Government Shutdown Resources

Howard County Government will not be cutting off water services for impacted federal workers. Please contact the Water and Sewer Billing Division in our Department of Finance at 410-313-2058 if you are affected by the furlough. 

Howard County Recreation and Parks will arrange alternative payment schedules for their fees for recreational classes and access to facilities.  To establish an alternate payment schedule, please call 410-313-7275

Impacted residents in need of additional health or human services to ensure stability during this time, should contact the Department of Community Resources and Services at 410-313-6400 or the Maryland Access Point at 410-313-1234.  A complete list of resources can be found at: www.howardcountymd.gov/communityresources

• Earlier this year, Howard County expanded our Foreclosure Prevention Program to support federal workers who were terminated by the new federal administration.
• The Department of Housing received $1M in funding from the Housing Opportunities Trust Fund for FY2025. We now offer foreclosure prevention assistance to eligible families.
• Who is eligible?
  • Howard County households who are between 2 months and 6 months behind on their mortgage payments
  • Households may not exceed 100% of the County’s Area Median Income (AMI). Specific income guidelines below:

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• • To apply, visit: https://howardcounty.prefixhealth.com/#/register/v1

• Impacted Federal Employees are eligible to receive food assistance through the Community Action Council of Howard County’s Food Bank.
• Actions Being Taken During Shutdown
  • Community Action Council is committed to supporting Howard County Citizens in need.  In the event of a government shutdown, we are prepared to support individuals and families experiencing financial difficulties.
  • CAC’s Howard County Food Bank will provide pre-bagged shelf staples to federal employees living in Howard County who need food assistance.  Howard County residents with federal identification can visit the Howard County Food Bank twice a month during the government shut down.  Supplies are limited.  Proof of residency and photo federal identification will be required.
• In addition to supports for furloughed federal employees, terminated federal employees living in Howard County may visit the Howard County Food Bank to receive a bag of shelf staples twice a month for up to three months.
• Terminated federal employees are eligible to complete the Universal Application and bring proof of Howard County residency along with a federal termination letter. Contact CAC for more information.

• BGE is providing expanded bill payment support options to impacted federal workers to help those customers manage their energy costs and avoid service disconnection.
  • Flexible payment options: Impacted customers will be eligible for multiple payment arrangements and budget billing plans
  • Late payment charge waivers: A 30-day waiver on late payment charges will be granted in increments for affected customers
  • Streamlined verification: Customers will not be required to provide government ID to access additional support measures

• 10/14 @ 6:30pm- Build Your Budget Workshop, Central Branch Library
  • Presented by the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU). Learn how to create and manage a simple budget that tracks your income and expenses, helping you take control of your finances and reach your goals.
• 10/27 @ 6pm – Landlord-Tenant: Know Your Rights Workshop, Central Brance Library
• • Join the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection to get answers to common rental questions—like rent increases, breaking a lease, and more.
• Other targeted e- resources for resume and cover letter prep, upskill with online classes and interview prep.

Sponsored by Tower Federal Credit Union, EDA is offering the Howard County Business Resource Expo on October 23rd. It is a one-stop event designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the tools they need to grow and succeed. Attendees will meet local lenders, technical assistance providers, and business support organizations offering guidance on financing, marketing, and more. The event will feature a panel on HCEDA’s loan programs, including the Catalyst Loan Fund, and highlight other capital and advisory resources available through county and regional partners. There will be sessions offered: 1) Perfecting Your Lending Documents, and 2) BRITE Info Session

OWD is continuing to be available with workforce supports including career coaching, assistance finding temporary or full-time work, building new skills through training, or updating assisting residents with updating their resume and LinkedIn profile. They can also connect workers directly with employers who are hiring right now and make sure they have access to technology and resources workers might need.

