Message from Executive Director Deborah Rappazzo
Out with the old and in with the new…
Over the years, this phrase has become very popular, as one year comes to an end and a new one begins. To say the least, 2020 was a challenging year for all Maryland citizens and businesses. These challenges have had major impacts not only on larger corporations but also on smaller establishments like grocery stores, family-owned restaurants, clothing boutiques and businesses concerning the death care industry. Now, creativity and innovation have become the backbone of all businesses as they embrace the many changes that have resulted from COVID-19.
For instance, in the death care industry, cemeteries, crematories and memorial dealers began using technology in new ways to enable consumers to view saleable items virtually in lieu of arranging in-person meetings. They have also embraced accepting applications bearing electronic signatures. So as we enter 2021, let’s reflect on some of the positive innovations that have developed in 2020 that have helped both the citizens and businesses of Maryland.
From the entire staff of the Office of Cemetery Oversight, we hope you and your loved ones have a safe, healthy and happy new year and we look forward to serving everyone in 2021.
Get Help in Seeking Financial Relief from the Pandemic
Now that 2020 is firmly behind us, the staff of the Maryland Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing hopes you have a healthy and prosperous 2021. As we mark nearly a year of serious disruption to our lives due to the pandemic, we know that no one is immune to COVID-19’s lasting effects.
Besides our daily commitment to providing outstanding customer service, we aim to distribute information about any sources of help we can recommend to our licensees. The ongoing public health crisis has left many of us struggling to recover in every facet of our daily lives. Families have endured the loss of jobs and businesses or the reduction of wages and/or working hours. Savings accounts have been depleted. Many are struggling to pay for housing, debts, loans, education and medical care. Since the pandemic has impacted the financial standing of so many Maryland families, it may be useful for us to share some of the consumer services offered by our agency’s Office of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation (OCFR).
OCFR serves as Maryland’s consumer financial protection agency and financial services regulator. They are responsible for supervising certain businesses in the financial services industry to ensure compliance with laws and regulations, including mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers, mortgage servicers, mortgage loan originators, check cashers, money transmitters, consumer debt collection agencies, consumer lenders, installment lenders, sales finance businesses, credit services businesses, debt management companies, debt settlement companies, credit reporting agencies, and Maryland state-chartered banks, credit unions and trust companies. OCFR also has a Student Loan Ombudsman to support Maryland student loan borrowers.
OCFR provides resources to Maryland consumers and to the financial services businesses and individuals it regulates by providing timely guidance to industry, information on consumer protections, and investigating complaints of questionable business practices involving supervised financial service businesses operating in the state.
See below for links to resources on OCFR’s website, including resources for COVID-19 financial relief programs:
COVID-19 Consumer Resources
COVID-19 Industry Resources
COVID-19 Financial Relief Guide for Marylanders (pdf)
Maryland Student Loan Borrower Bill of Rights (pdf)
Maryland Student Loan Ombudsman (pdf)
What Account is Right for You? Account Ownership and Survivorship (pdf)
"Pay Day" Loans: What You Need to Know as a Maryland Consumer (pdf)
Debt Management Service Providers: What You Need to Know as a Maryland Consumer (pdf)
Check Cashing Services: What You Need to Know as a Maryland Consumer (pdf)
Reverse Mortgages: What You Need to Know as a Maryland Homeowner (pdf)
Foreclosure: What You Need to Know as a Maryland Homeowner (pdf)
Información para los propietarios de vivienda de Maryland (pdf)
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Contact Us
The Office of Cemetery Oversight’s offices are open and serving our customers through our online licensing resources, and via e-mail and telephone. To protect the health and safety of our customers and employees, walk-in assistance is not yet available. We can be reached using our contacts page for e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of individual staff members.
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