Due to an unprecedented increase in utility bill assistance applications, coupled with higher energy costs and budgetary constraints, the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) is only approving applications for Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) and Electric Arrearage Retirement Assistance (EARA) at this time. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA) benefits have been temporarily suspended for this fiscal year.

For immediate assistance with gas utility bills, including gas arrearage, please:

Visit your local department of social services to apply for a one-time grant for Emergency Assistance based on your eligibility for that program. 

Learn more at https://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/emergency-assistance/.

You can also apply online at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/.

Call the United Way at 2-1-1 on any phone or visit https://211md.org/ for links to food assistance, eviction prevention, and other resources in your area.

Contact your utility company to establish a payment plan. You will be required to pay a portion of your current balance upfront.

For more information, visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/. We apologize for any inconvenience this might cause you. We appreciate your patience as we navigate these challenging circumstances together.