Support for Housing, Utilities, and More
Disclaimer: Program availability and eligibility requirements are subject to change based on funding and local regulations. The best way to determine your current eligibility and apply is to contact 2-1-1 or visit the official program websites.Rental Assistance Resources
Dial 2-1-1 / United Way
This is the essential starting point for all social services. 2-1-1 is a free, confidential helpline that connects you directly to local emergency resources, including immediate rental assistance and homeless prevention programs in your specific county.
Note: Use 2-1-1 to find the specific application portal for your county or city.
Dial 2-1-1 or Visit
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Emergency Rental Assistance (ERAP) / Local Jurisdiction Programs
Provides direct financial aid for back rent, current rent, and sometimes utility costs. Funds are typically administered by local county or city government agencies (e.g., Department of Social Services or Housing).
Basic Qualifications: Maryland resident; household income at or below a percentage (often 80%) of the Area Median Income (AMI); and demonstration of a risk of housing instability (e.g., an eviction notice).
Maryland Benefits (DHS Emergency Assistance)
Programs through the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), such as Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC), can provide emergency cash for housing or utility needs.
Basic Qualifications: Families must have one or more children under 21 living with them; must present proof of a current, unavoidable emergency (e.g., eviction or utility shutoff notice); income and resource limits apply.
St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center
A Baltimore-area non-profit focusing on creating and maintaining affordable housing, and providing robust housing counseling. Crucially, they offer legal services for landlord-tenant issues and foreclosure prevention, but generally do not provide direct cash assistance for back rent. They welcome tenants with existing rental subsidies (like Section 8).
Basic Qualifications: Varies by program; focus is primarily on Baltimore City and County residents.
Utility Assistance Resources
Utility Assistance (OHEP)
The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) is the main state-run program for income-eligible households, offering financial grants (like MEAP) for heating and electric bills. Receiving an OHEP grant is essential as it provides access to the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP), which protects against winter shutoffs.
Always apply to OHEP first.
Basic Qualifications: Maryland resident; income must be at or below a limit set by OHEP.
Fuel Fund of Maryland
A non-profit organization that provides one-time financial grants to BGE residential customers who are facing a utility crisis. The Fund is designed to supplement (not replace) government aid and is a resource when other funds are exhausted.
Basic Qualifications: Must be a BGE residential customer; must have service turned off or have an active turn-off notice; must have made at least four separate payments to the BGE account in the past 12 months; and cannot have received a Fuel Fund grant in the past year.
Note: Applications are often limited to specific days/hours (e.g., Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 9 AM–12 PM) due to funding limits.
BGE Budget Billing
This is a billing option (not an assistance grant) that helps customers manage their expenses by averaging their estimated annual utility costs into predictable, consistent monthly payments. This prevents seasonal spikes in bills.
Basic Qualifications: Generally available to any residential BGE customer.