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Maryland utility help • 2026
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Maryland seniors who are struggling with electric, gas, heating fuel, or water bills have several different paths. The main statewide energy program is run by the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs, but shutoff protection, weatherization, utility payment plans, nonprofit funds, and local water programs can matter just as much.
Bottom Line
Start with the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). It accepts energy-assistance requests year-round and screens households for heating help, electric-bill help, arrearage assistance, and the Utility Service Protection Program. You do not need to wait for a shutoff notice. Apply through Maryland Benefits or use the OHEP application guide.
If a shutoff is already scheduled, call your utility the same day. Tell the utility that you are applying for energy assistance, ask for a payment arrangement, and mention any serious medical condition in the home.
Need Help Right Now?
- Power or gas is off: call the utility first, then contact your local OHEP office and say service is already disconnected.
- You have a shutoff notice: apply to OHEP now and ask the utility for a payment plan or extension. Do not wait for the final day.
- Someone is medically vulnerable: tell the utility before disconnection and ask about Maryland’s medical certification protection.
- You need other emergency help too: see our Maryland emergency assistance guide for food, rent, shelter, and crisis routes.
Start Here
- Apply to OHEP. Most seniors should start with the state energy-assistance system, even if the bill is not yet past due.
- Call the utility. Ask for the exact past-due amount, shutoff date, payment-plan options, and any company assistance program.
- Reduce the next bills. Apply for weatherization or limited-income energy-efficiency upgrades if high usage is part of the problem.
If online applications are difficult, the Maryland benefits portals guide explains the state’s main benefit systems and other ways to get help.
Quick Ways to Get Utility Help
| Your problem | Best first route | What it can do |
|---|---|---|
| Heating bill | OHEP / MEAP | Help pay part of a heating bill, including certain delivered fuels. |
| Electric bill | OHEP / EUSP | Apply a benefit toward current electric costs. |
| Large past-due balance | OHEP arrearage aid | Reduce qualifying past-due electric or gas debt. |
| Shutoff risk | Utility + OHEP | Combine assistance, payment arrangements, and consumer protections. |
| High monthly usage | DHCD efficiency programs | Provide eligible households with energy-saving work at no charge. |
| Water or sewer bill | Local water provider | Connect you to local discounts, credits, funds, or payment plans. |
How Maryland’s Energy Assistance System Works
Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs is the main statewide entry point for low-income energy help. The program year runs from July 1 through June 30, and applications are accepted year-round. Renters, homeowners, public-housing residents, roomers or boarders, and some people in sub-metered housing may qualify.
For most households, OHEP looks at household size and recent gross income. The current FY27 limits apply from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. DHS says the regular income test uses income received during the last 30 days. Households receiving Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) may be categorically eligible under a different process. Seniors receiving SNAP can also review our Maryland SNAP guide.
| Household size | Monthly income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,660 |
| 2 | $3,607 |
| 3 | $4,553 |
| 4 | $5,500 |
| 5 | $6,447 |
| 6 | $7,393 |
| 7 | $8,340 |
| 8 | $9,287 |
| 9 | $10,233 |
| 10 | $11,180 |
For households of 11 or more, DHS directs applicants to the local OHEP office. Check the current OHEP eligibility page before relying on an income number.
The Main OHEP Programs
Maryland Energy Assistance Program
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps with home heating costs. The benefit is normally sent to the heating supplier or utility, not as cash to the household. The amount varies by fuel type, income, and where you live. DHS describes it as one payment per heating season and says it covers only part of the household’s heating cost.
MEAP can matter even when heat is not provided by a natural-gas utility. OHEP asks for heating information for fuels such as oil, propane, wood, or other delivered fuel. If heat is included in rent, DHS says a landlord may agree to receive the benefit and reduce the rent owed by that amount.
Electric Universal Service Program
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps with current electric bills. The benefit is based on household income and electricity use, and it is paid to the electric company. There is not one flat benefit amount for every household. Use the state’s benefit calculation page for the current method.
