Resources for federal employees Federal workers and public servants, we know these times are challenging. The Partnership for Public Service is committed to offering resources to help you navigate this period. The current government shutdown has created uncertainty, stress and financial strain for many in the federal workforce. Your dedication to public service matters. We’ve compiled resources to help you navigate the shutdown. These resources have been compiled from external sources. The Partnership for Public Service does not verify or endorse their content. Mental health and wellness resources wellfed offers three recurring weekly virtual programs designed to provide structure, support and momentum for professionals navigating career transitions. Technologists for the Public Good has partnered with Empower Work to provide free, confidential counseling. Justice Connection developed a list of mental health support resources for federal employees. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides an anonymous resource for people seeking mental health and substance use treatment. Financial resources and assistance The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund has both an Emergency Hardship Loan program and Shutdown Grants available for qualifying full-time federal civilian employees. BeneFeds provides information for employees leaving the federal workforce on managing benefits as they transition from federal service. WTOP published a list of help and assistance programs for furloughed federal workers in the D.C., region. Maryland/DC Credit Union Assistance Program members are eligible for financial relief programs due to the federal government shutdown. In California, Cabrillo Credit Union members impacted by the shutdown (including federal employees, contractors or others) are eligible for loan and financial assistance. There are financial resources for troops experiencing financial distress due to the shutdown. Navy Federal Credit Union is offering 0% APR loans to eligible members facing potential paycheck disruption. The USAA government shutdown program is offering eligible members no interest loans. PenFed Credit Union is offering furlough relief assistance for impacted members. The Virginia Employment Commission help furloughed federal workers file for benefits. In the New York region, The Hebrew Free Loan Society offers personal loans to support eligible federal government employees who are affected by the government shutdown. The Shutdown Assistance Map has a searchable, filterable map of verified offers—food, financial help, utilities, transportation, entertainment, and more—for federal employees during a shutdown. Andrews Federal Credit Union is offering variety of resources for members impacted by the shutdown. National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NCFE) is offering tailored financial support to furloughed federal employees. The city of Alexandria is offering payment plan assistance by request to taxpayers directly affected by the federal shutdown. In the event of a federal government furlough, if you are a federal civilian employee or a federal contractor and will not be receiving your paycheck as a result, you may be qualified to obtain a FedChoice Furlough Loan. Utilities WSSC Water will temporarily suspend water service turnoffs and waive late fees for federal employees impacted by government shutdown. Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) provides expanded bill payment assistance options for federal workers affected by the shutdown to help manage energy bills and prevent service interruptions. Pepco provides expanded customer support measures amid shutdown to help with bills and maintain service continuity. Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is offering extended payment arrangements, waiving otherwise applicable late payment fees and suspending disconnections for residential members who may be experiencing hardship due to the shutdown. Verizon is offering payment relief for federal workers impacted by the government shutdown. In the DMV region, Washington Gas has energy assistance to help manage gas bills for those who have fallen behind. In Virginia, Dominion Energy has bill payment assistance eligible for people facing hardships. The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund is offering microgrants of $150 to support federal employees impacted by shutdown to cover essentials like groceries, gas, diapers, and other basic necessities. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) can help pay heating and cooling bills. Pepco has expanded support available during the federal government shutdown. The Virginia Energy Assistance Program provides heating assistance during the winter months to income-eligible households. The Washington Area Fuel Fund provides assistance with heating payments. The Gift of Energy Program by Pepco allows family, friends or neighbors to give any amount to any customer chosen. Housing, rent and mortgage Maryland government has implemented housing protections for involuntarily furloughed federal government employees at risk of eviction. The Maryland Crisis Assistance Program provides housing stabilization assistance to help residents avoid evictions, foreclosures, and housing-related crises. In Virginia, federal employees and contractors can’t be evicted or foreclosed on during a federal government shutdown. Fairfax County, Virginia has resources to assist in prolonged federal government shutdowns. The Arlington County’s housing and rental assistance programs seek to help tenants facing eviction. Federal civil servants who are furloughed may be eligible for unemployment insurance, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees. The Arlington County’s housing and rental assistance programs seeks to help tenants facing eviction. Federal civil servants who are furloughed may be eligible for unemployment insurance called Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees. In the San Antonio region, Endeavor offers housing, mental health, and emergency assistance to its residents. Groceries The New York Common Pantry has groceries and hot meals for furloughed federal employees during the shutdown. The Capital Area Foodbank, located in the DMV region, helps find access to food resources. St. Stephen Baptist Church in Maryland has a weekly food distribution on Tuesdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Mongomery Food Council in Maryland has a list of food resources in response to the federal government. The Arlington Food Assistance Center provides dignified access to free groceries. In Maryland, Nourish Now is offering food assistance. In Maryland, Nourish Now is offering food assistance. A nationwide network of local food banks provides free meals and groceries to furloughed employees. Food assistance resources in Montgomery County, MD. The Southern Maryland Food Connection offers a one-stop hub for residents seeking immediate food assistance. The Maryland Food Bank partners with many local food pantries and distribution centers. Northern Virginia Food Rescue can help connect you with food resources in the community. The Capital Area Foodbank in the DMV region is holding additional food distributions at locations throughout its partner network. In Virginia, The Chesterfield Food Bank Outreach Center holds a food distribution every first and third Friday of the month, at its Chester location. In Maryland, Frederick Rescue Mission offers a food pantry and a soup kitchen. ReDeliciousDC offers free food distribution every Sunday at 3 p.m. at Edgewood Rec Center. Transportation In Maryland, there are free rides for federal worker on the MARC train. In Frederick County, transit buses are free to ride. In Southern Maryland, individuals can visit the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland website as it provides a variety of commuter programs and local transportation resources.
