Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in Maryland

Where to start

For help beyond utilities, use ASMOM’s Maryland help directory. If the bill is tied to rent or unsafe housing, the Maryland housing guide may help you plan the next step.

Maryland utility help quick reference

Maryland OHEP energy programs

OHEP runs several related programs. You can apply at any time, but benefits are generally available once per fiscal year, July through June. You must reapply for a new program year unless Maryland processes your household through categorical eligibility.

The official OHEP program page explains each benefit. Arrearage help generally requires a past-due balance of at least $300 and is usually available once every five years, with exceptions. Benefits received between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 do not count toward that five-year limit.

Households receiving Maryland SNAP or Temporary Cash Assistance may be categorically eligible. Current DHS guidance says these households do not need a separate OHEP application or extra documents; OHEP issues benefits after the SNAP or TCA redetermination is approved. Still check your notices and utility account because processing is not immediate.

If food or cash aid is also needed, use ASMOM’s Maryland SNAP guide and Maryland TANF guide.

FY27 OHEP income limits

The current limits began July 1, 2026. They use gross household income before taxes. Household size includes the people living in the home under OHEP rules. Ask the local office how to count irregular work, self-employment, child support, benefits, or a recent job loss.

For larger households, MEAP and EUSP can use different calculations. Check the FY27 income table or contact your local office instead of estimating.

How to apply for Maryland energy assistance

The OHEP application page lists five application methods: online, telephone, mail, drop box, and in person.

1. Choose the correct county office. The office serving your current residence must handle the application.
2. Apply for every useful grant. Request electric, heating, and arrearage help that matches your bills.
3. Include all household members. Missing people or income can delay the case.
4. Send clear documents. Telephone applicants can email or mail papers, and clear phone photos may be accepted.
5. Track the case. Use the OHEP status tool. The current application says to allow about 15 days before expecting the application to appear.

Call 1-800-332-6347 to request a paper application or ask general questions. Do not assume the utility knows you applied. DHS says the utility is notified only when OHEP places a hold or commits a payment.

Documents to gather

A complete packet is usually processed faster. Use the OHEP forms page for special forms involving zero income, self-employment, wages, safety concerns, landlord arrangements, or a household member without standard documents.

ASMOM’s documents checklist can help you organize papers for several programs. If child care costs are making the energy bill harder to pay, see the Maryland child care guide.

Maryland shutoff protections

Applying for OHEP does not automatically stop a shutoff. Keep calling the utility and the local OHEP office. Ask for a hold, extension, payment plan, and the amount needed to restore service.

Medical certification

If shutoff would make a serious illness worse or stop the use of life-support equipment, notify the utility before service is terminated. The medical certification guide explains that a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant must complete the form. The protection lasts up to 30 days, and the household must enter a payment agreement within that period. It does not erase the debt.

Extreme weather

Maryland has short-term weather restrictions, not a full seasonal moratorium. The weather protection page explains that gas or electric service cannot be shut off for nonpayment during defined extreme-weather periods. Current PSC materials include winter conditions at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below and summer electric protection at 95 degrees or above in the utility’s weather area.

Utility complaints

Contact the utility first. If the answer is unclear or unfair, use the PSC consumer guide and file a complaint. Keep the bill, shutoff notice, payment receipts, OHEP confirmation, names, dates, and notes from every call.

If disability or medical equipment affects the case, ASMOM’s Maryland disability guide lists related help. If a partner controls the utility account or access to documents, use the Maryland safety guide and avoid steps that could increase danger.

Water bill help in Maryland

Maryland does not have one statewide residential water-aid program. Start with the provider on the bill, then call 211 for county and nonprofit programs.

Baltimore City Water4All

Water4All offers an income-based water and sewer discount for eligible Baltimore City households below 200% of the federal poverty level. Homeowners and some tenants can apply. A tenant’s name generally must appear on the rental lease, and the lease must show responsibility for water costs when the tenant is not the account holder.

WSSC Water customers

The WSSC assistance page lists the Customer Assistance Program, Water Fund, interest-free Promise payment plans, leak support, and other options for Montgomery and Prince George’s County customers. The Water Fund currently allows multiple requests totaling up to $500 in a rolling 12-month period, subject to eligibility and funding.

Other service areas

Ask the provider about hardship discounts, leak adjustments, payment plans, late-fee relief, and shutoff procedures. The 211 utility finder can search by ZIP code.

Help lowering future energy bills

OHEP can refer applicants to Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development energy programs unless they opt out. The EmPOWER program can provide no-cost energy-efficiency work to qualifying households served by participating utilities.

Possible work can depend on the home, utility, ownership, and inspection. Renters may need owner approval. Call 1-855-583-8976 for DHCD energy-efficiency information.

Ask the utility about budget billing, a bill-date change, energy audits, appliance programs, and payment plans. For local nonprofit support, use ASMOM’s Community Action guide. If transportation costs compete with utility payments, see the Maryland transportation guide.

Phone and internet bill help

The federal Lifeline program provides a monthly discount for eligible phone, internet, or bundled service. The Lifeline program uses income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline or participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal housing assistance, or qualifying veterans benefits.

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. The regular discount is up to $9.25 a month. Apply through the National Verifier, then choose a participating provider. ASMOM’s phone and internet guide explains the steps.