Arrearage Retirement Assistance
OHEP can also help with qualifying past-due electric and gas bills. The current application page says the electric arrearage benefit can be up to $2,000 and the gas arrearage benefit can be up to $1,000. The past-due balance must be at least $300. Funding is limited.
The normal rule is one arrearage grant in a five-year period, with exceptions. This is especially important for older adults: OHEP’s current FAQ says a household with a member age 60 or older may qualify for a vulnerable-household exception if the other conditions are met. If you received arrearage help before, do not assume you are automatically barred. Apply and let OHEP review the exception.
Utility Service Protection Program
The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) is a Maryland feature tied to MEAP eligibility. It is designed to help protect eligible households from utility turnoffs during the heating season and requires year-round even monthly budget billing. Missing required payments can cause a household to lose USPP participation.
Reality check: budget billing makes costs more predictable, but it does not erase what you owe. Your monthly amount can change when usage or rates change. The Office of People’s Counsel explains how Maryland payment plans work.
Maryland Shutoff Protections: What Seniors Should Know
Maryland does not have a simple winter-long or summer-long ban on utility shutoffs. Instead, the state has weather rules, medical protections, notice rules, payment-plan rights, and complaint procedures. If a shutoff notice is already in hand, act before the listed date.
| Situation | Maryland protection | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Extreme heat | A regulated utility cannot shut off service on a protected hot-weather day when the state’s forecast test is met. | Check the current weather restriction rules. |
| Extreme cold | Cold-weather limits apply during the November 1 through March 31 heating season when the forecast test is met. | Do not assume winter means a full moratorium; call the utility and OHEP. |
| Serious illness | A medical certification can add shutoff protections when loss of service could worsen a serious illness or stop needed medical equipment. | Ask the utility for the medical form immediately. |
| Past-due balance | Low-income customers who cannot pay in full are entitled to a good-faith attempt to negotiate a reasonable alternative payment plan, subject to utility rules. | Offer a realistic monthly amount and document the call. |
Medical certification can buy time
The Office of People’s Counsel says a medical certification may be signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If you have a shutoff notice and request the form, the protection can pause the shutoff for 30 days while you work on a payment plan. The utility needs to know about the medical issue before disconnection, so do not wait until service is off.
If the utility will not work with you
First try to resolve the problem with the utility. If that fails, you can contact the Maryland Public Service Commission’s Consumer Affairs Division. The Office of People’s Counsel provides a current complaint guide and lists PSC Consumer Affairs at 410-767-8000 or 1-800-492-0474. While a complaint is being investigated, service cannot be terminated for the amount actually in dispute, but you still must pay the undisputed part of the bill.
Reduce Future Bills With Weatherization and Efficiency Help
Bill assistance can solve part of today’s problem. Weatherization can reduce the next problem. This matters in Maryland because many older homes face both winter heating costs and humid summer cooling costs.
Weatherization Assistance Program
Maryland’s Weatherization Assistance Program is open to income-eligible homeowners and renters. It can provide an energy inspection and eligible conservation or health-and-safety work. The state gives priority to people older than 60, people with disabilities, households with children, and households with high energy use or energy burden. Apply through the Maryland weatherization program.
EmPOWER limited-income upgrades
The EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program provides eligible households with energy-efficiency materials and equipment at no charge. Its current participating-utility list includes BGE, Delmarva Power, FirstEnergy, Pepco, SMECO, and Washington Gas. It uses its own income limits, so do not assume the OHEP income table applies. Check the current EmPOWER income rules.
If the home also needs structural, accessibility, roof, plumbing, or safety work, our Maryland home repair guide covers other programs that may fit.
Extra Help When OHEP Is Not Enough
Fuel Fund of Maryland for BGE customers
The Fuel Fund of Maryland is an independent nonprofit that helps qualifying BGE residential customers who are disconnected or facing a turnoff. Its Silver Lights program provides specialized navigation for adults age 60 and older and people with critical medical needs. Grant funding is limited, and the live eligibility checklist includes conditions such as applying to OHEP first, recent payment history, and current shutoff status. Check the Fuel Fund programs before applying.
