EXTERNAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
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LIVING & UTILITY ASSISTANCE
Maryland Department of Human Resources - Utility Assistance and Food Stamps
Setting up an online account with the Maryland Department of Human Resources (myDHR) is a great first step if you are looking for assistance with any of the following benefit programs: assistance with utility bills, food stamps (SNAP), medical assistance and/or temporary cash assistance. The amount of benefits available will depend on the number of people requesting benefits. Once the account is set up, you can use myDHR to apply for benefits and services, monitor the status of your cases and more. To set up an account, visit https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us. You can also call the Montgomery County Office of Home Energy Programs at 240-777-4450.
Setting up an online account with the Maryland Department of Human Resources (myDHR) is a great first step if you are looking for assistance with any of the following benefit programs: assistance with utility bills, food stamps (SNAP), medical assistance and/or temporary cash assistance. The amount of benefits available will depend on the number of people requesting benefits. Once the account is set up, you can use myDHR to apply for benefits and services, monitor the status of your cases and more. To set up an account, visit https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us. You can also call the Montgomery County Office of Home Energy Programs at 240-777-4450.
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
WSSC has a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that provides financial assistance to approved residential customers. If you are enrolled in the Office of Home Energy Program (OHEP), you qualify for CAP. Visit https://www.wsscwater.com/cap for more information.
WSSC has a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) that provides financial assistance to approved residential customers. If you are enrolled in the Office of Home Energy Program (OHEP), you qualify for CAP. Visit https://www.wsscwater.com/cap for more information.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, aka WIC
SNAP and WIC are separate programs and are not mutually exlusive. As a matter of fact, enrollment in the SNAP Food Stamps program means that you automatically qualify for WIC, since the SNAP income requirements are lower than WIC's. The two programs are actually a great complement to each other. To view income guidelines or to apply for WIC, please visit http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/wic/Pages/wic-apply.aspx.
SNAP and WIC are separate programs and are not mutually exlusive. As a matter of fact, enrollment in the SNAP Food Stamps program means that you automatically qualify for WIC, since the SNAP income requirements are lower than WIC's. The two programs are actually a great complement to each other. To view income guidelines or to apply for WIC, please visit http://phpa.dhmh.maryland.gov/wic/Pages/wic-apply.aspx.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutritional assistance at no cost, by providing food and administrative funds to states to supplement the diets of these groups. To learn more, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program-tefap. To apply for the TEFAP program, email Randy Graybeal at randy.graybeal@maryland.gov.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans, including elderly people, by providing them with emergency food and nutritional assistance at no cost, by providing food and administrative funds to states to supplement the diets of these groups. To learn more, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/tefap/emergency-food-assistance-program-tefap. To apply for the TEFAP program, email Randy Graybeal at randy.graybeal@maryland.gov.
Resources That Can Assist With Utility Bills Payment
- Strong Families 202-698-4293 : Can assist up to $300
- GWUL/Splash Program 202-698-4293: Can assist up to $350
- Maryland Energy Assistance Program 240-777-4450
- Child and Family Services 202-442-6100
- Council of the District of Columbia 202-724-8027: Point of Contact - Brenda G. McDuffie
- Columbia Heights/SHA 202-319-7599
- Georgia Avenue Family Support Collaborative 202-722-1815
- The New York Ave Presbyterian Church 202-393-3700
- Edgewood / Brookland Family Support Collaborative 202-832-9400
- DDOE (311) *ask for Department of Energy / Request the Customer Assistant Program (CAP)
- Change 202-387-3725
- East of the River Strengthening Collaborative 202-397-7300
- Community Family Life Services 202-347-0511
DWELLING ASSISTANCE
Montgomery County Housing Stabilization Services
This Montgomery County program provides emergency assessment of families and adults in situational crisis to determine eligibility for financial assistance (e.g., eviction prevention, mortgage assistance, fuel/utilities/water bill assistance, and limited burial assistance) and need for referrals to other assistance services or agencies. It also provides assessment and case management services for homeless families seeking emergency shelter. Their office may be reached at 240-777-4550 or 240-777-4448.
