Resources available through Maryland Credit Unions: Credit unions are offering financial assistance and payment flexibility for members affected by changes to their federal employment status due to the shutdown. Members are encouraged to contact their credit union directly to determine eligibility and learn about available relief programs, which may include: Emergency low interest loans Penalty-free share certificate withdrawals Payment deferrals on existing loans Line of credit increases and 60-day 0% APR relief lines of credit Loan adjustments on a case-by-case basis Auto loan refinancing Increased credit card and credit line limits To learn more, federal employees and contractors can contact their local credit union or visit go.md.gov/FederalShutdown and click on “Loan Programs and Other Financial Assistance”. To find a specific credit union’s contact information, use the National Credit Union Administration credit union locator. Resources available through Maryland Chartered Banks: Banks typically offer a range of assistance programs to help their customers manage their financial obligations. Such programs may include: Emergency low-interest loans Penalty-free certificate of deposit withdrawals Payment deferrals on existing loans Line of credit increases Loan adjustments on a case-by-case basis Increased credit card and credit line limit Bank customers affected by changes to their federal employment status due to the shutdown are encouraged to contact their bank directly to learn if their bank is offering any relief programs specific to the government shutdown. Federal Shutdown Loan Program: The Maryland Department of Labor will launch a Federal Shutdown Loan Program on October 6th, in the event that the federal shutdown starting on October 1st remains in effect.  Maryland residents who are current federal employees designated as “excepted” (also called “essential”), and are required to work without pay during a federal government shutdown, are not eligible for unemployment insurance, but they may be eligible for the Federal Shutdown Loan Program to help pay for expenses like food and rent.  This $700 no-interest loan must be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends, giving workers time to receive their back pay from the federal government.  Loan program information and the application will be available beginning October 6th at mdol.submittable.com/submit.  For support, applicants can email MDshutdownloan@submittable.com or call 410-849-6424 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday) beginning October 6th.