if you’re an existing PayPal Credit customer.”
According to the Maryland Comptroller’s website, “Federal employees currently on state tax payment plans who are unable to make payments due to the shutdown may request a deferment. Once the request is approved, their payment plan will be paused for the duration of the shutdown and up to 60 days after it ends.”
Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) is a program that offers cash assistance through the local Department of Human Services and can go to rent, utilities, or other emergency payments. Apply online at Maryland Benefits or in person at the Anne Arundel Department of Social Services.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loans will be kept in good standing, even if you do not pay during the shutdown.
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund’s (FEEA) grant program is paused due to limited funding, but the Emergency Hardship Loans program is still active. It does not include pay loss during a government shutdown.

Utilities and Housing

Baltimore Gas and Electric, Pepco, and Delmarva Power are offering flexible payment options, late payment charge waivers, personalized bill assistance, and streamlined verification that does not require proof of government identification. The State of Maryland’s website says, “Federal employees must contact their electric or gas provider before their service is cut off to verify that they are a furloughed employee and agree to a payment plan to pay what they owe after the shutdown ends.”
- BGE: 800-685-0123
- Pepco: 202-833-7500
- Delmarva Power: 800-375-7117
Furloughed and excepted employees who have had foreclosure action filed against them may qualify for a temporary stay. According to the Maryland Department of Labor’s website, “To request a stay, you must file a motion with the court where the foreclosure action is pending and provide satisfactory evidence of your furlough or unpaid status. If you meet the requirements, the court is required to grant the stay.”
Maryland courts may temporarily pause mortgage foreclosures and evictions for federal workers who face a loss of pay during a shutdown.
For renters, the State of Maryland’s website has a resource page for seeking assistance. One option is applying for the Renter’s Tax Credit Program to receive a check of up to $1,000.
For county water/sewer bills over $200, the Office of Finance offers a payment plan. According to their website, “With a payment plan in place, the customer’s water service will not be shut off. Additionally, the 10% late payment penalty fee for water/sewer bills may be waived two times a year. If you are past due on any of your county water/sewer or tax bills, please call the Office of Finance Customer Service line at 410-222-1144, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM or email custserv@aacounty.org to ask for guidance.”
Many phone and internet companies are offering payment plans, fee adjustments, or other assistance. Contact your company directly for more information.

Transportation

Federal workers can ride for free on the MARC train and Commuter Bus by showing their federal ID.
All county residents can ride for free on the Anne Arundel County Connector (the green buses!) all the time.
There’s also transportation assistance through the county for those 55 and older, or those aged 18-54 with disabilities.
Many car companies are offering options such as deferred payments, extensions, or late fee waivers. Contact your vehicle’s company for more information.

Job Help

If you are a former state employee and you resigned from your state position less than three years ago, you may be eligible to retain your seniority if you are rehired by the state. For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Budget and Management’s Reinstatement page or call 410-767-4850.
There is a Community and Veterans Job Fair on November 19 at Fort Meade. It is open to the general public.
The Anne Arundel County Public Library has multiple resources for online learning, resume writing, and job boards in their Career Center.

Military Families

There are several mutual aid and relief societies for members of the military, including Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, and Army Emergency Relief.
The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund is a nonprofit organization that exists “to help veterans, their families, Gold Star parents and spouses, and members of the Maryland National Guard overcome temporary financial challenges.” It covers rent/mortgage payments, utilities, and vehicle payments/insurance.
Blue Star Neighborhood is an online portal for finding “financial guidance, stress management tools, and practical tips” while connecting “with other military families.”
According to Military One Source’s website, “The MILITARY STAR card is offering three months of 0% interest and no payments to all active-duty military personnel and their families, DOD civilians, retired employees and eligible veterans on all commissary purchases made from Oct. 1-31, 2025, with no minimum or maximum purchase limit.”

Local Businesses and Organizations

Compass Rose Theatre in Annapolis wants federal workers to enjoy the arts during this stressful time. For their performances of Pride & Prejudice and Rent, federal workers can receive comped tickets. Email office@compassrosetheater.org and request your preferred date and time. To obtain RUSH tickets, call the box office at 410-980-6662 for same-day seating.
BD Provisions in Severna Park is offering a free cup of coffee for laid off, furloughed or unpaid federal workers, including those laid off earlier this year. Note that active duty military and veterans always get a free cup!

Other

Maryland’s 2-1-1 number can connect you to someone who can help with solving many issues. Either dial 211 or visit their website.
Freecycle.org is a website where people can offer items they don’t need, and request items they want to keep or borrow.
Findhelp.org is a comprehensive website with maps of organizations that help with whatever you need.