- Home
- Government
- County Executive
- Assistance for Federal Employees
Assistance During the Federal Shutdown
Over 12,000 civilian federal workers live in Frederick County, and more than 4,700 civilian jobs are located here. Many of these people could be affected by a reduction in the federal government workforce or a shutdown. Countless local government contractors also may be affected. Resources are available to help during this difficult time.
“In Frederick County, we believe in compassion, community, and stepping up for one another in times of need,” County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. “A federal government shutdown could affect thousands of our neighbors and local businesses—disrupting essential services and creating financial strain for families. But our community partners are ready to help. That’s the Frederick County way—coming together to support those who need it most. If you or someone you know is struggling, please visit the County website for helpful resources.”
Use the drop-down menu on this page to find resources for food, healthcare, utilities, employment, education, and more. The resource list will be updated as new information becomes available.
In addition to the local resources listed below, the State of Maryland has created a web page to help Marylanders.
Check out Frederick County Government job openings.
Talent Capital, an AI-powered platform offering free job matching, career training, reskilling, coaching, and more. This platform was launched by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and a regional coalition of leaders from the public, private, education, and nonprofit sector.
Federal Workforce Resources and Data from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Find Available Resources
If you need assistance purchasing food, the following resources may be able to help.
Food banks and pantries
A map of food banks in Frederick County is available at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Food.
Food banks are available in Brunswick, Emmitsburg, Frederick, Jefferson, Middletown, Monrovia, Mount Airy, Thurmont, Walkersville (Glade Valley), and Wolfsville.
The Maryland Food Bank partners with many local food pantries and distribution centers. Look up the closest food bank at mdfoodbank.org/find-food/.
Frederick Rescue Mission, located at 419 West South Street, Frederick, offers a food pantry and a soup kitchen. 301-695-6633. Frederick Rescue Mission can be reached by Transit’s 20, 40, 50, 51 Connectors. Ride for free.
Public School Meals
If your child attends Frederick County Public Schools and you are having difficulty paying for their school meals, contact FCPS Food & Nutrition Services. Applications are accepted throughout the year online. If you have questions, call 240-586-8152 or email the office.
Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (food stamps)
The Frederick County Department of Social Services can assist a household to apply for SNAP benefits. Details are available at http://dhr.maryland.gov/local-offices/frederick-county/
Women Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program
For you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under 5 years of age, you may be eligible for WIC. Information on who is eligible can be found here. Call the Frederick County Health Department at 301-600-2507 to make an appointment.
Benefits
The State of Maryland offers several benefits through MyMDTHINK. Apply for multiple benefits at their portal. You will need specific information about all people, incomes, and costs for your household.
Health Care
Mission of Mercy provides free healthcare, free dental care and free medication to people who are unable to afford access to such care. A mobile clinic visits Frederick, Brunswick, and other nearby locations. Call for an appointment. Locations and schedules are available at www.amissionofmercy.org/.
Low-cost health and dental discount programs are available to anyone living in Frederick County through the National Association of Counties' Live Healthy program. Details can be found here.
Prescription Discount Drug Program
If you live in Frederick County, you are eligible to participate in a free discount prescription program through the National Association of Counties' Live Healthy initiative. Details can be found here.
Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
The Frederick County Department of Social Services can assist a household to apply for Medical Assistance / Medicaid. Details are available here.
Health Care Connection of the Frederick County Health Department can help you to apply for health care coverage and to see if you qualify for medical assistance. Call 301-600-3124 or visit the eligibility and enrollment page of their website.
Mental Health
Being out of work and facing financial hardships can cause distress for individuals and families. If you need assistance coping, the Mental Health Association of Frederick County offers a walk-in crisis center at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick. The clinic can be reached by Transit’s 80 Connector. Rides are free.
You can also call the Mental Health Association's 24-hour hotline at 9-8-8.
A network of therapists is offering free mental health services to current and former federal employees. People who are interested in the service should send an email to the Therapist Recruitment Project, and they will be referred to a participating provider.
Cancer Screenings
The Frederick County Health Department may be able to help cover the cost of copays for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer screenings even if a furloughed employee maintains their health insurance.
Benefits
The State of Maryland offers several health and human service benefits through MyMDTHINK. Apply for multiple benefits at their portal. You will need specific information about all people, incomes, and costs for your household.
Water/sewer
If you are having difficulties paying your Frederick County water or sewer bill, call the billing supervisor in the Division of Water & Sewer Utilities at 301-600-1025 to see what arrangements can be made until the shutdown is over. If your water or sewer bill is paid to a town or city government, you will need to contact that government directly. Links to municipalities’ websites are available here.
Additional assistance may be available from the Salvation Army at 301-662-2311, or the St. Vincent De Paul Society at 301-662-4676.