This Montgomery County program provides emergency assessment of families and adults in situational crisis to determine eligibility for financial assistance (e.g., eviction prevention, mortgage assistance, fuel/utilities/water bill assistance, and limited burial assistance) and need for referrals to other assistance services or agencies. It also provides assessment and case management services for homeless families seeking emergency shelter. Their office may be reached at 240-777-4550 or 240-777-4448.
Housing Choice Vouchers HUD
This federal program provides rental subsidies to income-eligible households. Applicants receive a voucher which entitles them to rent an apartment in the private marketplace, while limiting their rental payment to 30-40% of their adjusted income. HOC pays the landlord the remaining portion of the rent through HUD-appropriated funds called Housing Assistance Payments. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/710.
This federal program provides rental subsidies to income-eligible households. Applicants receive a voucher which entitles them to rent an apartment in the private marketplace, while limiting their rental payment to 30-40% of their adjusted income. HOC pays the landlord the remaining portion of the rent through HUD-appropriated funds called Housing Assistance Payments. For more information or to apply, visit https://www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/710.
Emergency Mortgage Assistance
Borrowers who are already delinquent or are about to fall behind on a future mortgage payment can call the Maryland HOPE Hotline at 877-462-7555 to receive free advice on all assistance available in the state, including legal aid, help with refinancing their mortgage. A number of other helpful services are offered by this program as well.
Borrowers who are already delinquent or are about to fall behind on a future mortgage payment can call the Maryland HOPE Hotline at 877-462-7555 to receive free advice on all assistance available in the state, including legal aid, help with refinancing their mortgage. A number of other helpful services are offered by this program as well.
Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program
The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against the homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person's gross income. It therefore sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income. For more information, please visit http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Homeowners'-Property-Tax-Credit-Program.aspx.
The State of Maryland has developed a program which allows credits against the homeowner's property tax bill if the property taxes exceed a fixed percentage of the person's gross income. It therefore sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income. For more information, please visit http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Homeowners'-Property-Tax-Credit-Program.aspx.
Grant Programs for Home Repair
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers several programs designed to help eligible Maryland homeowners with home repairs that improve comfort, liveability and accessibility. For more information, please visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/SpecialLoans.aspx
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers several programs designed to help eligible Maryland homeowners with home repairs that improve comfort, liveability and accessibility. For more information, please visit http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/SpecialLoans.aspx
Emergency Eviction Prevention Program
(Montgomery County)
Provides emergency financial assistance and/or shelter to families and adults who are homeless or at high risk of losing housing through eviction or foreclosure.
(Montgomery County)
Provides emergency financial assistance and/or shelter to families and adults who are homeless or at high risk of losing housing through eviction or foreclosure.
Rental Assistance Program
(Montgomery County)
Provides financial assistance for low income Montgomery County residents to make rent payments.
(Montgomery County)
Provides financial assistance for low income Montgomery County residents to make rent payments.
- Web: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs-program/snhs/snhsrental-p743.html
- Phone: 240-777-4400
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Medicare & Medicaid Health Care
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? The words are so much alike that it’s easy to get them confused. Both are government programs and both help people pay for health care. But that’s where the similarities end. Medicare is generally for people who are older or disabled. Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources.
What’s the difference between Medicare and Medicaid? The words are so much alike that it’s easy to get them confused. Both are government programs and both help people pay for health care. But that’s where the similarities end. Medicare is generally for people who are older or disabled. Medicaid is for people with limited income and resources.
- To apply for Medicaid, visit https://www.medicaid.gov.
- To apply for Medicare, visit https://www.medicare.gov.
Federally Funded Medical & Dental Care
The Bureau of Primary Health Care, a service of the Health Resources and Services Administration, supports federally-funded community health centers across the country that provide free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care. You can apply online at https://www.hrsa.gov or by calling 888-ASK-HRSA. Search for federally funded health centers by visiting http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
The Bureau of Primary Health Care, a service of the Health Resources and Services Administration, supports federally-funded community health centers across the country that provide free or reduced-cost health services, including dental care. You can apply online at https://www.hrsa.gov or by calling 888-ASK-HRSA. Search for federally funded health centers by visiting http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program
This program helps qualified Maryland residents, regardless of age, who are not eligible for the state’s Medical Assistance Program or Medicaid. Eligibility for this prescription drug program is not limited to the elderly and disabled; people of all ages and backgrounds may apply. Call 1-800-226-2142. To find additional ways to receive free prescription drugs, visit http://www.marylandrxcard.com.
