Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Maryland and your electric, gas, heating fuel, water, phone, or internet bill is too high, start with Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs, often called OHEP. OHEP can help with heating bills, electric bills, and some past-due energy balances. You can apply online through MarylandBenefits.gov, by phone, by mail, by drop box, or through your local OHEP office.
Do not wait for a shutoff notice. Maryland DHS says renters, homeowners, public housing residents, sub-metered households, and roomers or boarders may be eligible if they meet program rules. Benefits are not guaranteed, and the grant may not pay your whole bill, but applying early gives you more options.
If your service may be shut off
Take three steps today. First, call your utility and ask for a payment plan, extension, hardship review, or medical certification hold if someone in the home has a serious illness or life-support equipment. Second, apply for OHEP and tell the office about the shutoff date. Third, call 211 for local funds, church help, Community Action referrals, or last-dollar grants.
If your utility will not work with you, contact the Maryland Public Service Commission through the PSC help page. PSC Consumer Affairs can answer questions and process utility complaints. If there is a serious illness in the home, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel explains how to use the medical form guide.
Where to start
The best first step depends on what is happening right now.
I have a shutoff notice
Call the utility before the notice expires. Ask for a payment arrangement and ask what exact amount is needed to stop shutoff. Apply for OHEP the same day.
I am already disconnected
Ask the utility what is required to restore service. Then call OHEP and say the service is off. You may still need a payment plan or local help to cover the remaining balance.
My bill is high
Apply for OHEP before you fall further behind. Ask about EmPOWER Maryland or weatherization if drafts, old appliances, or heating/cooling costs are part of the problem.
I need water help
Water help is local. Baltimore City, WSSC Water, and some counties have their own programs. Call your water provider and 211.
Quick reference
| Need | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating bill | OHEP energy help | Ask about MEAP. | The grant is usually paid to the supplier or utility, not to you. |
| Electric bill | OHEP | Ask about EUSP and budget billing. | The amount depends on income and electric use. |
| Past-due balance | OHEP and your utility | Ask about Arrearage Retirement Assistance. | You must meet rules, and the help may not erase the whole balance. |
| Shutoff notice | Utility, OHEP, PSC | Ask for a payment plan, extension, and help filing OHEP. | The utility may still require a payment arrangement. |
| Water bill | Your water provider | Ask about hardship programs and payment plans. | Water programs vary by city or county. |
| Phone or internet | Lifeline program | Ask if your household qualifies by income or benefits. | Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. |
Maryland energy programs
OHEP is the main Maryland program for low-income energy help. The program year runs from July 1 through June 30 each year. You can apply through the OHEP application page. If you already applied, use the OHEP status tool; the state says the status tool may not show the case until the local office starts working on it.
Maryland’s energy help is not only for homeowners. If you rent, live in public housing, pay a sub-metered bill, pay a landlord for utilities, or pay for heating fuel, you should still ask OHEP how your situation is handled.
| Program | What it helps with | Who may qualify | Practical note |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEAP | Home heating bills, including gas, electric heat, oil, propane, wood, wood pellets, or kerosene. | Income-eligible households that are responsible for home energy costs. | OHEP says the grant is based on fuel type, income, and where you live. |
| EUSP | Electric bill help and future monthly electric costs. | Income-eligible electric customers. | The amount depends on household income and electric use over the past 12 months. |
| Arrearage Retirement Assistance | Past-due electric or gas balances. | Households that qualify for EUSP and meet arrearage rules. | Maryland lists a past-due balance of $300 or more and a five-year rule, with some exceptions. |
| USPP | Winter shutoff protection and even monthly payments. | MEAP-eligible households. | You must keep up with the monthly plan to stay protected. |
| DHCD referral | Weatherization and energy efficiency. | Households that qualify for energy-saving services. | The OHEP application can refer your information to DHCD unless you opt out. |
For a broader list of Maryland aid beyond utilities, see the ASMOM Maryland grants guide. If your power bill is only one part of a bigger crisis, the emergency help page may also help you sort food, rent, and safety needs.
