Maryland calls its LIHEAP program “MEAP” — the Maryland Energy Assistance Program — administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). MEAP is a year-round program accepting applications at any time through the online myDHR Benefits portal.
Maryland’s OHEP administers one of the most integrated low-income energy assistance systems in the country — MEAP eligibility automatically unlocks access to the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP), the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP), and potential referral to the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
Maryland uses a uniquely structured variable SMI income threshold that increases by household size — starting at 39% SMI for single-person households and scaling up to 60% SMI for households of 11 or more.
What Does Maryland MEAP Cover?
Heating Assistance (MEAP) — a one-time annual benefit toward home heating costs (gas, oil, electric, propane, or other fuel), paid directly to your utility company. Benefit range: $25 minimum to $1,100 maximum. Year-round; households must reapply annually.
Year-Round Crisis Assistance — emergency help for households facing an immediate energy crisis. Maximum: $600. Available year-round (with a Winter Crisis component November 1–March 31). Crisis covers shut-off notices, actual disconnection, or equipment failure.
Weatherization Assistance — home energy efficiency improvements. Maryland OHEP automatically refers eligible applicants to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for weatherization services and energy efficiency upgrades under the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. Income limit: aligned with MEAP. Year-round.
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) — Maryland’s comprehensive electric bill assistance program, separate from MEAP but accessed through the same OHEP application:
- Monthly current bill financing — covers a portion of the current electric bill each month, placed on a budget billing plan
- Arrearage Retirement Assistance — one-time grant up to $2,000 to pay past-due electric balances of $300 or more; available once every seven years (certain waivers apply)
- Eligible customers may receive both MEAP/heating assistance AND EUSP simultaneously
- Income limit: 150% FPL for EUSP
- EUSP funding: approximately $34 million per year
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) — shutoff protection during the heating season for all MEAP-eligible customers:
- MEAP approval automatically makes a household eligible to participate in USPP
- Requires enrollment in year-round even monthly budget billing
- Failure to make consecutive payments may result in removal from USPP
- USPP reduces and evens out monthly utility payments by subtracting the MEAP benefit from the annual bill and dividing by 12
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) — water and wastewater bill assistance up to $2,000 for households with past-due water bills (30+ days overdue):
- Categorically eligible if household receives MEAP, SNAP, SSI, TCA (TANF), TDAP, means-tested veterans’ benefits, or ERAP
- Must apply separately — LIHWAP is not auto-enrolled
- Apply at mymdthink.maryland.gov or call 1-800-332-6347
Maryland MEAP Income Limits 2026
Maryland uses a variable SMI percentage that scales by household size — the most distinctive income threshold structure in this LIHEAP series. Rather than a flat 60% SMI for all household sizes, Maryland sets different percentages for each:
| Household Size | % of SMI | Approximate Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 39% SMI | ~$2,066 |
| 2 | 40% SMI | ~$2,700 |
| 3 | 41% SMI | ~$3,360 |
| 4 | 41.70% SMI | ~$3,957 |
| 5 | 42% SMI | ~$4,493 |
| 6 | 42.40% SMI | ~$5,087 |
| 7 | 46% SMI | ~$5,860 |
| 8 | 50.90% SMI | ~$6,878 |
| 9 | 54.89% SMI | ~$7,736 |
| 10 | 58.70% SMI | ~$8,710 |
| 11+ | 60% SMI | ~$9,204+ |
Income thresholds confirmed from the LIHEAP Clearinghouse Maryland FY 2026 profile. Monthly approximations based on Maryland SMI. Confirm exact figures at dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs or by calling 800-332-6347.
Maryland’s variable SMI structure means that a single-person household qualifies at only 39% SMI — more restrictive than most states’ 60% SMI threshold — while larger households benefit from progressively higher thresholds up to 60% SMI.
For a national comparison of how states set LIHEAP income thresholds, see the LIHEAP eligibility guide.
No asset limit: Maryland MEAP has no asset test.
Categorical eligibility: Households with at least one member receiving SNAP, SSI, or TCA (Temporary Cash Assistance — Maryland’s TANF) automatically qualify for MEAP. Bring the relevant benefit award letter to your application.
No SSN required for applicant: You do not need a Social Security number to apply, but there must be at least one legal resident in the household with a Social Security number. Eligibility is based on the number of household members with legal status.
Income based on last 30 days: Eligibility is based on the gross income your household received in the last 30 days.
Year-Round Program — Apply Any Time
Maryland MEAP accepts applications year-round, 24/7 through the online portal. There is no seasonal application window — unlike most states in this series. However, households must reapply annually to continue receiving benefits.
Program dates:
- Heating: Year-round
- Winter Crisis: November 1–March 31 (also year-round crisis)
- Year-round Crisis: October 1–September 30
- Weatherization: Year-round
How to Apply for Maryland MEAP
Step 1 — Apply Online at myDHR Benefits (Fastest)
Apply online 24/7 at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us — Maryland’s primary energy assistance application portal. The same portal handles MEAP, EUSP, USPP, and weatherization referral simultaneously.
