Maryland Energy Aid Reaches Nearly 150,000 Households
State energy assistance program served 148,632 households in fiscal year 2026, up from 131,396 the year before.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Appliances
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The Maryland Department of Human Services' Office of Home Energy Program served 148,632 households and distributed nearly $186 million in energy assistance in fiscal year 2026. That is a rise from 131,396 households and more than $131 million in fiscal year 2025.
Why it matters
Rising energy costs are straining household budgets as temperatures drop, and the expanded reach of the program means more Maryland families can receive help covering heating bills. The state is also using automated data matching to connect SNAP and TCA recipients with aid.
Households served rose about 13% and total assistance distributed rose about 42% from FY 2025 to FY 2026, according to the Office of Home Energy Program. The source does not say how many eligible households went unserved.
The players
Maryland Department of Human Services
The state agency that administers public assistance programs in Maryland, including the Office of Home Energy Program.
Office of Home Energy Program
Maryland's program providing energy bill assistance to eligible low-income households, including one-time crisis grants during the winter season.
The details
The Maryland Benefits One Application provides a simplified way to apply for benefits, including energy assistance. Households already receiving SNAP or TCA are connected to energy aid through enhanced automated data matching, and eligible households in a heating crisis may receive a one-time grant of up to $600.
Timeline
Fiscal year 2025: OHEP served 131,396 households and distributed more than $131 million.
Fiscal year 2026: OHEP served 148,632 households and distributed nearly $186 million.
Nov. 1 through March 31: OHEP's winter crisis season runs.
Roadmap
Maryland's energy assistance expansion follows the $100 million in direct relief delivered through the Utility RELIEF Act. It extends that approach, with the administration also having delivered $200 million in direct ratepayer rebates last year.
Maryland households facing higher heating costs can apply through the Maryland Benefits One Application, and eligible households in a heating crisis may receive a one-time grant of up to $600. The winter crisis season runs from November 1 through March 31.
The takeaway
Households that have not checked eligibility for energy assistance may qualify during the November through March crisis season. Applying through the Maryland Benefits One Application is the entry point to the program.
Further reading
For more on home systems that affect energy bills, see Appliances.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bay Net.
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