Maryland is a state that has a higher cost of living than most others. This can make those who have a low income challenged when it comes to getting their basic needs met. It may be difficult for many people who live in the state to pay their bills, which could make them vulnerable and at risk for becoming homeless, among other issues. The good news is that there are programs that offer money assistance for paying bills in Maryland.
The key to getting help when you are financially challenged is knowing where to turn to when you need help. The programs exist that will help people, but they need to know where they are in order to apply for them. Having the information about these helpful programs can ensure that your basic needs are being met. The programs are funded through the state and federal government in most cases, along with some organizations that also help those in the community.
Money Assistance Programs in Maryland
The programs below are open to anyone who is a legal resident of the state and has a low income. Those are the biggest requirements to being qualified to receive the assistance. You can apply for as many programs as you would like, and you do not have to ever worry about paying the money back, because it is not a loan.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those who need money assistance to pay bills related to housing may qualify for HUD programs. Their programs aim to help keep people from becoming homeless. They will provide people with a government-owned housing unit to live in, help pay for rent, keep the home from being foreclosed upon, pay for weatherization services, and help pay for necessary home repairs. HUD has offices in every state and their goal is to reduce homelessness in the country. They can also help people find affordable housing options in the area they live in. To qualify for money assistance through HUD, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program is also called Temporary Cash Assistance. This is a money assistance program for families that need help paying the bills. Those who apply for this program have to have at least one minor child they are caring for. The amount you receive depends on how many dependents you have. The cash you receive each month can be used on a range of living expenses. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Individuals and families in need of money assistance to pay for groceries may qualify for SNAP. The program, which used to be called food stamps, will provide people with a monthly benefit that can be used to pay for food at the grocery store. Those who are approved will receive a debit-style card that can be used as the payment source. The amount that you receive each month is calculated according to how many dependents you have in the home. SNAP does require that you be a legal resident of the state and meet the low income requirements in order to be approved. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Medicaid – No matter what state you live in, some of the most expenses bills you may face are those from healthcare. If you have a low income, you may be able to get help paying for healthcare and medical bills through the Medicaid program. This program is provided by the federal government, and helps people who have a low income, to ensure that they are able to obtain medical care. To qualify, you have to meet their low income guidelines, as well as be a citizen or legal non-citizen. There is no limit to how many months or years you can receive help through this program. If you are approved, you will get help paying for all types of medical bills, including those from the doctor, hospital, specialists, and prescription drugs. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – Those who may struggle to pay their energy bills can apply for help through the Maryland Energy Assistance Program. This program will help pay for the heating and cooling bills for those who meet the low income requirements. You also have to be the person who is responsible for paying the energy bill. If you are approved, they will send the funds to the energy provider on your behalf. The same office also offers a special energy assistance program for retirees, and weatherization services. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
211 – To find places in your local area that may be able to help with providing money assistance for paying bills, you can call 211. The number is how you contact a program provided by the United Way, which refers people to programs in their area that can help with their specific needs. You just let them know what type of assistance you need, and they will help you find places to contact. To get more information about the free referral program, click here.
Salvation Army – This is a faith-based organization that has many locations around the country, including in Maryland. They provide people in the community with assistance in a variety of ways. They help with giving out free food, clothing, shelters, and will at some locations provide money assistance for paying small bills. You can contact the locations in your area to see if they offer bill payment assistance or if they can provide you with a referral to a place that can help. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
