Energy Assistance

Already Applied Online?

ALERT!

Current Energy Assistance Clients

If you’re 60 or older with a fixed income, you will soon receive a redetermination letter in the mail. DO NOT fill out a new application. Please watch for your letter in the mail. Complete and return by the due date to avoid a gap in benefits.

Current SNAP Recipients

Good News! Your benefits will renew automatically, so you don’t need to complete or submit any forms.

If you do not or will not receive SNAP, and do not fit the 60 plus criteria, please click continue below to apply for the OHEP Energy Assistance Program.

Applying is a 2-step process. so please following instructions carefully.

After appplying, you will need to provide all documents requested for eligibility verification BEFORE you can receive services.

WHAT IS REQUIRED

Will you be able to provide Picture Identification (driver’s license, passport or other government issued ID)?

WHAT IS REQUIRED

Will you be able to provide Proof of Howard County residency (copy of utility bill, rental agreement or lease document)?

WHAT IS REQUIRED

Will you be able to provide proof of income for the past 30-days (paystubs or social security award letter or unemployment benefits)?

WHAT IS REQUIRED

Will you be able to provide Social Security cards for all Household members over the age of 2

Sorry, but you don’t qualify under the terms of our current funding.

Great, please click the first link below to learn about applying for Energy Assistance on the Maryland DHS site or click the second link below to apply.

Learn about Applying for Energy Assistance

Apply for Energy Assistance

Please note: Any application (even cases with power-off notices) received after 3pm will be assigned to a Community Worker the following business day.

Our Program Offers

Utility bill assistance to catch up with amount owed to avoid shut-offs
Help getting utilities turned back on after shut-off
Weatherization assistance which is an energy survey of your home to find where fixes can be made to save money long term
Access to housing assistance, food assistance through the Howard County Food Bank and early childhood education through Head Start and Prekindergarten programming

Are you having trouble paying your utility bill? You can contact BGE directly to set up a payment plan. Follow this link to find out more. BGE Payment Arrangements

What to Expect from Our Process

COMPLETE ENERGY ASSISTANCE APPLICATION

Apply and submit application through the state website at mymdthink.maryland.gov.

SUBMIT REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Email to clientassistance@cac-hc.org
OR
Drop them off at our lobby drop box located at
9820 Patuxent Wood Dr.
Columbia, MD 21046

PROCESS TIMING

IS YOUR POWER OFF?
Your case will be completed within 48 hours of receiving required Documents.

IS YOUR POWER ON?
You’ll receive an email and a letter about required documentation within 21 days and your case will be completed 28 days after recieving all required documents.

DECISION AND NOTIFICATION

Once an approval decision is made, you will receive a letter from the State within 21 days.

If you are approved, it will take up to 2 monthly billing cycles before your energy bill shows payment.

If you were denied for being over income, you may reapply 30 days after the denial date.

DO NOT CALL

Unless you are notifying us that your power is off or you have received a turn-off notice, please refrain from calling to check on case status as it slows down processing time.

You can check your status at myohepstatus.org