Weatherization Assistance Program (Maryland)

Maryland's Weatherization Assistance Program, described as the largest residential energy conservation program in the country, makes free energy-saving repairs so the utility bill itself shrinks. Both homeowners and renters are served. Because it fixes the home, the savings repeat for years.

The income line is generous: the higher of 60 percent of state median income or 200 percent of the federal poverty level. For 2026 that runs from $48,085 a year for a household of one to $92,470 for a household of four, adding $11,360 per additional person. A working household fits under that line more often than people guess.

Some households skip the income math entirely. Getting SSI, TANF, or Maryland Energy Assistance (MEAP) in the last 12 months makes you automatically income-eligible, as does being a current OHEP, SNAP, TANF, SSI, or HUD housing recipient. One important exception: Medicaid does not count. It is on the not-accepted list, so do not assume Medicaid alone qualifies you.

There is no central state application. You apply by contacting your Local Weatherization Agency, the LWA that serves your territory. Once eligibility is determined, the agency schedules an energy audit to identify what your home needs.

The free measures follow the audit: blower-door air sealing, attic, floor, and wall insulation, hot water improvements, lighting retrofits, and furnace tune-up or replacement. Priority goes to residents over 60, people with disabilities, homes with children, and high-energy-burden households, so say if any of those describe your home.

Pair weatherization with OHEP for this winter's bill while the home gets fixed for every winter after. The program contact line is 1-855-583-8976, and 2-1-1 knows other local utility funds.