|
|
|
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: OFFICE OF HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS
|
|
- Can I receive help with my energy bills?
What are the income guidelines?
How can I apply for Energy Assistance?
What information will Energy Assistance need?
Do I have to wait until I receive a termination notice or a disconnect notice?
Will the Home Energy Program pay my entire bill?
What if I am over-income for this program?
What if I need more information or have a question?
1. Can I receive help with my energy bills?
You may be eligible to receive help with your energy bills. Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) at FCDSS has several programs that can assist low-income families with energy costs. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps low-income families with the cost of home heating. Maryland’s Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps low-income families by paying a part of their electric bill each month. OHEP also has a weatherization program.
return to top
2. What are the income guidelines?
Listed below are the income guidelines for OHEP programs. Eligibility for OHEP programs is based on the gross monthly income for the entire household. Gross monthly income is the income received before taxes are subtracted. (Effective July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008)
| HOUSEHOLD SIZE |
MONTHLY STANDARDS |
| 1 |
$1,488.96 |
| 2 |
$1,996.46 |
| 3 |
$2,503.96 |
| 4 |
$3,011.46 |
| 5 |
$3,518.96 |
| 6 |
$4,026.46 |
| Addt'l Persons |
Add $507.50 each |
return to top
3. How can I apply for Energy Assistance?
Call the FCDSS Home Energy Program at 301-600-2410 to request an application or you may download and print the application click here
return to top
4. What information will Energy Assistance need?
- Proof of identity, citizenship, and residency.
- Social Security cards for the entire household (including children).
- Proof of your total household income for the last 30 days. Documented proof includes: Pay stubs, Benefit letters from the Social Security Administration, Veterans Administration, Unemployment Insurance Program, or Social Services Administration, and Pension information.
- The name of your heating supplier and electric company and your account number. Provide a copy of your gas and electric bill.
- Proof that you rent (lease or rent receipt). If you own your home, provide a copy of your homeowners tax bill.
Mail the application with the documentation to:
FDCSS Home Energy Program
P.O. Box 237
Frederick, MD 21705-0237
return to top
5. Do I have to wait until I receive a termination notice or a disconnect notice?
NO! The Office of Home Energy Programs are not emergency programs. You should apply before you have an energy emergency.
If you have an energy emergency such as a termination or disconnect notice, call 301-600-2410 for instructions.
return to top
6. Will the Home Energy Program pay my entire bill?
NO! You must continue to pay your bill. Grants from the Home Energy Program are sent directly to your electric company, utility, or fuel vendor. You must pay any portion of the bill not covered by these grants.
return to top
7. What if I am over-income for this program?
Households with energy emergencies such as terminations or disconnect notices or a lack of heat may apply for emergency funds. Emergency funds are only available when the family has exhausted all other available resources. Emergency funds cannot be accessed on a regular basis and the applicant may be required to complete budget counseling and to pay part of the bill. Emergency funds are not always available.
return to top
8. What if I need more information or have a question?
Call 301-600-2410.
return to top
|
|
|
|
