When Congress fails to pass funding on time, nonessential government operations pause, and federal employees may face delayed pay or furloughs. For many in Maryland, that means juggling bills, groceries, and obligations without a steady income.
This article outlines practical steps, financial relief options, and savings strategies to help you stay afloat now and build resilience for what comes next.
What happens during a government shutdown
A government shutdown can disrupt paychecks for hundreds of thousands of families. Employees in “nonessential” roles, such as administrative staff at federal agencies, research teams at the National Institutes of Health, park and museum employees, and support personnel at the Social Security Administration, are typically furloughed without pay. Others may continue working, but their pay has historically been deferred until funding is restored.
For many, this means weeks without a paycheck but with the same ongoing expenses: mortgage payments, childcare, utilities, and groceries. Contractors who support these agencies often face even greater challenges, since their pay isn’t always guaranteed when work stops or when it resumes.
The financial uncertainty can also affect your broader financial health. Missed or late payments may impact credit scores, and savings accounts can deplete quickly when there’s no clear end date in sight. That’s why proactive communication with lenders and financial partners is so important in protecting your financial standing while things stabilize.
| What’s affected | Typical impact | How to respond |
| Income and pay | Delays or gaps in your paycheck | Map your cash flow and alert creditors early |
| Daily expenses | Pressure on housing, utilities, and essentials | Prioritize payments and request flexibility |
| Credit and debit | Risk of late fees or delinquencies | Communicate proactively with lenders |
| Emergency reserves | You may need to tap savings | Use cautiously and replenish later |
Financial assistance for federal employees: How SECU can help
When income is disrupted, the right financial partner can make all the difference. We created our Member Relief Center to support Maryland’s public servants during uncertain times, from government shutdowns, to unexpected furloughs, and other financial hardships.
The goal is simple: help members stay financially stable, protect their credit, and regain peace of mind until normal pay resumes. Learn more about relief options you may capitalize on.
SECU Member Relief Center
A dedicated hub that connects members to financial assistance options designed for short-term relief. Support may include loan deferment, emergency funding, and flexible payment arrangements to ease immediate financial pressure.
SECU Cares Loan (furlough assistance)
This signature loan is designed specifically for federal employees who experience income disruption during a furlough or shutdown. Eligible members can borrow $300 to $10,000 for terms up to 60 months, with a discounted rate six percent below SECU’s standard signature loan rate. It’s a practical way to cover essential expenses and avoid high-interest credit while waiting for pay to resume.
Free financial counseling
Members also have access to free, confidential financial counseling through our partnership with GreenPath Financial Wellness. Certified counselors can help you create a budget, manage debt, and navigate periods of uncertainty with personalized guidance.
Together, these programs provide a safety net for Maryland’s federal employees, helping you stay on track today while preparing for tomorrow.
Emergency savings tips that make a difference
Even small savings can create breathing room when you’re uncertain when the next paycheck will arrive. Aim to build your emergency fund gradually, because consistency matters more than size. Get started with these three ways to start saving today.
- Automate it: Set a recurring transfer from each paycheck to a separate account.
- Add windfalls: Direct tax refunds or bonuses to savings before spending.
- Start small: Begin with a realistic goal, such as $500, and grow from there
For federal employees in Maryland, try using our money market or share savings accounts to earn interest while keeping your funds accessible when needed.
Planning for the future
Once the shutdown ends, take a moment to evaluate what worked and where things felt tight. These small shifts can make you stronger for next time.
- Review your budget and track how much went toward essentials.
- Identify expenses you could reduce or pause if needed again.
- Build automatic contributions to your emergency fund each month.
Now is a great time to review this information and use it to strengthen your overall financial wellness plan, not just your emergency savings.
Remember that you’re not alone
Thousands of Maryland federal employees face the same challenges. Our team is here to help you plan, save, and find financial support when you need it most. For other questions, visit the member relief center to learn more.
