Are you trying to find a way to pay your heating bill so you can stay warm during the winter months? You’re not alone. More than 100-thousand Maryland households get help every year with their utility bills, including heat.
Learn about the programs available to help. You can also dial 211 at any time to speak with a caring person who will connect you to utility help.
Emergency Help With A Heating Bill
There are a number of options for eligible households who need emergency help with their heating bill:
- A grant from the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP).
- Support from the Fuel Fund.
- Turn-off protection during the winter.
- Help from local charities or faith-based organizations.
- Weatherization programs.
So, how do you find the best solution for your situation?
- Dial 2-1-1. Our caring resource specialists can connect you to help.
- Search our database to find state grants and local organizations willing to help with heating bills.
- Learn about the heating assistance programs and eligibility below.
Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
Stay warm with programs from Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). Income-eligible Maryland households may qualify for help paying their utility bill and keeping the heat on during the winter. Learn about the various OHEP programs that can help with a heating bill.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides heating grants to income-eligible families. You do not need a turn-off notice to get help.
The grant pays your fuel supplier or utility on your behalf.
In addition to MEAP, you may qualify for other heating programs.
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
All MEAP-eligible customers can't have their heat turned off during the winter. That protection is offered through the Utility Service Protection Program or USPP.
Learn how to apply for this help and how to fill out the application in 211's utility assistance guide.
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
If your home has electric heat, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel recommends you select MEAP and EUSP on the home energy assistance application.
EUSP pays a portion of your current electric bill. You're also placed on a budget billing plan with your electric company to help spread out the cost of your bills evenly throughout the year. That way, you can avoid bill increases during the cold winter months or the heat of the summer.
Gas Arrerage Retirement Assistance
The Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA) program helps customers with past-due electric and gas bills that are more than $300. Eligible customers can receive up to $2,000 toward their utility bill.
Be mindful when you apply for this grant as it’s only available to customers once every seven years, with certain exceptions.
Apply for heating help
Ready to apply for help? Follow this step-by-step guide for an understanding of how to fill out the application, common mistakes to avoid, and information on the required documentation.
If you’re ready to go straight to the application, apply now for energy assistance benefits in Maryland.
Maryland Fuel Fund
OHEP grants may not cover your entire heating bill. Or you may not qualify for help. The Fuel Fund of Maryland may be able to help in those cases.
Apply to the Fuel Fund if you need additional help after you’ve applied for state grants. You must first complete the OHEP energy assistance application.
These individuals may be eligible for the Fuel Fund:
- BGE customers or individuals who are out or nearly out of bulk fuel during the winter months, November-March.
- Did not receive Fuel Fund help in the last 365 days.
- Housing has disconnected power.
- Active BGE turn off notice.
- Made 4 successful payments in the past 365 days.
You can only receive money from the fund once per year. Funding is limited. Apply to the Fuel Fund.
Other Ways To Get Help With A Heating Bill
There are a number of local faith-based organizations and charities that may offer additional financial assistance to local families. You can find these groups by searching 211 Maryland's database of community resources.
You can also call your utility company to see if they can provide assistance. Here's the numbers to reach their energy assistance programs:
- BGE – 800-685-0123
- Pepco – 202-833-7500
- Delmarva Power – 800-375-7117
- Potomac Edison – 800-686-0011
- Columbia Gas 888-927-4427
- SMECO 888-4440-3311
- Washington Gas – 844-927-4427
Weatherization programs
You can also take steps to make your home more energy-efficient. This can help in the winter and the summer months. Caulking windows, sealing doors and insulation are great ways to lower utility costs.
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has a number of programs to help all homeowners improve the efficiency of their home. The programs help with insulation, furnace repair and replacement, hot water system improvements and other health and safety improvements.
There are also weatherization and energy-efficient programs available to low-income Maryland residents. You may qualify for a no-cost energy audit to identify areas of concern and home repairs. The income-eligible program is offered at the local level.
