1303 OHEP
User Manual: 1303-OHEP
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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION
TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE
MANUAL
OFFICE OF HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS
1303
COMAR
:
07.06.06
SUPPORTIVE
SERVICES 1300
REVISED AUGUST 2008
Page 1
1303.1 OVERVIEW
A. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and Electric Universal
Service Program (EUSP) provide heating and electric bill assistance grants
respectively each year to fuel suppliers and utility companies on behalf of eligible
customers who:
1. Provide proof of identity, residence, and income
2. File an application in person or by mail or proxy to the local OHEP agency
indicating the primary fuel (i.e. oil, propane, kerosene, natural gas, electricity,
or wood)
B. Local OHEP agencies can mail customers an application upon request.
1303.2 REQUIREMENTS
A. Customers are eligible for MEAP if they are:
1. Maryland residents responsible for heating costs, except:
a. Subsidized housing residents directly responsible for paying their heating
costs are only eligible for the minimum benefit for their fuel type
b. If heat is included in the rent and the landlord signs a “Landlord
Agreement” stating the MEAP grant will be used to reduce the rent and
the grant is sent directly to the landlord
2. At or below 150%
B. Customers are eligible for EUSP if they:
of the federal poverty level
1. Maintain or wish to obtain an electric bill in their name
2. Agree to accept an even monthly payment plan for their electric bill with their
electric company.
Note: All members of a household applying for MEAP or EUSP must provide
proof of a Social Security number. All household members 18 or older must
provide proof of income for the 30 days prior to the application.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION
TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE
MANUAL
OFFICE OF HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS
1303
COMAR
:
07.06.06
SUPPORTIVE
SERVICES 1300
REVISED AUGUST 2008
Page 2
1303.3 COORDINATION WITH OHEP
A. If a customer needs assistance with an energy bill or is facing an energy crisis,
the case manager:
1. Refers the customer to the local OHEP office, if an application has not been
filed
2. Calls ahead to the OHEP office so the customer may be seen as soon as
possible
3. Provides the customer with proof of the TCA benefit amount
B. Determine the application status as follows:
1. Contact the local OHEP office to verify that a MEAP and/or EUSP grant has
been processed and approved
2. If the application has been approved but the grant(s) has not been issued,
the OHEP office may be able to expedite issuance
3. If the approved MEAP/EUSP grant is not sufficient to resolve the energy
crisis, encourage the customer with minor children to apply for Emergency
Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC)
C. Refer customers to other agencies when the MEAP grant and local EA grant are
unavailable or insufficient to resolve an energy crisis
• Contact the local OHEP office to determine which programs and non-profit
agencies, such as local Fuel Funds, may have the necessary resources
1303.4 EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR ENERGY
A. Customers ineligible for MEAP/EUSP or whose MEAP/EUSP grants are
insufficient to meet bills may apply to the local department for an emergency
energy assistance grant under Emergency Assistance for Families with Children
(EAFC)
1. Base EAFC eligibility determination on the procedures contained in the local
department’s annual plan
2. The applicant verifies:
• OHEP application
• Available MEAP/EUSP grants were insufficient to resolve the energy
crisis
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
FAMILY INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION
TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE
MANUAL
OFFICE OF HOME ENERGY PROGRAMS
1303
COMAR
:
07.06.06
SUPPORTIVE
SERVICES 1300
REVISED AUGUST 2008
Page 3
1303.5 UTILITY SERVICE PROTECTION PROGRAM (USPP)
A. Customers may apply for the Utility Service Protection Program when applying
for MEAP
B. Mandated by the Public Service Commission (PSC), USPP allows low- income
households have continuous utility service during the winter and provides:
1. Access to budget billing service (even monthly payments)
2. Permits arrearage payment plan for arrearages under $400
C. The main features are:
1. This year-round, voluntary program is available to MEAP customers using
Maryland area gas and/or electric utilities, even if their primary heat source is
an unregulated fuel, if:
a. Their unpaid utility bill is less than $400, and
b. First time participants may use their MEAP grant to reduce the unpaid
balance $400 or less.
2. The monthly USPP budget billing payment for the next 12 months, which may
vary according to unexpected increases in usage and/or fuel costs, is
calculated by the local utility
3. Participants must continue to pay their designated monthly amount to prevent
an electric or gas service shutoff, unless their income falls below 50% of
federal poverty guidelines
• Such extremely low income persons need only pay at least the equivalent
of $40 per month to prevent utility shutoffs during November through
March
Note: BGE and Conectiv customers may apply MEAP benefits toward their
arrearages even if they are repeat USPP households.