Washington Area Fuel Fund
The Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) is another supplemental route in parts of Maryland, but it is not open year-round. As of October 3, 2026, the 2026 season is closed and the organization says applications will reopen in January 2027. The current 2027 information says eligible households may receive up to $750 toward a residential natural-gas account. Applicants age 65 or older do not need a disconnection notice, but other requirements still apply. Review the live WAFF application status before counting on this help.
Local aging and community help
Maryland Access Point (MAP) can help older adults and people with disabilities find local financial, housing, food, transportation, and support services. Call 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465) or use the Maryland Access Point. You can also use our Maryland aging agencies directory.
If government and utility programs leave a gap, local nonprofits, churches, and community action agencies sometimes help with a shutoff amount or delivered fuel. Our Maryland charities guide can help you look for local backup resources.
Water and Sewer Assistance in Maryland
Water help is more local than energy help. Maryland’s temporary statewide Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) ended on March 31, 2024, and DHS says it no longer accepts LIHWAP applications. Do not rely on an old page that still tells you to apply. See the current LIHWAP status notice.
Baltimore City: Water4All
Baltimore City’s Water4All program is active for qualifying city residents. It is designed to make annual water and sewer charges more affordable for households below 200% of the federal poverty level. Both homeowners and certain tenants can qualify, including some tenants who are not named on the city water account but are separately responsible for water charges under the lease. Call 410-396-5555 or use the Water4All application.
Montgomery and Prince George’s counties: WSSC Water
WSSC Water customers may have several options. The Customer Assistance Program (CAP) uses OHEP income eligibility and can reduce eligible fees; CAP customers also receive a Bay Restoration Fund fee exemption. WSSC says seniors and people with special medical needs can arrange home visits for OHEP applications. See the WSSC CAP program.
For a past-due WSSC bill, the donor-supported Water Fund can provide assistance to qualifying customers, subject to its current funding and eligibility rules. Review the WSSC Water Fund. If you live outside these service areas, call the water or sewer provider printed on your bill and ask specifically for a hardship discount, customer-assistance program, leak adjustment, payment plan, or local emergency fund.
How to Apply Without Wasting Time
- Gather the latest bills. Bring the electric bill, heating bill, and any shutoff notice.
- Prepare identity documents. OHEP asks for photo identification and household documentation.
- Prepare income proof. Use current pay stubs, Social Security award letters, pension statements, or other accepted proof for everyone in the household.
- Apply once, completely. Missing documents can delay review. Use the state’s current application page to check what is required.
- Tell OHEP about urgency. Say clearly if service is off, a shutoff date is scheduled, the heating tank is empty, or a medical condition is involved.
- Keep a call log. Write the date, office, phone number, staff name, and what you were told.
- Keep paying what you can. Assistance may not cover the full bill. A small payment does not guarantee protection, but it can support a payment-plan discussion.
Application checklist
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of Maryland residence
- Social Security cards or accepted federal documents for household members
- Gross income proof for the last 30 days
- Current electric and heating bills
- Shutoff or disconnection notice, if any
- Medical certification information, if relevant
- Landlord or lease information if heat is included in rent
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting for a shutoff notice. OHEP says you can apply before a termination notice arrives.
- Assuming age alone qualifies you. Most energy benefits are based mainly on household circumstances and income, although age can create priority or exception rules in some programs.
- Using old income limits. FY27 limits took effect July 1, 2026.
- Calling budget billing a discount. Budget billing spreads costs over the year but does not automatically lower the total owed.
- Assuming winter stops all shutoffs. Maryland has winter restrictions, not a complete winter moratorium.
- Ignoring water programs because LIHWAP ended. Local programs such as Water4All and WSSC assistance still exist.