This program helps qualified Maryland residents, regardless of age, who are not eligible for the state’s Medical Assistance Program or Medicaid. Eligibility for this prescription drug program is not limited to the elderly and disabled; people of all ages and backgrounds may apply. Call 1-800-226-2142. To find additional ways to receive free prescription drugs, visit http://www.marylandrxcard.com.
Social Security Disability
Unfortunately there are allot of mis-leading links to apply for Social Security Disability online. Here is the correct link on the Official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration, https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dibsecure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib.
Unfortunately there are allot of mis-leading links to apply for Social Security Disability online. Here is the correct link on the Official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration, https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dibsecure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib.
Maryland Health Connection
(State of Maryland)
Health insurance marketplace including financial assistance for low income residents.
(State of Maryland)
Health insurance marketplace including financial assistance for low income residents.
- Web: https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/
- Phone: 1-855-642-8572
Montgomery Cares
(Montgomery County)
Provides medical care for low income uninsured adults who live in Montgomery County.
(Montgomery County)
Provides medical care for low income uninsured adults who live in Montgomery County.
Maryland Children’s Health Program
(State of Maryland)
Provides health benefits for children up to age 19.
(State of Maryland)
Provides health benefits for children up to age 19.
- Phone: 1-855-642-8572
Care for Kids
(Montgomery County)
Provides medical care for low income uninsured children who live in Montgomery County.
(Montgomery County)
Provides medical care for low income uninsured children who live in Montgomery County.
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANCE (The FCC introduced the Lifeline programs to help make communications services available for low-income consumers)
Free Verizon Phone Service
Lifeline will provide individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria a discount of up to $15 per month. The savings will apply to the local service portion of your telephone bill. The discount can extend for a year or even longer.
Click here to download the application
Lifeline will provide individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria a discount of up to $15 per month. The savings will apply to the local service portion of your telephone bill. The discount can extend for a year or even longer.
Click here to download the application
Free Mobile Phone and Service
SafeLink Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program available to individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. This program is available for one wireless account per household.
Click here for the online application
SafeLink Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program available to individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. This program is available for one wireless account per household.
Click here for the online application
Free Verizon Internet
In an effort to expand the reach of the internet to all households, the FCC partners with certain internet providers to provide low cost access to individuals or families with children which meet certain income qualifications.
Click here for the online application
In an effort to expand the reach of the internet to all households, the FCC partners with certain internet providers to provide low cost access to individuals or families with children which meet certain income qualifications.
Click here for the online application
DISABILITY & UNEMPLOYMENT
The Low Intensity Support Services program (LISS)
The Low Intensity Support Services program (LISS) is low level funding designed to improve an individual or family’s quality of life, increase or maintain independence, and participate in their communities. The LISS program uses an automated system called the Random Selection Process to select individuals who may be eligible for funding, granting up to $2000 for services and items to address their needs. Learn more at https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/liss.aspx
The Low Intensity Support Services program (LISS) is low level funding designed to improve an individual or family’s quality of life, increase or maintain independence, and participate in their communities. The LISS program uses an automated system called the Random Selection Process to select individuals who may be eligible for funding, granting up to $2000 for services and items to address their needs. Learn more at https://dda.health.maryland.gov/Pages/liss.aspx
Maryland Unemployment
The Division of Unemployment Insurance conducts almost all business by telephone. Their phone number is 301-313-8000. Initial unemployment claims may be filed by telephone or online at https://secure-2.dllr.state.md.us/NetClaims/Welcome.aspx.
The Division of Unemployment Insurance conducts almost all business by telephone. Their phone number is 301-313-8000. Initial unemployment claims may be filed by telephone or online at https://secure-2.dllr.state.md.us/NetClaims/Welcome.aspx.
Department of Rehabilitative Employment Assistance
Individuals with a disability are entitled to assistance with job development and job placement through the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS). The application may be found online at http://dors.maryland.gov/resources/Pages/locations.aspx or call (301) 949-3750.
