Frequently Asked Questions
Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse and the Maryland Response On March 26, 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge (the “Bridge”) collapsed after being struck by a large container vessel, blocking the shipping channel. In response, Governor Moore signed an Executive Order (“Order”) on April 5, 2024, and the Maryland General Assembly passed the Maryland Protecting Opportunities and Regional Trade Act (the “PORT” Act). The Order and the PORT Act authorize the Maryland Department of Labor to establish certain programs to support individuals impacted by the reduction to Port operations. The Department has established the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program to provide temporary relief payments to Port workers who do not qualify for Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Port workers whose UI benefits are less than their previous income from work at the Port.
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- How do I apply to the Worker Support Program?
- How does the Worker Support Program Interact with the Worker Retention Program?
- What happens if my application is denied because you think I’m ineligible?
- Can I request an accommodation?
- Can the application be viewed in any language besides English?
- If I owe child support arrears or payment to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), will the amount owed be deducted from my temporary relief payments under this program?
- Will I need to pay taxes on the temporary relief payments?
- Can payments be made via direct deposit to a bank account?
- Can I make changes to my application after it’s been submitted?
- Can I apply for relief dating back to the day of the Bridge collapse?
- Can I receive both Unemployment Insurance and temporary relief through the Worker Support Program?
- Can I work part-time and still receive temporary relief from this program?
- What do I need to do to continue receiving temporary relief payments?
- When will I receive my first payment and how many payments will I receive?
- How much assistance will I receive?
- Do I need to fill out the Worker Support Program application by a certain date?
- What does it mean to have a “reduction in my pay”?
- What does "regularly performed paid work at the Port” mean?
- Am I eligible for this program if I work near the Port but not at the Port?
- Am I eligible to receive assistance through the Worker Support Program?
- What types of workers are eligible for the Worker Support Program?
- What is the Port of Baltimore Worker Support Program?