Maryland’s Energy Assistance Just Got Bigger: Here’s How OHEP Can Help With Your Bills in 2026

If you’ve been struggling to keep up with your electric or heating bills in Maryland, there’s some good news. The state has increased energy assistance benefits for qualifying households, and you may be able to get help with more than one bill.

Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs, or OHEP, offers assistance with heating costs, electricity bills, and overdue utility balances.

Starting July 1, 2026, some households became eligible for benefits up to 32% higher than the previous year.

That doesn’t mean everyone will receive a 32% increase. Your actual assistance depends on your income, household size, energy costs, and the program you qualify for.

And here’s something especially helpful: If your household already receives SNAP or Temporary Cash Assistance in Maryland, you may not need to submit a separate OHEP application.

Let’s look at what’s available, who qualifies, and how you can get help.

What Is Maryland OHEP?

The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs helps eligible low-income households pay their energy bills.

OHEP administers several assistance programs, including:

• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): Helps pay heating bills.
• Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): Helps pay electricity bills.
• Arrearage Retirement Assistance: Helps qualifying households pay overdue electric or gas bills.

These programs serve different purposes, and you may qualify for more than one.

For example, a household might receive assistance with current heating costs while also qualifying for help with an overdue electric balance.

Most applicants can use one energy assistance application to be considered for the programs that fit their circumstances.

You don’t have to wait until your utilities are about to be disconnected to ask for help.

How Much Did Maryland Increase Energy Assistance?

Maryland expanded energy assistance benefits for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

Under Governor Wes Moore’s energy affordability initiative, some eligible households may receive benefits up to 32% higher than in the previous program year.

The expanded assistance is intended to help offset a larger portion of household energy expenses.

The state has described goals of covering up to:

• 55% of annual heating costs for certain qualifying households.
• 47% of electric bills for vulnerable households.

These figures describe the program’s assistance goals, not guaranteed payments for every applicant.

Lower-income households are expected to receive some of the largest increases.

Your actual award will depend on the specific program and your household’s circumstances.

1. Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

MEAP helps qualifying Maryland households pay for home heating.

This may include households that use natural gas, electricity, heating oil, propane, or other eligible heating fuels.

The program generally sends the payment directly to your heating supplier or utility company.

You do not receive the MEAP grant as cash to spend.

How Much Does MEAP Pay?

Your MEAP benefit depends on several factors:

• Your household income.
• The type of fuel used to heat your home.
• Where you live in Maryland.

Maryland publishes benefit matrices showing how grant amounts are calculated.

Garrett County has a separate benefit matrix because heating costs in that area differ from those in other parts of the state.

This means two households with the same income and household size may receive different MEAP amounts if they use different heating fuels or live in different areas.

You can review the official benefit information on Maryland’s How Are Grants Determined? page.

What If Heat Is Included in My Rent?

You may still qualify for MEAP if heating costs are included in your rent.

Maryland allows certain arrangements in which a landlord receives the heating assistance payment and credits the amount toward the tenant’s rent.

The arrangement must meet the program’s requirements.

If you’re a renter and don’t receive a separate heating bill, don’t assume you’re ineligible.

Ask your local OHEP office how heating assistance works for your housing situation.

2. Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)

EUSP helps eligible Maryland residents pay their electric bills.

Unlike MEAP, which focuses on heating expenses, EUSP provides assistance with electricity costs.

The grant amount is generally based on:

• Your household income.
• Your electricity usage during the previous 12 months.

Eligible households may receive an EUSP grant once per program year, which runs from July 1 through June 30.

The payment goes to your electric company rather than directly to you.

Can I Receive MEAP and EUSP Together?

Yes. Some households qualify for both programs.

For example, if you heat your home with natural gas but also have a separate electric bill, you may qualify for assistance with both expenses.

Even households using electric heat may be considered for multiple forms of assistance, depending on program rules.

You don’t necessarily have to choose between heating assistance and electricity assistance.

What About Budget Billing?

EUSP participants may also have access to budget billing through their utility company.

Budget billing spreads estimated annual energy costs across more consistent monthly payments.

It can make bills easier to manage, especially if your electricity usage changes significantly between summer and winter.

However, budget billing doesn’t erase your charges. You remain responsible for any amount not covered by assistance.

3. Arrearage Retirement Assistance: Help With Past-Due Bills

If you’re already behind on your utility payments, Maryland has another program that may help.

Arrearage Retirement Assistance is designed for households with qualifying overdue electric or gas balances.

Depending on your circumstances, you may receive:

To be considered, you generally must have a past-due balance of at least $300.

