IMPORTANT CHANGES IN ENERGY ASSISTANCE BENEFITS

Recent changes by Maryland’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to its energy assistance programs are creating challenges for families statewide. SHORE UP, the community action agency serving individuals and families on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, wants to ensure that local households are aware of these new measures.

Effective July 1, DHS introduced two significant changes: categorical eligibility and automatic enrollment. Under the new rules, households already receiving government cash assistance, such as Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, are automatically deemed eligible for Energy Assistance without having to provide additional income documentation. Additionally, these households are now automatically enrolled in the Energy Assistance program, eliminating the need to apply.

While these changes aim to streamline the process, they have resulted in a nearly 200% increase in the number of households eligible for assistance, rising to an anticipated 270,000 this year. As a result, the amount of assistance per household has decreased by 50-75% of what has been provided in the past – a significant reduction for those who rely on the assistance to heat their homes over the winter.

“SHORE UP recognizes the strain that the State’s changes may cause for many Eastern Shore families,” said Keith White, Energy Assistance Program Director at SHORE UP. “We encourage residents to reach out to us for support, including financial counseling to help manage household budgets, reduce spending, and improve credit scores.”

SHORE UP! remains committed to helping families navigate these challenges. For more information, visit shoreup.org or call 410-749-1142.

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