Westphalia residents concerned about paying their heating and electric bills do not have to wait for a shutoff notice to seek assistance.

Prince George’s County says its energy-assistance program accepts applications year-round and encourages residents to apply before their accounts reach that point. Eligibility is income-based. County program information

Maryland’s Office of Home Energy Programs, known as OHEP, offers help with home heating, electric bills and qualifying past-due balances. The assistance does not reduce SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance or Social Security benefits, according to the state Department of Human Services. State program overview

Who can qualify?

Renters and homeowners can qualify. The state also includes residents of public housing and households that pay for energy through another company rather than directly to a utility among those who may be eligible. State eligibility FAQ

The state’s published fiscal 2027 monthly income limits include:

  • One person: $2,660 monthly income limit
  • Two people: $3,607 monthly income limit
  • Three people: $4,553 monthly income limit
  • Four people: $5,500 monthly income limit

Larger-household limits appear on the state application page. The local office can answer questions about how income is counted and a household’s circumstances.

Maryland’s FAQ says households receiving SNAP or Temporary Cash Assistance are categorically eligible and can receive energy benefits after their benefit redetermination is approved, without a separate application or additional documents. Those households should contact the local office with questions about their energy-assistance status. State FAQ

What help is available?

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program helps with heating costs, with payments made to the supplier or utility on the household’s behalf. The Electric Universal Service Program helps with electric bills. Separate arrearage assistance can help eligible households with past-due balances. State program overview

Grant amounts vary. Heating assistance depends on factors including household income, fuel type and location; electric assistance considers income and electricity use. The heating grant covers part of a household’s costs. How grants are determined

How to apply

Residents can start through the Maryland benefits portal. For households that need to submit an application, the state lists identification, proof of residence, Social Security documentation, income records for the preceding 30 days, and utility or heating bills among the information to gather. Alternative documents are accepted in some circumstances. Application instructions and accepted documents

Prince George’s residents can also email a completed application and supporting documents to pgcdss.energy@maryland.gov. For local assistance or accommodations, call 301-909-6300. The county lists its energy-assistance office at 425 Brightseat Road, Landover. County application and contact information

If service has already been disconnected, the state advises contacting both the local energy-assistance office and the utility and telling the office that service is off. State FAQ

Source note: This guide draws on public information from Prince George’s County and the Maryland Department of Human Services reviewed November 1, 2026.

Production note: AI assisted with researching and drafting this guide.