Maryland Shutdown Resources Free Services Meals And Financial Assistance For Federal Workers

The 2025 federal government shutdown has created significant challenges for federal workers in Maryland and the surrounding region. As congressional leaders failed to reach a budget agreement for fiscal year 2026, numerous businesses, organizations, and government agencies have stepped forward to offer support through various free services, meals, and financial assistance programs. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the resources available to affected federal employees during this challenging period.

Free Services and Transportation Benefits

During the shutdown, federal workers in Maryland have access to several complimentary transportation services. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has implemented a program allowing federal workers to use MARC and Commuter Bus services for free throughout the duration of the shutdown. To access these benefits, employees must present a valid government ID badge to the bus operator. This service provides essential transportation for workers who may be facing financial constraints due to the lack of paychecks.

Museum and cultural institutions have also opened their doors to federal workers at no cost. The Baltimore Museum of Art is offering free admission to explore Black art, history, and culture in Maryland. This complimentary access will continue until the end of the shutdown period. Similarly, Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, D.C. provides complimentary admission to federal workers who show their government ID. The estate, once owned by heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, features a grand home and lavish gardens that visitors can explore during this time.

For those seeking entertainment, Bennett's Curse Haunted House and Creepywoods Haunted Forest in Baltimore and White Marsh, Maryland have introduced a "Furlough Fear Deal" specifically for federal employees affected by the government shutdown. This offer began on Saturday, October 6, and provides discounted admission to these seasonal attractions.

Restaurant Offers and Meals

Several restaurants in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. area have demonstrated community support by offering complimentary meals to furloughed federal workers. Ekiben, a local establishment, is providing free meals to furloughed workers until the shutdown concludes. Federal workers need only present a valid government ID to receive this benefit.

The Homegrown Restaurant Group, represented by owner Bill Blackburn, has continued a tradition of supporting federal workers during difficult times. Since 2013, Blackburn has provided sandwiches to workers during government shutdowns. While acknowledging that "a free pulled pork sandwich isn't going to pay the rent or cover their utilities," Blackburn emphasizes that these offerings serve as "a token of appreciation and shows them that we care about them and we're in it with them." This community support has become a tradition during government shutdowns in the Washington D.C. area.

Financial Assistance Programs

Several financial assistance programs have been established to support federal workers experiencing financial hardship due to the shutdown. Maryland's Federal Shutdown Loan Program, launched by the Maryland Department of Labor, provides no-interest $700 loans to Maryland residents who are "excepted" federal employees (also called "essential"). These workers are required to continue working during the shutdown but are not receiving paychecks. The loans are intended to help cover essential 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. Governor Wes Moore emphasized the importance of this support, stating: "At a time when the federal government is stepping back from its most basic obligations, Maryland is stepping up to protect our people."

Additionally, the Department of Labor has launched a Federal Shutdown Loan program offering no-interest $700 loans to workers who are not receiving pay during the shutdown. This program provides another avenue for financial support for affected federal employees.

The Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees program offers another resource for eligible furloughed workers. However, participants should note that they will be required to repay these benefits after the shutdown concludes. Maryland also offers a Federal Worker Emergency Loan program, which provides $700 no-interest loans to federal employees who have been laid off and are experiencing financial hardship.

Tax Payment Deferments

Federal employees in Maryland who are currently on state tax payment plans and are unable to make payments due to the shutdown may request a deferment. Once approved, their payment plan will be paused for the duration of the shutdown and up to 60 days after it ends.

To apply for this deferment, employees should email [email protected] with the following information: - Full name - Address - Last 4 digits of their Social Security number - Case number or payment plan ID

The Maryland Comptroller's office has encouraged impacted federal workers to visit their Federal Shutdown Resources page for additional information and updates.

Housing and Utility Protections

Maryland has implemented several protections for federal workers facing housing and utility challenges during the shutdown. Under Maryland law (Real Property §§ 7-105.1 and 8-401), involuntarily furloughed federal employees may request courts to temporarily pause eviction or foreclosure proceedings during the shutdown. These protections apply to current federal employees who live in the property, are unpaid due to the shutdown, and attend hearings. Courts may pause proceedings up to 30 days beyond the shutdown's end. It's important to note that these protections apply to federal, state, and local employees, but not to contractors.

For utility services, Maryland's Public Utilities Article (§ 7-307.4) provides important protections. Gas and electric companies cannot cut off service beginning on the 8th day of a shutdown through 7 days after it ends. Federal employees must notify their provider, verify their furlough status, and agree to a payment plan to access these protections.

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has implemented specific relief measures for impacted federal workers, including: - Suspended service turnoffs for affected federal employees - Waived late fees - Extended enrollment in the "Get Current" program through November

Continuing Benefits and Services

While many federal benefits and services continue during the shutdown, some may experience delays or changes in availability:

• Social Security/SSI benefits continue to be paid, but delays may occur due to longer processing times
• Medicare and Medicaid services remain uninterrupted, though call center wait times may increase
• VA Medical Facilities remain open, but call centers may have limited staff
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) continues to operate in Maryland without interruption
• SNAP/WIC benefits remain uninterrupted at this time
• The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will operate for a short period after the shutdown begins
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to respond to emergencies, though long-term projects will be delayed
• All federal tax returns and payments must be made as scheduled, though 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 Housing (HUD and VA) assistance programs will continue, potentially with delayed payments
• Housing programs, including Section 8, HUD-VASH vouchers, and Continuum of Care assistance, will continue during a short-term shutdown, though participants must continue paying their share of rent
• The Child Care Scholarship Program continues uninterrupted
• Head Start programs have state support to maintain services

Community Support Resources

In addition to official programs, community-based support networks have emerged to assist federal workers during the shutdown. One example is 27 UNIHTED, a group founded by former NIH employees that has organized support calls for affected workers. According to a representative, "For this shutdown and this time period for federal employees, it is so valuable for all of us to be like crowdsurfing — uplifting each other — because we are so strong in numbers and just in community."

The Montgomery County Office of Legislative Oversight has established a webpage dedicated to federal worker resources during the shutdown, providing centralized information for affected employees in that area.

Conclusion

The 2025 federal government shutdown has created significant challenges for federal workers in Maryland and the surrounding region. However, numerous resources are available to provide support during this difficult time. From free transportation and museum admissions to complimentary meals and financial assistance programs, various entities have stepped forward to help affected workers. Housing and utility protections offer additional security for those facing financial strain.

Federal workers should take advantage of these resources by presenting valid government ID when accessing services, promptly applying for financial assistance, and contacting providers to activate utility protections. As the shutdown continues, workers are encouraged to regularly check official resources for updates on available benefits and services.

The response from Maryland businesses, cultural institutions, and government agencies demonstrates a strong community commitment to supporting federal employees during this challenging period. These resources, combined with the eventual resumption of pay once the shutdown ends, provide essential support to help workers navigate this temporary financial hardship.

Sources

1. CBS News Baltimore - Maryland 2025 Government Shutdown Food Resources Deals
2. NBC Washington - DC Area Businesses Offer Freebies and Deals for Federal Workers
3. Maryland Comptroller - Shutdown Information
4. GovExec - Federal Employees Crowdsource Resources
5. Montgomery County - Fed Worker Resources Shutdown