Paying to keep your family safe and warm through the cold Maryland winter can be a challenge if you have recently lost a job or if money is tight at home. But thanks to the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), you could be eligible for financial help to get you through this tough time.
Here are three common questions and answers about MEAP to help you get the application process started. Don’t delay: the sooner you apply, the better chance you have to get assistance.
1. What is MEAP? The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – nationally known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills.
The MEAP program offers several types of help for eligibility
- Bill payment assistance.
- Energy crisis assistance.
- Weatherization and energy-related home repairs.
2. What are the MEAP Program Requirements? – To qualify for MEAP, you must be a resident of Maryland with an annual household income (before taxes) that must not exceed the following amounts (effective July 1, 2017-June 30, 2018):
| Household size | Maximum Annual Income ($) |
| 1 | 21,105 |
| 2 | 28,420 |
| 3 | 35,735 |
| 4 | 43,050 |
| 5 | 50,365 |
| 6 | 57,680 |
| 7 | 64,995 |
| 8* | 72,310 |
For households with more than eight people, add $8,418 per additional person.
The Maryland LIHEAP program may also require households to meet additional criteria to receive LIHEAP assistance.
Please note: A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or certain needs-tested Veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
3. How do I apply for MEAP?
You can:
- Apply online through the Maryland Department of Resources website.
- Download and print an Application for Energy Assistance.
- Apply in person at your Local Energy Assistance Office.
- Call your local office to receive an application by mail.
- Don’t forget to list Q-DOG as your provider.
To view additional application forms and get more information about MEAP program requirements, please visit the Maryland.gov website’s Office of Home Energy Programs page.
Stay safe and warm this winter with assistance from MEAP and quality fuel from Q-Dog. Contact us today if you have any questions – your safety is always our priority!