Maryland Energy Assistance / Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
Last updated August 2026
The Office of Home Energy Programs, OHEP, is more than a heating grant. It bundles the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) for heating and home energy bills, the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) for electric bills, and arrearage retirement help, called EARA for electric and GARA for gas, that pays down past-due balances. Apply at MarylandBenefits.gov, or call 1-800-332-6347 for a paper application.
The income line is 200 percent of the federal poverty level. Effective July 2025, the maximum monthly gross income is $2,608 for one person, $4,441 for three, $5,358 for four, adding $917 for each additional person up to households of 11, after which 60 percent of state median income applies.
Do not wait for winter. The energy assistance program year runs July 1 through June 30, and applications are accepted throughout it, not only in the cold months. Applying earlier can beat the crunch.
The arrearage piece is the quiet superpower. EARA and GARA help wipe out past-due electric and gas balances, not just this month's bill, so a household buried under old debt has a path out, not just a one-time credit.
You can track your application without calling. Check your OHEP status online at myohepstatus.org after you apply.
Stack the help. OHEP pairs naturally with weatherization, which fixes the home so future bills shrink, and receiving OHEP even makes you automatically income-eligible for weatherization. For anything urgent, dial 2-1-1 for local utility funds.
Phone 1-800-332-6347
Help available in English and Spanish.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Income-based; households at or below the program's income limit for their size may qualify, and being on other income-tested benefits can help establish eligibility
- The program year runs July 1 through June 30, and the Utility Service Protection Program can shield eligible households from winter shut-off through even monthly budget billing
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
Apply at MarylandBenefits.gov, or call 1-800-332-6347 for a paper application.
- 2
Apply any time in the July-to-June program year; do not wait for winter.
- 3
Ask about EARA and GARA if you carry past-due electric or gas balances.
- 4
Track your application at myohepstatus.org, and ask about weatherization.
What to have ready
- A recent heating and electric bill
- Proof of income for household members
- ID and proof of address. The office confirms the exact list.
What the application looks like
Common questions
What does OHEP cover?
Heating and home energy bills (MEAP), electric bills (EUSP), and past-due balance forgiveness for electric (EARA) and gas (GARA).
What is the income limit?
200 percent of the federal poverty level: $2,608 a month for one person, $5,358 for four, effective July 2025, plus $917 per additional person.
Do I have to apply in winter?
No. The program year runs July 1 through June 30 and applications are accepted throughout, not only in cold months.
Can OHEP help with old unpaid balances?
Yes. The EARA and GARA arrearage retirement programs help pay down past-due electric and gas balances, not just the current bill.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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