This independent guide from 97 Options explains the main Maryland energy assistance programs, current income guidelines, how to apply, documents you may need, and where to find official help.
Important: 97 Options is an independent energy comparison and educational service. We are not a government agency and do not administer LIHEAP, OHEP, MEAP, EUSP, or other public assistance programs.
Maryland Energy Assistance at a Glance
Maryland offers several programs depending on the type of assistance a household needs.
If You Need Help With | Program or Resource |
Home heating costs | Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) |
Electricity bills | Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) |
Large past-due utility balances | Arrearage Retirement Assistance |
Utility shutoff protection | Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) |
Energy-efficiency improvements | EmPOWER Maryland / Weatherization |
Additional community support | 211 Maryland and local organizations |
Understanding which program applies to your situation can make it easier to find the right assistance and avoid unnecessary application delays.
What Is LIHEAP in Maryland?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that helps qualifying households manage home energy costs. In Maryland, LIHEAP-funded assistance is administered through the Maryland Department of Human Services and its Office of Home Energy Programs.
Residents searching for LIHEAP Maryland will often see terms such as OHEP, MEAP, and EUSP because Maryland uses these programs to provide different types of household energy assistance.
You can review the state's program information through the official Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs.
Maryland Energy Assistance Programs
Maryland does not use one single grant for every energy-related problem. Different programs address heating bills, electricity costs, past-due balances, and shutoff protection.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps eligible households with home heating costs. Assistance is generally paid to the household's utility company or fuel supplier rather than directly to the applicant.
The amount of assistance can depend on factors such as household income, household size, heating fuel, and other program requirements.
MEAP is especially relevant for residents looking for:
Maryland heating assistance
Help paying heating bills in Maryland
Low-income home energy assistance
Maryland energy assistance for winter costs
Receiving a MEAP benefit does not necessarily mean the program will cover the household's entire heating bill.
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps eligible Maryland households with electricity costs.
The program considers factors such as household income and electricity usage when determining assistance. Payments are generally sent directly to the electric utility.
EUSP is particularly relevant for households searching for help paying an electric bill in Maryland, low-income electric assistance, or general Maryland utility bill assistance.
Arrearage Assistance for Past-Due Bills
Some households with large past-due utility balances may qualify for Arrearage Retirement Assistance.
Current Maryland program information allows qualifying households to receive assistance toward certain overdue electricity or gas balances, subject to eligibility rules, previous assistance received, and program limits.
Because arrearage assistance is not automatically available to everyone with an overdue bill, applicants should allow OHEP to determine their eligibility based on their individual circumstances.
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) provides additional protection against utility shutoffs for certain eligible households during the heating season.
Participation can require the customer to maintain a year-round payment arrangement with the utility. Households facing disconnection should contact both their utility company and OHEP as early as possible.
Who Qualifies for Maryland Energy Assistance?
Eligibility for LIHEAP-funded assistance in Maryland depends on household circumstances and the specific program being requested.
Potentially eligible households may include:
Homeowners
Renters
Public-housing residents
Some households with energy costs included in rent
Certain sub-metered households
Important eligibility factors can include:
Household income
Number of people in the household
Maryland residency
Responsibility for energy costs
Utility account status
Past-due balances
Previous energy assistance
Meeting an income guideline does not automatically guarantee assistance. The state makes the final eligibility determination.
Maryland LIHEAP Income Limits for 2026–2027
For FY27, Maryland currently lists the following monthly income limits for MEAP and EUSP:
Household Size | Maximum Monthly Income |
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 |
11+ | Contact your local OHEP office |
Last reviewed: October 2026
These figures can change between program years. Household income is only one part of the eligibility process, so applicants should confirm current requirements before applying.
How to Apply for LIHEAP and Energy Assistance in Maryland
Maryland provides several ways for residents to submit an energy assistance application.
Applicants may apply:
Online
By mail
Through a local OHEP office
Using an office drop box
By phone
In person
For official application instructions and available submission methods, visit Maryland DHS's energy assistance application page.
Maryland DHS can also be contacted at 1-800-332-6347. Applicants should make sure their application is submitted to the appropriate local office because sending documents to the wrong location may cause delays.
Documents You May Need
Applicants should prepare the required documents before submitting an application whenever possible.
Depending on the household, Maryland may request:
Photo identification
Proof of Maryland residency
Household member information
Social Security verification
Proof of recent gross household income
Most recent electric bill
Heating bill or fuel information
Additional documents based on household circumstances
Incomplete applications can take longer to process, so applicants should carefully review current documentation requirements before submission.
How to Check Your Maryland Energy Assistance Application Status
After submitting an application, it may take time before the case appears in Maryland's system.