For a general overview of the LIHEAP application process, see how to apply for LIHEAP. Maryland’s OHEP contact is also listed in the LIHEAP phone number directory.
By phone: Call OHEP at 800-332-6347 (mailed applications available by request).
By mail or drop-box: Download the OHEP Energy Assistance Application at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us. Mail or drop off at your local DHS office or county energy assistance office.
By email (select counties): Prince George’s County: pgcdss.energy@maryland.gov. Montgomery County: apply online at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us or drop off at 1301 Piccard Drive, 4th floor, Rockville, MD 20850.
Home visits: OHEP arranges home visits to interview elderly and disabled applicants who cannot come to an office.
Step 2 — Required Documents
- Photo ID for the applicant (driver’s license or state ID)
- Social Security numbers for all household members with legal status
- Proof of gross income for the last 30 days — pay stubs, Social Security award letters, SNAP/TCA/SSI benefit statements, pension statements
- Most recent heating utility bill — for the heating source in the applicant’s name
- Rental agreement (if applicable)
Step 3 — EUSP, USPP, and LIHWAP Options
When completing your MEAP application:
- Check whether you want to enroll in USPP (shutoff protection) — optional, requires budget billing
- Request an Electric Arrearage grant through EUSP if you have a past-due electric balance of $300 or more (one-time, once every 7 years)
- If you have past-due water bills, apply separately for LIHWAP at mymdthink.maryland.gov
Step 4 — Processing and Benefit Payment
Benefits are paid directly to your utility company. To check on a submitted application, see how to track your LIHEAP application status, or contact OHEP at 800-332-6347.
Maryland MEAP Funding 2026
Maryland received $84,754,189 in federal LIHEAP funding for FY 2026, including an additional $2,465,280 from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. In FY 2024, Maryland served 94,205 heating households and 4,400 year-round crisis households. Browse LIHEAP funding by state to compare Maryland with other states.
County-Specific Programs
Two Maryland counties provide additional energy assistance using local energy tax revenue:
- St. Mary’s County — a payment of $55 is sent to MEAP households
- Prince George’s County — the MEAP grant is supplemented by $72 per household
These county supplements are automatic for qualifying MEAP households in those counties — no separate application required.
Maryland Utility Assistance Programs
Washington Gas Residential Essential Service (RES) — MEAP-eligible residents who use natural gas for home heating and who are current on their utility bills may be eligible for discounts on a portion of their Washington Gas bill.
BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric) — BGE and many smaller utilities offer deposit, reconnection fee, and application fee waivers to qualifying MEAP customers.
Southern Maryland Electric Coop Members Helping Members / Fuel Fund — funded by SMECO’s Project Match and private donations. Provides assistance with electric, wood, and fuel oil for 3 counties. Grants go to applicants with a termination notice who have applied for MEAP.
Washington Area Fuel Fund — operated by the Salvation Army. Aids Washington Gas customers who need help paying home heating bills.
Additional Resources for Maryland Families
Maryland SNAP: Check Maryland SNAP income limits and see how to apply for SNAP in Maryland.
Maryland Medicaid: Check Maryland Medicaid eligibility and income limits.
WIC: For families with a pregnant woman, breastfeeding mother, or child under 5. Check Maryland WIC income eligibility.
211: Dial 211 for referrals to local energy assistance, food, housing, and other programs across Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MEAP in Maryland?
MEAP (Maryland Energy Assistance Program) is Maryland’s name for LIHEAP, administered by OHEP within the Maryland Department of Human Services. It provides year-round heating bill assistance, crisis assistance, and access to the EUSP electric program, USPP shutoff protection, and weatherization referrals — all through a single application.
What are the income limits for Maryland MEAP?
Maryland uses a variable SMI percentage that scales by household size — from 39% SMI for a single person to 60% SMI for households of 11 or more. This is the most distinctive income threshold in this LIHEAP series. There is no asset limit. Confirm current limits at dhs.maryland.gov.
Can I get both MEAP and EUSP?
Yes — eligible customers may receive both MEAP (heating) and EUSP (electric) benefits simultaneously. Both are applied for through the same OHEP application at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us.
What is the Electric Arrearage Retirement grant?
Through EUSP, households with a past-due electric balance of $300 or more may receive a one-time grant of up to $2,000 to pay off that balance. This grant is available once every seven years (with certain exceptions). You must also enroll in EUSP budget billing to receive the arrearage grant.
What is USPP?
The Utility Service Protection Program protects MEAP-eligible customers from utility shutoffs during the heating season. It requires enrollment in year-round even monthly budget billing. All MEAP-eligible customers may participate — enroll when completing your MEAP application.
For current Maryland MEAP information and to apply, visit mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us or call 800-332-6347.