Goverment Shutdown Resources
Donald Trump and Senate Republicans have refused to support a plan to responsibly fund the government and avoid a shut down. I believe we can fund the government and our federal workforce while also preventing health care costs from spiking for American families and reining in this Administration’s lawless use of federal funding. I will continue working to pass legislation that responsibly funds our government so that we can end this shameful shutdown.
My office remains open to assist constituents during the shutdown. My team has put together the below information and resources I hope that you will find helpful. I’m also providing constant updates on my social media accounts which you can find here: Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Threads, Twitter/X.
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen
SHUTDOWN FAQs
Federal employees will not receive paychecks during a government shutdown. However, as a result of legislation passed by Senator Van Hollen and then-Sen. Cardin after the 2019 Trump shutdown federal workers are guaranteed to automatically receive back pay when the government reopens. Unfortunately, this backpay is not guaranteed for federal contract workers. Senator Van Hollen has helped introduce legislation to right this wrong.
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits will continue to be distributed during the government shutdown. However, please be advised that processing times for new claims and responses to customer service inquiries may be delayed.
Your Medicare and Medicaid coverage will not be interrupted. However, ancillary coverage services, such as obtaining Medicare replacement cards and new benefit verifications will be stopped.Maryland Department of Health services will continue standard Medicaid coverage offerings, such as Medicaid waiver services and inpatient admissions at Maryland healthcare facilities.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue during the government shutdown. Individuals who are not currently enrolled may still apply for SNAP benefits, though processing times may take longer than usual. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will also continue during the shutdown, but could see delays for new enrollees. However, both programs’ benefits could be impacted depending on the duration of the shutdown.
The State Department will continue to process passport applications during the shutdown, though normal processing times may be delayed.
VA essential healthcare services conducted through VA Medical Centers and Outpatient Clinics will continue to operate as usual. Furthermore, burials will continue at VA national cemeteries, as well as applications for burial benefits. However, for the duration of the government shutdown, VA regional benefits offices will close, as well as general career counseling or transition assistance programs.
TANF, along with Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) will remain available through the Maryland Department of Human Services. The Department may experience some delays as the shutdown continues.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will continue to respond to natural disasters, and disaster relief teams and search and rescue task forces will continue to remain operational. However, long-term projects, including ongoing reconstruction and repair efforts, will be indefinitely delayed due to a lack of funding during the shutdown.
Participants in federal housing programs will continue receiving assistance depending on the availability of reserves and duration of the shutdown. Program participants are still required to pay their portion of rent, and should seek help immediately if they experience difficulties with rent payments or services. Because the shutdown results in a significant reduction in staff capacity, certain services carried out by HUD staff will be unavailable, such as housing counseling and funding drawdowns requiring HUD employee action.There is, however, a significant concern within the housing community that HUD under the Trump Administration may renege on its 2-year commitment for the Continuum of Care program. Any reduction in this funding would have an enormous impact – both on individuals currently experiencing homelessness and on many households now stably housed through county programs supported by this funding. The Continuing Resolution that Democrats proposed and Senator Van Hollen voted for requires that HUD renew all Continuum of Care grants expiring in 2026 for a full year, so that communities can continue providing shelter and emergency services to those in need.The Federal Housing Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs will furlough staff during a shutdown, which will delay processing of FHA and VA-insured mortgages. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authorization also expired on September 30th and needs to be renewed in a Continuing Resolution, so FHA is unable to insure new mortgages on homes that require NFIP coverage.
The Department of Education will continue to process and disburse federal student aid like Pell grants and student loans, and borrowers are expected to continue to make payments. Limited staffing at the Office of Federal Student Aid may result in customer service delays.
Resources for Those Impacted by the Government Shutdown
My staff are here to help connect you with essential services during the government shutdown. If you live in Maryland and are affected, you are not alone. Across the state are county resources, charity agencies, faith-based organizations, and more that are here to help you if you are in need of urgent assistance. This list is not exhaustive and will continue to be updated as we become aware of additional resources.
If you have a need that is not addressed through the resources listed below, please contact the Senator’s state office at (301) 545-1500.
