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Energy Assistance in Maryland

Do you live in Maryland and need extra help paying for energy, water, and other payments? The Department of Human Services is here to help. Various services are available to grant assistance to low-income households in Maryland. These programs and services can help you live your daily life comfortably with ease and peace of mind. Shut-off notices are not needed to be eligible for assistance programs. Service qualifications are solely income-based. Some financial assistance is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, so learn more and act now!

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) is available to residents in low-income households. This bill helps provide those in Maryland with affordable energy costs. The office offers various services and programs to ensure safe, affordable, and comfortable living conditions for Maryland residents in need. Any granted assistance does not limit outside help or resources, including food stamps or other benefits.

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

Four additional grants offered by OHEP may be of service to you. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) can help cover home heating payments. Financial aid is directly given to the utility company on behalf of the customer for ease of use. This year-round program accepts applications at any time of the year. Households granted financial assistance must reapply annually. Applying online can be done quickly at https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us. Don’t forget to submit all additional documentation with your application to ensure a complete application. Mail applications are also available. Need extra help completing your application? Telephone and in-person support are easily accessible too.

The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)

The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) also assists Maryland residents by covering a portion of the customer’s electric bills. Eligible customers are granted a budgeting bill plan where utility payments are spread throughout the year. The division of annual costs can help to prevent fluctuation in bill prices. The cost of seasonal energy spikes can be better distributed into even monthly bills thanks to the tool of Budget billing. To find out more about eligibility, contact your utility company for more information regarding assistance requirements and budget billing procedures.

The Arrearage Retirement Assistance

Another grant that can benefit you is the Arrearage Retirement Assistance. This program can help customers with previous bills, including electric and gas. A grant of up to $2,000 can be awarded to eligible customers to help cover past-due bills. To be eligible, customers must have a prior outstanding bill exceeding $300. Customers may only be offered Arrearage Retirement Assistance grants once every five years. Certain exceptions may apply. Grants from January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021, do not count as the five-year restriction.

Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)

The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) offers even more assistance than the three previous grants. Services, including the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP), can assist low-income families. This program was created to protect households from heating season utility turn-offs. Every customer that is eligible for MEAP may take advantage of USPP. Year-round equal monthly budget billing is also mandatory for participation. Those unable to make payments may be removed from USPP.

Home Energy Assistance Program in Maryland

In need of home repairments? The Weatherization and Energy Efficiency Services customer data can be passed along to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This referral can connect customers with programs that offer home repair services at no fee. These improvements can help lower utility costs and bring more comfort to your home. DHCD’s energy efficiency and weatherization programs follow the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. To learn more, call 1-855-583-8976 or visit dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/EnergyEfficiency

Water Bill Assistance in Maryland

Are you experiencing a tough time covering your water bill? The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) can be there for you. This new emergency water program was developed to aid low-income families by providing them with financial assistance when paying water bills. Up to $2,000 in financial relief can be granted to households. Maryland residents with past due water payments for drinking water and wastewater may be eligible. LIHWAP prioritizes customers with outstanding bills past due for 30 days or more. Financial relief is rewarded on a first come, first serve basis. Applying online is accessible by going to http://mymdthink.maryland.gov/. Mailed applications are also available by calling 1-800-332-6347.

Applying for energy, water, and other assistance programs is easy and can make a significant impact. Applying before you receive a shut-off notice is encouraged so that financial assistance can be granted to your account as soon as possible. Documents, including photo identification, previous billing statements, proof of income/ residence, and others, are some of the needed records to grant assistance to you. Your county’s local home energy program office can serve you by providing additional service, insight, and details regarding the financial assistance programs offered to you. More information about all program details, eligibility, and more can be found at https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/.

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