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Chapter 2: OHEP Eligibility Policy 2.0 General Eligibility Criteria for MEAP and EUSP A household may be determined eligible for energy assistance under the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and/or the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) if all of the following requirements are met: ● At least one household member is a US Citizen or a qualified alien ● The total gross household income is equal to or less than the established income guidelines based on household size. ● The applicant establishes Maryland residency. ● Required documentation to verify eligibility is submitted within the prescribed timeframe. ● The applicant has not already received the same benefit (MEAP or EUSP Bill Payment Assistance) for the current program year or heating season. ● The household consists of one or more individuals who function as an economic unit and customarily purchase residential energy in common or pay for energy as part of rent. ● Meets Categorical Eligibility - a member of the household receives SNAP, Cash Assistance, SSI, and/or Means Tested Veterans benefits. ● For MEAP only: Responsibility for heating costs is established, either through direct payment or as an undesignated component of rent. 2.1 General Eligibility Criteria for Arrearage Assistance The eligibility requirements for both the EUSP Arrearage Retirement Program (EARA) and Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA) are the same. An applicant is eligible if all of the following are met: ● The applicant has a qualified arrearage on an account in their name.

● The applicant has not received an arrearage grant within the preceding five (5) years, unless:

○ The previous benefit was received during calendar years 2020 or 2021, which are exempt from the five-year rule, or

Updated May 2025