Help With Heating Bills in Arbutus: Maryland OHEP Guide
3 November 2026
Heating season is here, and if your BGE or fuel bills are a stretch, Maryland can help. The state's Office of Home Energy Programs, called OHEP, helps eligible households pay heating and electric bills and can help with large past-due balances. It is a year-round program for both homeowners and renters, and you can apply online, by phone, by mail or in person.
What does Maryland's Office of Home Energy Programs cover?
According to the Maryland Department of Human Services energy assistance page, OHEP runs several programs:
- Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): helps with home heating bills. Payments go straight to your utility or fuel supplier.
- Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): an electric bill assistance grant, available once per program year.
- Arrearage Retirement Assistance: help with a past-due balance of 300 dollars or more, up to 2,000 dollars toward a past-due electric bill and up to 1,000 dollars toward a past-due gas bill. It is generally available once every five years, with some exceptions.
- Utility Service Protection Program (USPP): helps protect eligible households from shutoffs during the heating season. It requires even monthly budget billing.
Benefits can be received once per fiscal year, which runs July through June, so you reapply each year. DHS also says energy assistance does not reduce SNAP, TCA or Social Security benefits.
Who qualifies for energy assistance in Maryland?
OHEP sets income limits by household size. These are the fiscal year 2027 monthly limits listed on the state's how to apply page, based on your gross income for the last 30 days.
| Household size | Monthly income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2,660 dollars |
| 2 | 3,607 dollars |
| 3 | 4,553 dollars |
| 4 | 5,500 dollars |
| 5 | 6,447 dollars |
| 6 | 7,393 dollars |
Larger households have higher limits, so check the full chart on the state's site.
How do I apply for OHEP in Baltimore County?
You have five options: apply online at MarylandBenefits.gov, call 1-800-332-6347, mail an application to your local office, use a local office drop box, or go in person. Have these ready:
- A photo ID for the applicant
- Proof of where you live
- Social Security cards for everyone in the household
- Gross income for the last 30 days
- A recent utility or heating bill
Forms must be printed and signed by hand. In Baltimore County, the local office is the Baltimore County Department of Social Services at the Drumcastle Center, 6401 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212, phone 410-853-3994, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Can I lower my heating bills for good?
DHS can refer you to the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for weatherization and energy efficiency help, which can mean no-cost home improvements that cut your utility bills. You can call DHCD at 1-855-583-8976.
What does this mean for homeowners and buyers in Arbutus?
When I help first-time buyers, we always talk about the true monthly cost of a home, and that includes heat and electric, not just the mortgage. Many Arbutus homes are older, so insulation, windows and the heating system really matter. Knowing these programs exist can take some of the worry out of your first winter. For more winter planning, see my Arbutus winter home prep guide, and if you need local help right now, read about Catonsville Emergency Assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OHEP in Maryland?
OHEP is Maryland's Office of Home Energy Programs, part of the Department of Human Services. It helps eligible households pay heating and electric bills.
What is the income limit for Maryland energy assistance?
For fiscal year 2027, the monthly gross income limit is 2,660 dollars for one person and 5,500 dollars for a household of four. Larger households have higher limits.
How do I apply for energy assistance in Baltimore County?
You can apply online at MarylandBenefits.gov or call 1-800-332-6347. You can also mail, drop off or bring an application to the Baltimore County Department of Social Services at 6401 York Road.
Can OHEP help with a past-due BGE bill?
Yes, Arrearage Retirement Assistance can help when the past-due balance is 300 dollars or more. It can cover up to 2,000 dollars toward electric and up to 1,000 dollars toward gas.
Do I have to reapply for energy assistance every year?
Yes. Benefits are available once per fiscal year, which runs July through June, so you apply again each year.
Disclaimer: Program details, income limits and office information come from the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs website, checked on 3 November 2026. Rules and limits can change, so confirm with OHEP before you apply.
Buying Your First Home in Arbutus?
I love helping first-time buyers understand every part of owning a home, from the mortgage to the heating bill. Let's talk about what fits your budget. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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