OHEP income limits for FY26
Maryland DHS lists monthly income limits for MEAP and EUSP. These limits can change by program year, so confirm them before you apply.
| Household size | Monthly income limit | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 | Apply if your gross monthly income is at or below the limit. |
| 2 | $3,525 | Count income for adults in the household. |
| 3 | $4,441 | Include children in household size. |
| 4 | $5,358 | Gather the last 30 days of income proof. |
| 5 | $6,275 | Ask OHEP about any special household situation. |
| 6 | $7,191 | Confirm if your household has mixed income types. |
| 7 | $8,108 | Use the current DHS chart. |
| 8 | $9,025 | Call your local office if unsure. |
| 9 | $9,942 | Do not guess; ask the office. |
| 10 | $10,859 | Large households should confirm details. |
| 11 or more | Contact OHEP | Ask your local office for the current limit. |
Income rules can be confusing if you are self-employed, paid irregularly, receiving child support, newly unemployed, or living with relatives. If your income has changed, do not assume you are over the limit. Ask your local office how to count the last 30 days.
How to handle a shutoff notice
A shutoff notice is time-sensitive. Do not wait for OHEP to finish before you call the utility. Tell the utility you are applying for energy assistance, ask for the exact amount needed to stop shutoff, and ask for the payment arrangement in writing or by email.
Maryland PSC says a utility must withhold termination for an additional 30 days if it receives proper notice that a customer or household member has a serious medical condition or needs life-support equipment. A doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant may need to complete the form. This protection gives time to set up a payment plan; it does not erase the bill.
Maryland also has weather-related termination rules. The PSC Consumer FAQ explains limits on nonpayment shutoffs during certain winter and summer weather conditions. If the rules are not clear, call PSC Consumer Affairs.
Important warning
Utilities do not always know you applied for OHEP right away. Keep your application confirmation, call your local office, and call the utility. Ask the utility what it needs to place a hold or note on your account.
Documents checklist
Missing documents can slow your case. Maryland DHS says the 14-day review period starts after the office receives a complete application packet. You can check the official OHEP document list for details.
| Document | Examples | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Driver’s license, state ID, passport, or other accepted ID. | Ask the office if your ID is expired or from another state. |
| Proof of address | Lease, rent receipt, utility bill, mortgage statement, or other proof. | The address should match where you need service. |
| Household proof | Social Security cards or accepted federal documents for household members. | Ask OHEP what to do if a household member lacks a Social Security number. |
| Income proof | Pay stubs, award letters, benefit letters, pension records, or self-employment records. | Use the last 30 days unless the office tells you otherwise. |
| Utility bills | Electric bill, heating bill, fuel invoice, shutoff notice, or account number. | Send the most recent bill and any shutoff notice. |
If you are applying for other help too, the ASMOM SNAP help, TANF help, and child care help guides can help you plan your paperwork.
Water bill help in Maryland
Maryland water help is not one statewide program. It depends on your water provider and where you live.
Baltimore City Water4All
Baltimore City has a Water4All discount program for eligible residential households. The city says households with income below 200% of the federal poverty level may qualify. Homeowners and some tenants may qualify, including some tenants whose names are not on the water bill if their lease clearly shows that they are responsible for water and sewer costs. Start at Baltimore Water4All.
WSSC Water customers
WSSC Water serves many customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Its WSSC assistance page lists programs such as the Water Fund, Promise pay plans, CAP, leak repair help, and other customer supports. WSSC says its Water Fund may help eligible customers up to a yearly amount, and CAP can help with certain fees. Rules and funding can change, so confirm before applying.
Other water providers
If you are outside Baltimore City or WSSC service areas, call the water provider on your bill and ask for hardship, leak, payment plan, medical, or senior/disabled customer options. Then call 211 and ask for water bill assistance in your county.
Lower future bills
Bill help can solve a short-term problem, but a drafty home, old heating system, water leak, or poor insulation can keep the bills high. Maryland DHCD runs the EmPOWER program for limited-income households. DHCD says the program can install certain energy-saving materials and equipment at no charge for eligible households served by participating utilities.
Ask OHEP about the DHCD referral on your application. Renters should also ask whether landlord approval is needed before work can be done.
For phone or internet costs, Lifeline may help if your income is at or below the federal limit or if your household participates in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal housing assistance, LIHEAP, or certain veterans benefits. Maryland PSC also has a Maryland Lifeline page with rules and provider information.
If utility costs are part of a housing problem, see ASMOM’s housing help guide. If medical needs affect utility use, the health care help guide may also be useful.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting for a shutoff notice. OHEP says you do not need to wait for one to apply.
