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Alternate Name
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OHEP; MEAP; DHS
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Description
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UPDATE APRIL 2024: Due to an unprecedented increase in utility bill assistance applications, higher energy costs, and budgetary constraints, the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) is unable to accept applications at this time for the following programs: Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) benefits Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA) benefit
EUSP (Electric Universal service Program) and ARA (Arrearage Retirement Assistance) will not be affected and individuals can still receive the 55 day extension provided by EUSP.
Individuals are encouraged to contact their utility provider to discuss a payment plan.
For assistance with gas utility bills, including gas arrearage, local Department of Social Services may be able to assist with a one-time grant for Emergency Assistance. Visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/emergency-assistance/ for more information or apply online using MDThink.
BGE customers whose service is off or have a turn-off notice can apply for assistance with the Fuel Fund of Maryland at https://fuelfundmaryland.org/apply
UPDATE: OHEP has made a policy change as it relates to incomplete documentation for an energy assistance application. If the reason for application denial is due to incomplete information, the applicant has 90 days from the Notice of Denial to submit the missing eligibility documentation for the original application to be processed.
For in-person assistance, call a local office to schedule an appointment https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/local-home-energy-program-office/
OFFICE OF HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS: Provides MEAP and EUSP grants to eligible families, renters, roomers, boarders, and homeowners toward the cost of heating in the winter and electricity year round. Grant is based on the type of fuel used, household size, household income and annual consumption.
ELECTRICAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM (EUSP): Assists with electric utility bill payment. Customers who receive EUSP are placed on a budget billing plan with the utility company. Budget Billing is a tool that utility companies provide to help spread out annual utility bills into even monthly payments to avoid spikes in bill caused by seasonal fluctuations in energy use.
ARREARAGE RETIREMENT ASSISTANCE: Assists with large, past due electric and gas bills greater than $300. Eligible customers may receive a grant for up to $2,000 towards their past due bill. Eligible customers can receive assistance once every five years. Assistance received between Jan 1, 2020 and Dec 31, 2021 will not count towards the five-year limitation.
FURNACES: Offers limited funds when available for clients to be referred to the weatherization office for furnace repair, replacement and/or other weatherization procedures.
FRAUD: Assists individuals with reporting fraud.
Applicants can check the status of their submitted MEAP application by visiting https://www.myohepstatus.org/
Applicants with questions or concerns can submit an online contact request by visiting https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/contact-us/
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Coverage Area
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Offices are located in each county.
Defined coverage areas:
Maryland
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Hours of operation:
Mon: 8:30AM 4:30PM
Tue: 8:30AM 4:30PM
Wed: 8:30AM 4:30PM
Thu: 8:30AM 4:30PM
Fri: 8:30AM 4:30PM
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Eligibility
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Income Eligibility Limits
Effective July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024
Household Size Maximum Gross Monthly Income Standards
1 $2,430
2 $3,287
3 $4,143
4 $5,000
5 $5,857
6 $6,713
7 $7,570
8 $8,427
For each additional person add $857
Income limits for Heating, MEAP, grant effective 10/1/23:
Household Size Monthly Income
1 $3,547
2 $4,639
3 $5,730
4 $6,822
5 $7,913
6 $9,005
7 $9,209
8 $9,414
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Availability
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May be used at most 1 time per 1 year(s)
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Languages Offered
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Spanish applications and brochures.
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Program Fees
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None.
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Application Process
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Applications are offered at various locations throughout the state, but not at this site. Call for more information. Individuals can also apply online at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/.
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Documents Required
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Documents required are based on individual situations/circumstances. Call for more information or visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/acceptable-documents-energy-assistance/
- Copy of Applicant’s photo identification
- Proof of Residency
- Copies of Social Security cards for the entire household (including children)
- Proof of your household’s total Gross income for the last 30 day period. Declaration of Zero Income form must be submitted for those 18 and older with no income.
- A copy of your most recent Utility bill, termination notice (if applicable)
- A copy of your most recent heating fuel bill or receipt (if applicable)
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Programs at this agency
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Maryland Department of Human Services
Baltimore City Office of Child Support
Anne Arundel County Office of Child Support
Baltimore County Office of Child Support
Neighborhood Service Center, Talbot County, Office of Home Energy Programs
Carroll County Office of Child Support
Harford County Child Support Administration
Howard County Department of Social Services, Child Support Services
Montgomery County Office of Child Support Enforcement
Maryland Office of Refugees and Asylees
Maryland Department of Human Services, Kinship Navigator Program
One Church, One Child Adoption Program, Adoption Referral
Maryland Department of Human Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Maryland Department of Human Services, Restaurant Meals Program
Maryland Department of Human Services, Customer Service
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Toll Free Number
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800-352-1446
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Fax Number
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410-333-0079
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TTY
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800-925-4434
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Constituent Services
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800-332-6347
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To Report Fraud
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443-378-4000
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Main Contact Name
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Main Contact Title
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Main Contact Phone
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Main Contact Email Address
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Director or Senior Administrator Name
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Director or Senior Administrator Title
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Director or Senior Administrator Phone
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Director or Senior Administrator Email Address
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Sites offering this Program
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311 West Saratoga Street
25 South Charles Street
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