Applicants should keep copies of their application and supporting documents. If an application has been pending longer than expected, they can contact their local OHEP office or the Maryland DHS customer service number for assistance.
Having identifying application information available when contacting the office can make it easier for staff to locate the case.
What to Do If Your Utilities May Be Shut Off
A utility shutoff notice should be treated as urgent.
Maryland residents facing electricity or gas disconnection should contact:
Their local OHEP office
Their utility company
Local nonprofit assistance organizations
211 Maryland
A household may still be able to apply for energy assistance after receiving a shutoff notice. However, applying for assistance does not necessarily mean a scheduled disconnection will automatically stop.
Residents who need help identifying local programs can use 211 Maryland utility assistance resources or dial 211.
Other Energy Assistance Available in Maryland
Households that need additional support may have options beyond MEAP and EUSP.
Fuel Fund of Maryland
The Fuel Fund of Maryland provides supplemental assistance in certain situations, particularly for some households experiencing an energy emergency.
Its eligibility requirements and available funding are separate from OHEP programs. Households should confirm current requirements before relying on assistance.
EmPOWER Maryland
Energy assistance can address an immediate bill, while energy-efficiency improvements may help reduce household energy use over time.
The EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program can provide eligible households with qualifying efficiency improvements.
Depending on the property and program, improvements may include:
Insulation
Lighting upgrades
Heating-system servicing
Hot-water efficiency improvements
Other measures designed to reduce energy consumption
Maryland Energy Assistance Updates for 2026–2027
Maryland introduced several changes to its energy-assistance programs beginning in July 2026.
Updates included:
Increased energy-assistance benefits
Expanded eligibility
Changes intended to simplify the application process
Additional support in response to rising energy costs
Because funding levels, income guidelines, and program rules can change, residents should always confirm current information before applying.
This is especially important when reviewing benefit amounts because the actual amount a household receives can vary according to income, energy use, household size, and available program funding.
Can Energy Assistance Households Choose an Electricity Supplier in Maryland?
Maryland allows many households to choose a competitive electricity supplier, but additional consumer protections apply to certain households receiving energy assistance.
An energy-assistance recipient should not assume that every competitive electricity plan is automatically available or appropriate for their household.
Before choosing a supplier, consider:
Whether the supplier is licensed in Maryland
Whether the offer is permitted for an energy-assistance household
The price compared with the utility's Standard Offer Service
Whether the rate is fixed or variable
Contract duration
Renewal terms
Cancellation or other charges
Consumers can review the state's limited-income retail supplier protections through the Maryland Public Service Commission guidance.
Review Your Ongoing Energy Costs With 97 Options
Energy assistance can help eligible households manage immediate utility costs. Separately, reviewing your ongoing electricity or natural-gas costs may help you better understand what you are paying for energy.
97 Options allows consumers in supported competitive markets to compare available energy plans by ZIP code.
Compare Energy Plans
Enter your ZIP code to review available electricity or natural-gas plan options where energy choice is available.
Find Plans Instantly
Enter your ZIP code to see the best plans in your area
Important for Maryland assistance households: Comparing energy plans through 97 Options is separate from applying for LIHEAP or OHEP assistance. Some households receiving energy assistance are subject to additional Maryland supplier protections.
Understand Your Current Energy Bill With Maya
If you already have an electricity bill, Maya by 97 Options can help analyze information such as:
Energy usage
Current rate
Provider
Bill charges
Current energy costs
Maya is designed for bill analysis and energy-plan comparison.
It does not determine LIHEAP eligibility, approve OHEP benefits, or process government assistance applications.
Analyze My Energy Bill
Upload your current bill to better understand your energy usage and costs.
Official Maryland Energy Assistance Resources
Resource | What It Helps With | Contact |
Maryland DHS / OHEP | MEAP, EUSP, arrearage assistance and USPP | 1-800-332-6347 |
Maryland Energy Assistance Application | Application and submission instructions | Maryland DHS |
Local OHEP Offices | Local applications and case assistance | Varies by county |
211 Maryland | Utility and community assistance referrals | Dial 211 |
Maryland DHCD | Energy-efficiency and weatherization support | 1-855-583-8976 |
97 Options is not connected with these government or nonprofit programs. The resources above are provided to help Maryland residents locate official assistance.
Important Disclaimer
97 Options is an independent energy comparison and educational service. It is not a government agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by LIHEAP, the Maryland Department of Human Services, OHEP, MEAP, EUSP, USPP, or any other government assistance program. 97 Options does not determine eligibility, approve benefits, process applications, or guarantee financial assistance. Program eligibility, funding, income limits, benefits, and procedures may change, so applicants should confirm current information with the appropriate official agency.