You must also meet the applicable eligibility requirements.

For electric arrearage assistance, this generally includes qualifying for EUSP.

Can I Get Arrearage Assistance Every Year?

Usually, no.

Maryland generally limits arrearage assistance to once every five years, although certain exceptions apply.

For example, grants received during 2020 or 2021 do not count toward the usual five-year restriction.

If you’ve received assistance before, don’t automatically assume you can’t qualify again.

Your local OHEP office can review your history and determine whether an exception applies.

You can find more information on the state’s Energy Assistance page.

Who Qualifies for Maryland Energy Assistance in 2026–2027?

Eligibility generally depends on your household income, household size, Maryland residency, and responsibility for household energy costs.

For most households, the income limit is based on 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Maryland uses your household’s gross income, generally looking at income received during the 30 days before you apply.

FY2027 Monthly Income Limits

These are Maryland’s published income limits for the program year beginning July 1, 2026.

For households with 11 or more members, eligibility calculations can differ between MEAP and EUSP.

MEAP may use a state median income standard for larger households, while EUSP generally follows the applicable federal poverty guidelines.

If your household has 11 or more people, contact your local OHEP office for the correct limit.

Can Renters Apply?

Yes.

Maryland energy assistance is not limited to homeowners.

Depending on eligibility, assistance may be available to:

• Renters.
• Homeowners.
• Public housing residents.
• People living in homes with sub-metered utilities.
• Roomers and boarders.
• Households that pay for heating as part of their rent.

If you don’t receive a utility bill directly in your name, your application may require additional documentation.

Your local office can explain what you need.

Do SNAP or TCA Recipients Need to Apply?

Here’s an important benefit that some Maryland households may not know about.

Households already receiving Maryland SNAP or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) are categorically eligible for energy assistance.

According to Maryland’s Department of Human Services, these households do not need to submit a separate OHEP application or provide additional documentation for the automatic eligibility process.

OHEP issues the applicable benefits after the household’s SNAP or TCA redetermination has been approved.

This means you may receive assistance without completing another application.

However, the timing depends on your benefits redetermination and the state’s processing.

What If I Receive SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is also recognized as a categorical eligibility route under Maryland’s OHEP rules.

Certain means-tested veterans’ benefits may also qualify under the state’s eligibility policy.

However, don’t assume that receiving one of these benefits means a payment will automatically arrive through the same process used for SNAP or TCA.

If you receive SSI or qualifying veterans’ benefits, contact OHEP to confirm how your household’s eligibility will be established.

You must still meet other applicable program requirements, including Maryland residency and responsibility for energy costs.

What If I Already Have a Shutoff Notice?

If you’re facing a utility disconnection, don’t wait to seek help.

Maryland OHEP specifically encourages households to apply before they receive a shutoff notice.

Applying early gives the program more time to coordinate with your utility company.

But if you’ve already received a disconnection notice, there may still be options.

Ask About a Temporary Disconnection Hold

Under certain circumstances, OHEP may be able to request a temporary hold of up to 55 days while your energy assistance application is being processed.

This protection is not automatic.

Eligibility and timing requirements apply, including rules involving when you apply after receiving a disconnection notice.

If you have a shutoff notice, contact your local OHEP office immediately and ask whether you qualify for this protection.

A temporary hold does not erase your debt or prevent new utility charges from accumulating.

Ask About the Utility Service Protection Program

Maryland also offers the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP).

USPP is designed to help qualifying MEAP households avoid utility disconnections during the heating season.

Participants generally must enroll in a year-round budget billing arrangement and make their required payments.

The program can make heating costs more manageable by spreading payments across the year.

However, missing required payments can affect your continued protection.

If you’re eligible for MEAP and concerned about disconnection, ask your local office or utility company about USPP.

Can OHEP Help Lower My Future Energy Bills?

Yes, and this is one of the benefits worth asking about.

When you apply for OHEP, your information is generally referred to Maryland’s Weatherization Assistance Program, unless you choose to opt out.

Weatherization assistance may include improvements such as:

• Sealing air leaks.
• Improving insulation.
• Making eligible energy-efficiency repairs.
• Reducing heating and cooling energy waste.

These improvements may help lower future utility costs and make your home more comfortable.

However, an OHEP application does not guarantee that you’ll receive weatherization services.

The weatherization program has its own eligibility requirements, assessments, and availability.

If your household qualifies, the appropriate office may contact you about next steps.

For more information, visit Maryland’s energy efficiency and weatherization resources or call 1-855-583-8976.

What Is Maryland Fuel Assistance?