Electric
Maryland residents can apply for assistance with their energy bills through the Department of Human Services’ Office of Home Energy Programs. An online application can be found here. City of Frederick residents can find additional information here.
Most Frederick County residents rely on First Energy (Potomac Edison) for their electricity. Information about the utility’s extended payment plan can be found here or by calling 1-800-686-0011.
If you live in Thurmont, contact the Town of Thurmont Municipal Light Company at the town’s municipal offices, 301-271-7313.
The Frederick Community Action Agency offers several financial assistance programs to income-eligible households to pay utility and fuel bills. You can reach that office at 301-600-2410.
Natural Gas
Washington Gas provides service to many Frederick County households. You can reach their customer support staff by calling 1-844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427) or emailing them at customersupport@washgas.com.
BGE customers can find information about making payment arrangements on their website or by calling 1-800-685-0123.
If you are having difficulty paying your Frederick County property tax bill, please call the Treasury Office at 301-600-1111 to discuss your situation. Mortgage assistance may be available from the City of Frederick’s Housing Counseling Office.
If you are a renter, Beyond Shelter Frederick may be able to provide assistance. Information about the nonprofit's programs can be found at bsfred.org/. They can be reached at 301-631-2670.
Renters and homeowners can find advice and receive services from the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland Attorney General's Office. .
The Frederick County Department of Social Services offers a variety of programs to assist residents who are struggling economically. To reach them, call 301-600-4555.
Check with your bank about any fee waivers, extended payments, and short-term loan options they may have available. The Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund also offers emergency loans to eligible active federal employees. https://feea.org/
The State of Maryland established a loan program for laid-off federal employees. Information is available at https://labor.maryland.gov/whatsnews/govmooreannouncesemergencyloanformerfederalworkers.shtml
Student loan payments are being collected by the federal government. The Maryland Attorney General recommends contacting your loan servicer to see what options are available to you, such as forbearance.
Transportation
Transit buses are free to ride. You can find bus routes and other details here.
Legal Assistance
If you are a federal worker who was wrongfully terminated, or if you are still working for the federal government and are concerned about your employment rights, you may be eligible for free legal support and resources. Visit the Workers Legal Defense website for more information.
Recreation Programs
If you need help paying for a child’s camp registration or other Frederick County Parks & Recreation programs, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Parks & Rec Financial Assistance Program. You can call 301-600-2936 or email parksandrecreation@FrederickCountyMd.gov with any questions.
Pet Food and Care
If you need help feeding your pets or providing them with medical care, several organizations offer resources. A resource guide for pet owners includes a list of national resources.
Mental Health
Being out of work and facing financial hardships can cause distress for individuals and families. If you need assistance coping, the Mental Health Association of Frederick County offers a 24/7 walk-in crisis center at 340 Montevue Lane in Frederick. Walk in clinic can be reached by Transit’s 80 Connector. Bus rides are free.
You can also call the Mental Health Association's 24-hour hotline at 9-8-8.
Families
Family Partnership provides support to families who are expecting or have children through the age of 3. They provide GED and ESL classes, employability services, parent and health education, youth services, case management, home visiting, and child development programming. These services are provided at 8420 Gas House Pike, Suite EE. Family Partnership's office can be reached by Transit's North Frederick Shuttle at no cost. You can reach Family Partnership at 301-600-2206.
The Division of Family Services can refer families to community resources. (en español). The office can be reached at 301-600-1200 or DFS@frederickcountymd.gov.
Clothing
Dress to Impress at 22 South Market Street (Suites 210 and 212) in Frederick and the Clothing Closet on 224 N. Church Street, Suite E, in Thurmont provide clothing. They are both run by the nonprofit Helping Hands and Caring Hearts, which can be reached by email here.
Entrepreneurs
If you are interested in starting your own business, the Division of Economic Opportunity provides resources to help get you started.
Search for a Job
Frederick County Workforce Services offers resources to help people find a job, including career coaching, access to occupational training, and connecting individuals to community support services. They also list current openings at area employers. Services are available on a walk-in basis at 200 Monroe Avenue, Suite One, or by appointment. Call 301-600-2255. Workforce Services can be reached Can be reached by riding Transit's East Frederick Shuttle or 60 Connector and a short walk. Bus rides are free.
Workforce Services also helps individuals connect to the State of Maryland’s Unemployment Insurance benefits programs.
Check out current Frederick County Government Job Openings.
Other job resources from the State of Maryland include a career center and employment opportunities.
Start Your Own Business
If you are interested in starting your own business, the Division of Economic Opportunity provides resources to help get you started.
Further Your Education
Frederick Community College offers training programs and workshops. Find current opportunities here.
Page last updated October 16, 2025