Last Thursday, Gov. Wes Moore announced Maryland’s Federal Emergency Loan Program, which provides no-interest loans to recently-terminated federal workers. It’s the latest development in Moore’s efforts to “ensure our federal workers get the support they need.”
This Maryland Department of Labor program, a product of the Protect Our Federal Workers Act, comes as some government officials express frustration with Washington’s recent legislative decisions.
“Let’s be clear—these federal workers didn’t lose their jobs because they failed us… they lost them because of reckless decisions in Washington that turned public servants into political targets,” Maryland House Majority Whip Jazz M. Lewis (D-Prince George’s Co.) said.
According to the Program webpage, to qualify for the $700 interest-free loan, applicants must meet a set of criteria:
- Residing in Maryland
- Former federal employee terminated as the result of circumstances outside of the applicant’s control
- Terminated from federal employment after Jan. 1, 2025 and within six months of loan their application
- Experiencing financial hardship
Participants must repay their loan 180 within days. However, those with continuing financial hardships have the option to apply for an extension of 90 days.
Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu said, “Marylanders who are facing financial hardship due to the loss of federal jobs have dedicated their lives to public service. It’s essential that we support them during this challenging time,” according to the June 5 press release. In addition to providing financial support, Wu said she and her colleagues will collaborate to support ‘thousands of Marylanders’ with their new job search.
To see if you qualify for a no-interest loan, learn more or fill out an application, visit the Federal Emergency Loan Program website.