Resources Available from the State of Maryland
The Moore-Miller Administration announced a series of actions to protect Marylanders during the federal government shutdown. You can find more information on those resources HERE. These resources include:
The resources also include loan programs for federal workers, food and cash assistance, and select legal resources. You can find more information on those resources plus additional assistance opportunities HERE.
Unemployment Resources
Federal employees and contractors that have been furloughed because of the federal shutdown may file an unemployment claim. Your claim must be filed in the jurisdiction of your duty station. (Please note: If you receive retroactive pay, you will be required to repay all unemployment benefits. Eligibility determinations are made by each unemployment insurance agency.)
Workers with a duty station in Maryland should contact the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation at (410) 853-1700 or click here. You may find this list of Frequently Asked Questions for federal employees on the Department’s website helpful.
Federal employees who are excepted and continue to work are not eligible for unemployment. Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks and Congresswoman Elfreth have introduced legislation to expand eligibility to every federal employee.
MyFedBenefits has created the Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) for federal employees to navigate existing resources for those affected by the shutdown.
In addition to unemployment, federal employees who are unemployed through no fault of their own may additionally be eligible for the Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) Program. You may find more information here.
United Way’s 211.org can direct you to local resources for assistance with housing and utility expenses, food, healthcare, and other emergency situations. Maryland 211 is offering rental assistance, emergency shelter and other housing resources.
The Maryland Department of Labor also offers a Federal Worker Emergency Loan Program for federal employees recently terminated from their position. More information can be found here.
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund offers Shutdown Grants for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees. The application will only become available should a shutdown persist beyond the point that federal employees miss all or part of a paycheck.
For members of the military, a variety of services stand at the ready to assist you.
- The Army Emergency Relief Programs offer financial assistance in the form of loans and grants.
- The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers immediate needs assistance if paycheck protection options are unavailable for Marines and seamen.
- The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance program offers active duty members, civilian employees and others in the Coast Guard community interest-free loans and grants along with financial counseling and referrals.
Utility Assistance
My colleagues and I sent letters to 22 energy, water and broadband utility companies urging them to work with those impacted by the shutdown by avoiding service shutoffs and other penalties for late or missed payments.
Local utility providers have an array of assistance programs that may be helpful:
- BGE Assistance Resource Finder
- Pepco: Assistance Programs (Maryland)
- WSSC: Financial Assistance Programs
- Washington Gas: Energy Assistance Programs
- Potomac Edison: Energy Assistance Programs
Financial Institution Guidance
I also worked with my Senate colleagues to introduce the Shutdown Guidance for Financial Institutions Act to call on federal financial regulators to issue guidance encouraging financial institutions to support federal employees and small businesses impacted by the shutdown. This would include offering flexible financial arrangements to prevent those impacted from facing additional financial hardship such as penalties for late payments, overdraft fees, and credit damage.
The Federal Housing Administration has called on lenders to be sensitive to the financial hardships experienced by borrowers because of the shutdown. This includes offering forbearance agreements (agreeing to delay foreclosure), waiving late fees, and other options. Please contact your financial institution for specifics. Many banks, credit unions and mortgage companies are offering services to federal workers that are customers and members facing financial difficulty due to the shutdown. These services can include reversing fees, offering low-interest loans and due date extensions.
- The Navy Federal Credit Union is offering interest-free shutdown loan assistance to members and other federal government employees.
- The Congressional Federal Credit Union is offering interest-free Furlough Relief loans for eligible members during the shutdown.
- The U.S. Employees Credit Union is offering interest-free shutdown loans to eligible members.
Some local credit unions are offering assistance during the shutdown. Click here for a list of credit unions with assistance programs. If you belong to a credit union, please contact them to find out if they are offering any assistance.
Federal Student Aid Assistance
The Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund offers emergency loans to federal employees. More here.
local resources
Below is a list of local providers. Please contact the listed providers in your area directly to confirm hours and eligibility for services.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Allegany County Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC) | 301-777-5970
Provides homeless services, emergency shelter referrals, and housing assistance programs.
Union Rescue Mission of Western Maryland | 301-724-1585
Overnight shelter for men with meals and case management support.
Food Resources
Union Rescue Mission Meal Services | 301-724-1585
Serves hot daily meals to individuals and families.