- Paying a private company to apply. OHEP, MAP, local offices, and the public programs in this guide do not require a private benefits broker.
Denied, Delayed, or Still Short?
Ask for the reason in writing. If OHEP says a document is missing, ask for the exact document and where to send it. If you disagree with a utility bill, payment-plan decision, or termination action, ask the utility for a written response and then use the PSC complaint process if needed.
If the problem is bigger than one utility bill, use the Maryland senior benefits guide to check food, healthcare, tax, housing, and other programs that may free up money for utilities. Seniors with heavy medical expenses may also want to review Maryland Medicare Savings programs.
For housing instability, rent trouble, or unsafe living conditions, see our Maryland housing assistance guide. Utility problems often become easier to solve when rent, food, and medical costs are addressed at the same time.
Phone Scripts You Can Use
Calling OHEP
“I am a Maryland resident and I need help with my utility bill. My household has ___ people. I have my income documents and bills. Can you tell me which OHEP benefits I should be screened for and what is still missing from my application?”
Calling your utility
“I am having trouble paying the full balance. I am applying for energy assistance. What payment plan can you offer, what amount is needed to prevent shutoff, and what other customer-assistance programs are available on my account?”
Medical protection
“Someone in my home has a serious medical condition or needs medical equipment that depends on utility service. I need the medical certification form. Where should my medical provider send it, and what do I need to do to prevent termination while it is being processed?”
PSC consumer complaint
“I already contacted my utility about this problem and could not resolve it. I have a shutoff notice or billing dispute. I would like to file a consumer complaint and understand what I must keep paying while the complaint is reviewed.”
Resumen en Español
En Maryland, el primer paso para ayuda con electricidad, gas o calefacción es la Oficina de Programas de Energía para el Hogar (OHEP). Puede solicitar ayuda durante todo el año. Para el año fiscal 2027, OHEP usa límites de ingreso según el tamaño del hogar. No espere hasta recibir un aviso de corte.
Si tiene un aviso de desconexión, llame a la compañía de servicios y a OHEP el mismo día. Si una persona en la casa tiene una enfermedad grave o usa equipo médico, pida el formulario de certificación médica. También hay programas de climatización y eficiencia para reducir las facturas futuras.
El antiguo programa estatal LIHWAP para agua terminó el 31 de marzo de 2024. Sin embargo, todavía existen programas locales, como Water4All en Baltimore y programas de WSSC Water en los condados de Montgomery y Prince George’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Maryland seniors get utility assistance just because of age?
No. Most Maryland energy assistance is based mainly on household income, size, energy use, and the type of help needed. Age can still matter. Weatherization gives priority to people older than 60, and OHEP has a vulnerable-household exception that may help some households with a member age 60 or older receive arrearage assistance again before the normal five-year period ends.
Can I apply before I get a shutoff notice?
Yes. Maryland OHEP says you do not need a shutoff notice to apply. Applying early gives you more time to fix missing documents, arrange a payment plan, and prevent a crisis.
Is there a winter ban on utility shutoffs in Maryland?
No. Maryland has winter and extreme-weather restrictions, but not a complete winter moratorium. Cold-weather protections apply under specific temperature rules, and utilities have extra requirements during the November 1 through March 31 heating season.
What if I already received arrearage assistance?
The normal OHEP rule is one arrearage grant in a five-year period, with exceptions. A household with a member age 60 or older, a very young child, or a medically fragile member may qualify for an exception if the other OHEP conditions are met. Apply and let the local OHEP office review your case.
Can Maryland still help with water bills?
Yes, but the old statewide LIHWAP program ended on March 31, 2024. Water help now depends heavily on the local provider. Baltimore City has Water4All, and WSSC Water has assistance for eligible customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Other water utilities may offer hardship programs, payment plans, or local funds.
About This Guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
Editorial note
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur. Email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections and we will respond within 72 hours.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the official program before acting.
Last updated: October 9, 2026 · Next review: January 7, 2027
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