Are you looking for help in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines, Sinepuxent, Newark, Whiteburg, Newark, Pocomoke City or another Worcester County community? Get connected to community supporting by searching the 211 database or calling and speaking to a caring and compassionate person who can identify your needs and connect you to community support.
Utility Assistance
If you need help paying your utility bill, contact SHORE UP! Worcester County. The organization can help you apply for energy assistance from the state.
There are several programs that can help with utility bills, including:
- Home heating - Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
- Low-income turn-off prevention during the heating season - Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
- Electricity - Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
- Past due bills - Arrearage Retirement Assistance
211 also provides details on the qualifications and the right way to fill out the forms so your application is not delayed. Learn more about utility assistance programs.
You can drop off applications at SHORE UP! in Newark, Maryland, or at locations in nearby counties, including Salisbury in Wicomico County and Princess Anne in Somerset County. Find a location near you.
You must reapply every fiscal year, which runs July to June.
Energy efficient home Improvements
Shore UP! can also help refer eligible low-to-moderate-income homeowners to energy-efficiency home improvement programs through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
These improvements can lower your energy use, loss, and efficiency.
Emergency financial help
Emergency financial help is available in Worcester County from the Giving Other Lives Dignity (GOLD) nonprofit. However, you must access this support through 2-1-1 or a community partner as GOLD program are not open to the public.
Programs available include:
- eviction prevention
- first months rent for individuals without permanent shelter who are moving to long-term housing.
- utility assistance
- emergency health care needs
- food
- household items
- clothing
- emergency employment help (phone minutes, clothing/equipment, license fees)
If you need help with one of these essential needs, connect with 2-1-1 or a Worcester County community partner.
Worcester County Social Services
Contact the Worcester County Department of Social Services if you need help applying for government benefits like food stamps or SNAP, the child care scholarship, or another program
Legal Help
If you have a legal issue, and are unrepresented and need help, you may qualify for the Family Services Pro Se Assistance Clinic.
The Pro Se Family Law Project provides legal help and advice, so it’s easier to complete forms for self-representation in divorce, domestic violence, custody, name change, visitation and child support modification. Call 410-632-5638.
Legal Aid also offers help with civil legal issues, including housing, family law, employment, public benefits and consumer/financial issues. The Salisbury office services the Lower Eastern shore, including Worcester county.
Search For Help By Category
You can also find resources for other essential needs by choosing a category below.
You can also call 2-1-1 any time of day to have an Information and Referral Specialist connect you to the best resource in Worcester County and the surrounding area.