- Sending the application without documents. This can slow review.
- Applying in the wrong county. Maryland says your local office must process the application.
- Assuming the utility knows. Tell the utility you applied and ask what proof it needs.
- Ignoring letters. Open mail from OHEP and the utility. Missing a request can delay or close a case.
- Using third-party promises. Avoid anyone who asks for gift cards, app payments, or fees to get a utility grant.
If help is denied, delayed, or not enough
If your OHEP case is delayed, call your local office and ask what is missing. If the utility is still moving toward shutoff, call PSC Consumer Affairs and explain the shutoff date, account number, and that you applied for OHEP. Keep notes with dates, names, and what each office said.
If OHEP is not enough to restore service, ask about local fuel funds, emergency grants from social services, faith-based aid, or Community Action resources. 211 Maryland’s 211 utility page can help you find local programs. BGE residential customers may also check the Fuel Fund page. Washington Gas customers in the service area can check the WAFF website for seasonal help.
For benefits problems, paperwork, or appeal questions, see ASMOM’s legal help guide. If disability, serious illness, or equipment needs affect your case, see disability support.
Backup options when the bill is still too high
- Ask the utility for budget billing, a longer payment plan, late-fee help, or a hardship fund.
- Ask 211 for a county-specific list of churches, nonprofits, and Community Action agencies.
- Ask your child’s school social worker, Head Start, health clinic, or county DSS office for referrals.
- Check whether you also need food, rent, child care, or transportation help. Utility stress often comes with other costs.
- If there is family violence or unsafe housing, focus on safety first. ASMOM has a Maryland domestic violence help guide.
For nearby nonprofits and local supports, use the ASMOM community support page. If getting to appointments or work is part of the problem, see transportation help.
Phone scripts
Call the utility
“Hi, my name is [name]. I have a shutoff notice dated [date]. I am applying for OHEP. What amount is needed today to stop shutoff, and can I get a payment plan or extension in writing?”
Call OHEP
“Hi, I need help with my energy bill. I have [a shutoff notice / disconnected service / a high balance]. Can you tell me what documents are missing and whether my case can be reviewed because of the shutoff date?”
Call 211
“I am a single mother in [county], Maryland. I applied for OHEP, but I still need help with [electric / gas / water]. Are there local funds, churches, Community Action agencies, or fuel funds I can call today?”
Call PSC Consumer Affairs
“I contacted my utility about a shutoff notice and asked for a payment plan. I also applied for energy assistance. Can you explain my rights and whether I can file a complaint or request help with a payment arrangement?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita ayuda con luz, gas, calefacción, agua, teléfono o internet en Maryland, empiece con OHEP. Puede solicitar ayuda por internet, por teléfono, por correo, en persona o con una caja de entrega en su oficina local. No espere hasta que le corten el servicio.
Si tiene un aviso de corte, llame a la compañÃa de servicios públicos y pida un plan de pago o más tiempo. Si alguien en la casa tiene una enfermedad seria o equipo médico que necesita electricidad, pregunte por el formulario médico. También puede llamar al 211 para buscar ayuda local.
FAQ
Can single mothers in Maryland get help with electric bills?
Yes, if the household meets program rules. OHEP’s Electric Universal Service Program can help with electric costs, and Arrearage Retirement Assistance may help with certain past-due electric or gas balances.
Do I need a shutoff notice to apply for OHEP?
No. Maryland DHS says you should not wait for a shutoff notice. Apply as soon as the bill is becoming hard to pay.
How long does OHEP take?
Maryland DHS says a complete application packet should be reviewed within 14 days, and a final decision should be made within 45 days. Missing documents can delay the case.
Can renters apply for Maryland energy assistance?
Yes. Renters may apply if they are responsible for energy costs. This can include some renters whose utility costs are handled through rent or a landlord, depending on the documents and rules.
Can OHEP stop a shutoff?
It may help, but do not rely on the application alone. Call the utility, ask for a payment plan or hold, and tell OHEP about the shutoff date. If needed, contact PSC Consumer Affairs.
Where can I get water bill help in Maryland?
Water help is local. Baltimore City residents can check Water4All. WSSC Water customers can check WSSC assistance programs. Other households should call their water provider and 211.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 20, 2026, next review August 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.