Unemployment Insurance (UI)

• Unemployment insurance is available to eligible Marylanders, including certain workers who have separated from employment with the Federal government, Federal contractors, and Federal grantees. More information available on this dedicated webpage.
  
• Federal civilian employees who become unemployed due to no fault of their own can apply for Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). Other eligible workers can apply through the regular UI program. Self-employed workers and independent contractors are not eligible for UI benefits.
• Individuals who are found eligible can receive up to $430 in weekly benefits (pre-tax).
• To apply for unemployment, workers can file online or call 667-207-6520 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Federal workers should select option #9.
• Workers should apply for UI benefits in the jurisdiction of their "duty station." This means, for example, that if you are a Marylander who is laid off from a federal job based in Virginia, you should apply for benefits in Virginia. Here are direct links to apply for UI benefits in Maryland; Washington, DC; and Virginia.

Job Search and Career Support

• Maryland offers virtual and in-person services for workers seeking new job opportunities or who need reemployment support. Services include résumé workshops, individualized career guidance, mock interviews, career and skills assessment, job search strategies, support in coping with job loss and job transition, networking support, reemployment workshops, and more.
• These resources are provided through 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) and our specialized Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). Please see the AJC and POAC websites for hours and locations. For answers to common questions from workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities, see this resource guide and FAQ page.
• The Maryland Department of Labor is offering a free virtual workshop for former federal employees and contractors who are seeking support to explore new job opportunities.This workshop is every Wednesday, 9 a.m. - noon. To sign up, email FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov.
• The State of Maryland is hiring: If you are interested in continuing your public service in a new way, please visit this webpage to see a list of open positions.

Legal Resources

• Several legal organizations nationally and in Maryland can facilitate legal consultations to Federal workers who have been fired, laid off, or furloughed to explore their legal options. These links are provided for informational purposes only, and not as legal advice or endorsements. They include:
  • National Employment Lawyers Association
  • Metropolitan Washington Employment Lawyers Association
  • Federal Circuit Bar Association
  • Maryland Legal Aid
  • The Women’s Law Center of Maryland, Employment Law Hotline
  • Maryland Court Help Centers
  • Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs, Workers’ Rights Clinic

• A listing of low cost legal service providers in Maryland can be found on the People’s Law Library of Maryland Legal Services Directory

Federal Employment Rules & Regulations

• There are existing rules and regulations that govern how Federal employment works. To learn more about those rules and regulations and your rights as a Federal employee, see the following resources:
  • U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Employee Rights and Appeals
  • U.S. Office of Special Council, Your Rights as a Federal employee.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
  • Civil Service Strong: Resources for Civil Servants