Maryland has also announced a separate initiative called Maryland Fuel Assistance.

This program is intended to help certain immigrant families who may not qualify for federally funded energy assistance programs.

It’s part of the state’s broader effort to make energy assistance accessible to more households.

However, detailed application procedures and eligibility requirements for this initiative have not been fully established in the publicly available FY2027 OHEP guidance.

If your household has been denied federally funded energy assistance because of immigration-related eligibility rules, ask your local OHEP office whether Maryland Fuel Assistance or another state-funded option is available.

Don’t assume you qualify automatically, and don’t pay anyone who claims they can guarantee enrollment.

Maryland has also enacted legislation intended to reduce barriers to certain state-funded electric assistance programs.

Because implementation details can change, your local office is the best place to confirm which options are currently available.

How to Apply for Maryland OHEP Assistance

If your household isn’t receiving benefits automatically through SNAP or TCA, you can apply for energy assistance.

Maryland offers several application methods.

Apply Online

Visit the official Maryland Benefits portal to start your application.

This is generally the most convenient option if you have reliable internet access.

Apply by Mail or Drop Box

You can download and complete a paper application, then send it to your local OHEP office.

Some offices also provide drop boxes for submitting applications and supporting documents.

Apply in Person or Ask About Phone Assistance

If you need help completing your application, contact your local OHEP office.

Staff can explain available application methods, including whether phone assistance or in-person appointments are offered.

Use the state’s local office directory to find the office serving your county or Baltimore City.

You can also call Maryland’s Department of Human Services at 1-800-332-6347 for assistance.

What Documents Will You Need?

Requirements can vary depending on your household, but OHEP commonly requests documentation such as:

• Proof of identity.
• Proof of Maryland residency.
• Social Security numbers or other applicable identification information.
• Proof of household income from the previous 30 days.
• A recent heating or electric bill.
• Any utility shutoff notice, if applicable.
• Additional documentation needed to verify your household’s circumstances.

Income documentation may include pay stubs, Social Security award letters, pension statements, or other accepted records.

Some income exclusions or special eligibility rules may apply.

For example, certain student income may be treated differently when the required conditions and documentation are met.

Before submitting your application, review Maryland’s acceptable documentation guidance.

Providing complete documentation can help prevent avoidable delays.

How Long Does OHEP Take to Approve an Application?

Processing times vary.

OHEP must review your eligibility, verify required information, and determine which grants your household may receive.

Missing documents or unusually high application volume can delay the process.

If you haven’t heard back, you can check your application status online.

Maryland’s Office of People’s Counsel advises that an application may appear in the status system approximately 15 to 20 business days after OHEP receives it.

You can use the official OHEP application status website.

If you have an immediate shutoff risk, don’t wait for your online status to update. Contact your local OHEP office and utility company directly.

Is Maryland Energy Assistance Still Open?

Yes. Maryland’s FY2027 OHEP program year began July 1, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2027.

MEAP, EUSP, and qualifying arrearage assistance are available through the state’s ongoing application process.

There is no single statewide application deadline during the program year.

However, funding and program rules can affect the availability and timing of benefits.

Applying sooner may help you receive assistance before your utility bills become more difficult to manage.

What About the Extra EUSP Payments Announced in 2026?

Maryland also announced approximately $48 million in supplemental EUSP grants for households that had already received qualifying FY2026 electric assistance.

These additional payments were intended to be issued automatically, without a new application.

The announced distribution period continued through September 2026.

That period has now ended.

If you previously received FY2026 EUSP assistance and believe you should have received a supplemental payment, contact your local OHEP office to ask about your account.

This was a separate supplemental benefit, not a new application opportunity for FY2027.

Relief Recap

Maryland’s expanded energy assistance programs may provide meaningful relief if you’re struggling with heating costs, electric bills, or overdue utility charges.

Here’s what you should remember:

• MEAP helps qualifying households pay heating bills.
• EUSP helps with electricity costs.
• Arrearage Retirement Assistance may cover up to $2,000 in qualifying past-due electric charges or $1,000 in past-due gas charges.
• Some households may receive benefits up to 32% higher under Maryland’s expanded assistance structure.
• Households receiving SNAP or TCA may receive OHEP assistance automatically after an approved benefits redetermination.
• Renters and homeowners may qualify.
• Applications are accepted throughout the program year, subject to program rules and available funding.

If you’re behind on your bills, you don’t need to wait until your utilities are disconnected.

Visit the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs to review your options, or contact your local OHEP office for help getting started.

Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking. You may be eligible for more assistance than you realize.