Second Baptist Church Pantry | 301-722-5190
Church-based pantry distributing groceries to residents.
Health Resources
Allegany County Health Department | 301-759-5000
Public health clinics, immunizations, and behavioral health.
Federal Worker Resources
Anne Arundel County Government Federal Worker Resources
Up-to-date, local support options, such as food, healthcare, employment, childcare, mental health, and others.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Arundel House of Hope | 410-863-4888
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services.
Light House Homeless Prevention Center | 410-349-5056
Year-round shelter with meals, case management, and job training.
Food Resources
Anne Arundel County Food Bank | 410-636-4455
Countywide distribution through pantries and partner agencies.
Asbury United Methodist Church Pantry | 410-268-9500
Weekly pantry offering groceries and produce.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Baltimore City Shelter Hotline | 443-984-9540
24/7 line to connect with available emergency shelter beds.
Food Resources
New Life Food Pantry | 443-800-0213
Food boxes and meals for residents experiencing food insecurity.
Donald Bentley Food Pantry | 410-664-9287
Groceries for families in central Baltimore.
Health Resources
Baltimore City Health Department | 410-396-3100
Immunizations, maternal health, and other public health services.
General Resources
Baltimore City Community Action Partnership | 410-396-3288
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources
Federal Worker Resources
Baltimore County Government Resources for Affected Federal Workers
Job opportunities, career coaching, workshops, assistance centers, and trainings
Shelter & Housing Resources
Baltimore County Homeless Services | 410-887-8463
Coordinated intake for emergency shelter and housing services
Food Resources
Maryland Food Bank – Baltimore County | 410-737-8282
Distribution to pantries and partner agencies countywide
Health Resources
Baltimore County Department of Health | 410-887-2243
Public health clinics, vaccinations, and behavioral health
General Resources
Baltimore County Community Assistance Network | 410-285-4674
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources
Shelter & Housing Resources
Project ECHO Homeless Shelter | 410-535-0044
Emergency and transitional housing with supportive services.
Food Resources
Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry | 410-257-0293
Food distributions with produce and nonperishables.
Calvert Churches Community Food Pantry | 443-295-7768
Network of churches providing groceries in Prince Frederick.
Health Resources
Calvert County Health Department | 410-535-5400
Public health services and behavioral health support.
Calvert County Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline | 410-535-1121
24/7 crisis line for mental health and substance use.
General Resources
Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee | 301-274-4474
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources
Shelter & Housing Resources
Martin’s House & Barn | 410-634-2537
Emergency housing, case management, and food support for families.
His Hope Ministries | 443-448-7297
Winter shelter program and homeless prevention services.
Food Resources
Samaritan House Pantry (Denton) | 410-479-1251
Free food distributions for residents
St. Martin’s Barn Pantry | 410-634-1140
Groceries and support services for low-income households
Health Resources
Caroline County Health Department | 410-479-8000
Public health clinics and behavioral health.
General Resources
Maryland Rural Development Corporation | 410-482-2585
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources
Shelter & Housing Resources
Human Services Programs of Carroll County | 410-857-2999
Emergency shelter, housing assistance, and case management.
Food Resources
Carroll County Food Sunday | 410-857-7926
Countywide pantry program with groceries and nutrition support.
Health Resources
Carroll County Health Department | 410-876-2152
Clinical services, immunizations, and behavioral health.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Deep Roots at Clairvaux Farm | Hotline: 877-919-7688
Emergency and transitional housing with supportive services for families.
Food Resources
Elkton Presbyterian Church Food Pantry | 410-398-4636
Food distribution for Elkton-area residents.
Health Resources
Cecil County Health Department | 410-996-5550
Immunizations, clinics, and public health education.
General Resources
Maryland Rural Development Corporation | 410-482-2585
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources
Federal Worker Resources
Charles County Federal Employee Support
Information and resources for Charles County resident federal workers who are impacted during the shutdown.
Shelter & Housing Resources
LifeStyles of Maryland | 301-609-9900
Emergency shelter, housing navigation, and supportive services.
Angel’s Watch Regional Shelter | 301-274-0680
Safe shelter and support for women and children.
Food Resources
Southern Maryland Food Connection| 301-274-0695
Food assistance through pantries and partner agencies.