Individuals with a disability are entitled to assistance with job development and job placement through the Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS). The application may be found online at http://dors.maryland.gov/resources/Pages/locations.aspx or call (301) 949-3750.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Temporary Disability Assistance (TDAP) Programs
(State of Maryland and Montgomery County)
Provide cash assistance and employment resources to low income families with children (TCA) and disabled single adults with no children (TDAP).
(State of Maryland and Montgomery County)
Provide cash assistance and employment resources to low income families with children (TCA) and disabled single adults with no children (TDAP).
- Web: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/Program.aspx?id=CYF/CYFPubA-TCA-TDAP-p346.html
- Phone: 240-777-0311
Unemployment Insurance
(State of Maryland)
Provides financial assistance to income eligible workers who have lost their jobs.
(State of Maryland)
Provides financial assistance to income eligible workers who have lost their jobs.
- Web: http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml
- Phone: 1-800-827-4839
MISCELLANEOUS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Montgomery County Department of Parks
Montgomery County Department of Parks recognizes that many residents are financially unable to participate in the activities and programs offered in their fee-based facilities. Therefore, Montgomery County Department of Parks has established a Fee Reduction Program to make these facilities available to as many county residents as possible. Learn more about Montgomery Parks' fee reduction program and see if you qualify. Click here to print out the fee reduction application .
Montgomery County Department of Parks recognizes that many residents are financially unable to participate in the activities and programs offered in their fee-based facilities. Therefore, Montgomery County Department of Parks has established a Fee Reduction Program to make these facilities available to as many county residents as possible. Learn more about Montgomery Parks' fee reduction program and see if you qualify. Click here to print out the fee reduction application .
Household Essentials Free-of-Cost
Community Forklift provides free-of-cost household appliances, fixtures, building materials, home repair supplies and other household essentials to families and individuals who qualify for need-based assistance. To learn more or to submit an application, please visit http://communityforklift.org/our-programs/#help.
Community Forklift provides free-of-cost household appliances, fixtures, building materials, home repair supplies and other household essentials to families and individuals who qualify for need-based assistance. To learn more or to submit an application, please visit http://communityforklift.org/our-programs/#help.
Volunteer Tax Assistance Program
(Montgomery County)
Free tax preparation program for low to moderate income Montgomery County residents.
(Montgomery County)
Free tax preparation program for low to moderate income Montgomery County residents.
- Web: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/OCA/VITA/VITA.html
- Phone: 240-777-1123
Call-n-Ride Program
(Montgomery County)
provides subsidized taxi trips for low-income seniors and people with disabilities
(Montgomery County)
provides subsidized taxi trips for low-income seniors and people with disabilities
- Phone: 301-948-5409
Camp Scholarships
Kids N Camp Fund is designated for children 9 and above.
https://kidsincampfund.com/application
Kids N Camp Fund is designated for children 9 and above.
https://kidsincampfund.com/application
Lime Access: Discounts for low-income riders
Lime Access - an affordable way to use Lime. They also partner with PayNearMe to support a text-to-unlock feature, both of which promote equitable mobility by removing the barrier of smartphone and credit card ownership.
https://www.li.me/community-impact
Lime Access - an affordable way to use Lime. They also partner with PayNearMe to support a text-to-unlock feature, both of which promote equitable mobility by removing the barrier of smartphone and credit card ownership.
https://www.li.me/community-impact
PJ Goes to Camp
PJ Goes to Camp provides incentive grants in the amount of $700 for campers who attend overnight camp for 12-18 days, or $1,000 for campers who attend camp for 19 days or longer. The PJ Goes to Camp program is one of few OHC sponsors who offer grants to students who attend a Jewish day school.
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-camp
PJ Goes to Camp provides incentive grants in the amount of $700 for campers who attend overnight camp for 12-18 days, or $1,000 for campers who attend camp for 19 days or longer. The PJ Goes to Camp program is one of few OHC sponsors who offer grants to students who attend a Jewish day school.
https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pj-goes-to-camp
As Jewish communities in the Greater Washington area continue to grow, so have the number of families and individuals needing assistance. As a volunteer staffed organization, every dollar donated translates into direct assistance. Please consider making a donation of any amount.