The Health Department encourages people of all ages to get a seasonal flu shot from a healthcare provider, local pharmacy, retailer or big box store. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Our Health Department is continuing to offer free and low-cost flu shots, which can be scheduled through their website.

https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/seasonal-flu 

• All core federal student aid systems remain fully operational, including Pell Grants, student loans, and FAFSA applications for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years
• HCC maintains normal disbursement schedules, with aid distributed one week after course census dates and refunds processed within 14 days

• Financial Aid Services accepts emergency assistance requests from students experiencing documented hardships due to the shutdown
• The college provides critical support services for students facing housing insecurity, mental health challenges, and other barriers to educational persistence

• HCC has established a centralized information hub to keep students and stakeholders informed about federal impacts on higher education
• Students are directed to Governor Moore's comprehensive resource portal at go.md.gov/FederalShutdown for federal workers, veterans, and families

• Governor Moore has committed state resources to support affected federal workers and their families
• Key state programs including Medicaid, food assistance, and foreclosure/eviction prevention remain available during the shutdown

• 74.3% of HCC credit students attend part-time due to work and family obligations, and over 40% receive financial aid
• With 29,335 Howard County households living under the ALICE threshold—working but unable to afford essentials—HCC provides vital pathways to economic mobility during times of crisis

Yes. Furloughed federal employees who are not working or being paid can apply for UI through Maryland’s BEACON portal. Keep in mind: if you later receive back pay, you will have to repay any UI benefits. Apply at beacon.labor.maryland.gov.

No. Essential (mandatory) employees who are working are not eligible for UI. However, you can apply for Maryland’s $700 interest-free loan program if the shutdown continues. Applications open October 6 at mdol.submittable.com.

Please call your bank or credit union directly to ask about their relief programs.

Yes. If you are an involuntarily furloughed federal employee, you can ask the court to pause an eviction or foreclosure. 

Bring proof such as a recent pay stub, furlough letter or email, or your federal ID. Courts can pause proceedings until 30 days after the shutdown ends (and sometimes longer if the judge agrees there is good cause). 

Contractors are not automatically covered, but they can ask landlords or mortgage companies for payment plans.

No. Gas and electric companies cannot disconnect service for unpaid federal employees starting on the 8th day of the shutdown and lasting 7 days after it ends.

You must contact your utility company before disconnection and agree to a repayment plan. These protections don’t cover water service, and federal contractors aren’t automatically protected.

No, customers must contact their lender to request forbearance or payment relief.

We will do all that we can to maintain the availability of services without interruption to Marylanders, including SUN Bucks and SNAP. We continue to invite Marylanders to apply for benefits at MarylandBenefits.gov.

We will do all that we can to maintain the availability of services without interruption to Marylanders, including TCA and MEAP. Benefits provided through the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) are not affected. We continue to invite Marylanders to apply for benefits at MarylandBenefits.gov.

Capital Area Food Bank and Maryland Food Bank will continue to provide emergency food assistance.

We will continue foster care, adoption assistance, adult protective services, and child abuse/neglect investigations.

We will continue child support services.

The Child Support Administration will offer relief from systematic enforcement actions directly resulting from the shutdown and the individual's inability to pay child support during this time for affected federal employees or federal contracted employees. Examples of these enforcement actions include suspension of driver’s licenses and contempt.

Maryland state employees whose positions are federally funded will not be immediately impacted by the federal shutdown. These team members work for the state of Maryland, and the state historically has been reimbursed for eligible federal expenses incurred during a shutdown. We will continue to monitor the shutdown to assess if the Trump Administration will follow this precedent or if the shutdown will continue for an extended period of time.

Yes. The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund provides one-time grants for temporary financial hardships. 

Eligible groups include active-duty service members, Maryland National Guard/Reserves, veterans, and Gold Star families.

Learn more at response.maryland.gov/federalpublicservants/resources-for-veterans.

Provide a recent pay stub, your furlough or excepted-status letter/email, or your federal ID badge.

You can also ask the judge or utility provider what proof they accept and request more time to gather documents if needed.

Customers should contact lenders and creditors early to request hardship plans or forbearance to protect their credit.

Some IRS services may slow or pause. Customers should check irs.gov for updates.

Refer to Maryland Legal Aid at mdlab.org or local legal aid providers for free or low-cost housing advice.