Health Resources
Charles County Health Department | 301-609-6900
Clinical services, maternal health, and substance use programs.
General Resources
Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee | 301-274-4474
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources.
Shelter & Housing Resources
His Hope Ministries | 443-448-7297
Emergency shelter and transitional housing services.
Food Resources
MidShore Meals ’Til Monday | 443-225-6789
Weekend meal bags for children and families.
St. Vincent de Paul Society – Cambridge | 410-228-6540
Parish pantry providing groceries and emergency aid,
Health Resources
Dorchester County Health Department | 410-228-3223
Primary care, immunizations, and behavioral health services.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs | 301-631-2670
Emergency family shelter, rental assistance, and transitional housing.
Frederick Rescue Mission | 301-695-6633
Emergency shelter for men and addiction recovery programs.
Food Resources
Frederick Food Distribution Center | 301-600-1506
Food pantry, soup kitchen, and medical clinic.
Frederick Rescue Mission Food Program | 301-695-6633
Food boxes and daily hot meals.
Health Resources
Frederick County Health Department | 301-600-1029
Behavioral health, immunizations, and maternal health programs
Shelter & Housing Resources
Garrett County Community Action Committee | 301-334-9431
Emergency housing, rental assistance, and prevention services.
Food Resources
Garrett County Food Pantry (GCCAC) | 301-334-9431
Groceries and food support for families in need.
Health Resources
Garrett County Health Department | 301-334-7770
Shelter & Housing Resources
Harford Community Action Agency | 410-612-9909
Emergency housing assistance, utility aid, and support services.
Food Resources
Harford Community Action Agency Food Bank | 410-612-9909
Groceries and nutrition support for residents.
Healthy Harford | 410-272-2229
Food pantry operated with the county’s year-round shelter.
Health Resources
Harford County Health Department | 410-612-1779
Behavioral health, disease prevention, and clinical services.
Resources for Federal Employees
Howard County Career Support for Federal Workers
Unemployment insurance, community resources, recruitment events, and more.
Community Action Council of Howard County | 410-313-6440
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center | Crisis Line: 410-531-6677
24-hour crisis shelter and homeless prevention with counseling.
Food Resources
Howard County Food Bank (CAC) | 410-313-6185
Countywide pantry and fresh food distributions.
Howard County Food Connection Map
Countywide food connection map.
Health Resources
Howard County Health Department | 410-313-6300
Immunizations, maternal/child health, and behavioral health.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Haven Ministries | 410-739-4363
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and case management.
Kent County Social Services – Housing Assistance | 410-810-7600
Rental support, prevention, and shelter placement.
Food Resources
Kent County Food Pantry | 410-778-0550
Groceries and nutrition support for county residents.
Haven Ministries Food Pantry | 443-404-8007
Monthly food distributions for low-income families.
Health Resources
Kent County Health Department | 410-778-1350
Family health, immunizations, and health education.
General Resources
Maryland Rural Development Corporation | 410-482-2585
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources
Federal Worker Resources
Montgomery County Resources for Federal Workers
Resources for Montgomery County residents who are impacted federal workers.
Mobilize Montgomery Federal Workforce Career Center
Career guidance, job placement support, coaching, and professional development. Located in the Wheaton American Job Center.
Montgomery College Displaced Federal Workers Support
Regularly updated resources and events page for impacted federal workers.
WorkSource Montgomery Federal Worker Resource Hub
Resource compilation for affected federal workers.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Montgomery County Crisis Center | 240-777-4000
24/7 emergency shelter placement and crisis intervention.
Interfaith Works – Homeless Services | 301-762-8682
Emergency shelters, supportive housing, and case management.
Food Resources
Manna Food Center | 301-424-1130
Groceries and fresh food distributions countywide.
Shepherd’s Table | 301-585-6463
Daily hot meals and essential supplies.
So What Else Food Pantry | (301) 887-3808
Food assistance distribution every Wednesday from 10-11:30AM
Montgomery County Food Council Food Assistance Resource Map
Food resource map and directory in Montgomery County
Health Resources
Montgomery County Health & Human Services | 240-777-0311
Public health clinics, behavioral health, and outreach.
Maryland Health Connection
State health insurance for those who are within 60 days of losing employment.
Federal Worker Resources
Prince George’s County Council Resources for Federal Workers
Guidance, resource hubs, union information, and more.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Prince George’s County Homeless Hotline | 888-731-0999
24/7 coordinated entry for emergency shelter and housing.
Community Crisis Services, Inc. (CCSI) | Crisis Hotline: 1-888-731-0999
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and crisis counseling.
Food Resources
Capital Area Food Bank – PG County | 202-644-9800
Food distributions via pantries, schools, and partners.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Food Pantry (Landover Hills) | 301-773-4721
Parish pantry with groceries and basic supplies.
St. Stephens Baptist Church (Temple Hills) | (301) 899-8885
Weekly food distribution on Tuesdays from 11AM-3PM,
LindaBen Foundation Community Pantry (Beltsville) | (240) 461-9442
Food assistance distribution every Saturday from 1-2:30pm
No Limits Outreach Ministries | (202) 827-2131
Food assistance distribution every Tuesday from 12-2PM.
Health Resources
Prince George’s County Health Department | 301-883-7879
Immunizations, testing, and community health programs.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Haven Ministries | 410-739-4363
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and case management.
QA County Housing Assistance (Community Services) | 410-758-3977
Rental support, homelessness prevention, and placement.
Food Resources
Haven Ministries Food Pantry | 443-404-8007
Monthly food distributions for residents in need.
Health & Wellness Resources
Queen Anne’s County Health Department | 410-758-0720
Family health, immunizations, and behavioral health.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Somerset County Department of Social Services | 410-677-4200
Emergency housing referrals, rental assistance, and prevention.
Food Resources
Maryland Food Bank – Eastern Shore | 410-742-0050
Food assistance through local pantries and partners.
Health & Wellness Resources
Somerset County Health Department | 443-523-1700
Immunizations, family health, and behavioral health.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Three Oaks Center | 301-863-9535
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services.
Angel’s Watch Regional Shelter | 301-274-0680
Safe shelter and services for women and children.
Food Resources
St. Mary’s Caring Soup Kitchen | 301-863-5700
Free hot meals served daily to residents in need.
Health & Wellness Resources
St. Mary’s County Health Department | 301-475-4330
Public health programs including immunizations and behavioral health.
General Resources
Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action Committee | 301-274-4474
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources
Shelter & Housing Resources
Talbot Interfaith Shelter | 410-770-9190
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and support services.
Neighborhood Service Center (Easton) | 410-822-5015
Housing assistance, energy aid, and supportive services.
Food Resources
Talbot County Hunger Coalition | 410-822-1626
Coordinates local food pantries and emergency food aid.
Health & Wellness Resources
Talbot County Health Department | 410-819-5600
Clinics, behavioral health, and prevention programs.
Talbot County Hunger Coalition | 410-822-1626
Coordinates local food pantries and emergency food aid.
Health & Wellness Resources
Talbot County Health Department | 410-819-5600
Clinics, behavioral health, and prevention programs.
Shelter & Housing Resources
REACH of Washington County | 301-733-2371
Emergency shelter, case management, and supportive housing.
Food Resources
Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) | 301-842-4272
Coordinates pantries and community meal programs.
Health & Wellness Resources
Washington County Health Department | 240-313-3200
Public health services, immunizations, and behavioral health.
General Resources
Washington County Community Action Council | 301-797-4161
Childcare assistance, utility assistance, and hiring resources.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Christian Shelter, Inc. | 410-749-5673
Emergency shelter for men, women, and families.
Food Resources
Joseph House Crisis Center | 410-749-4239
Food pantry, soup kitchen, and emergency assistance.
Health & Wellness Resources
Wicomico County Health Department | 410-749-1244
Health screenings, family planning, and behavioral health.
Shelter & Housing Resources
Diakonia, Inc. | 410-213-0923
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and case management.
Worcester County Department of Social Services | 410-677-6800
Emergency housing placement, rental support, and protective services.
Food Resources
SonRise Church Food Pantry (Berlin) | 410-629-1901
Free food distributions for low-income households.
Health & Wellness Resources
Worcester County Health Department | 410-632-1100
Behavioral health, maternal health, and disease prevention.