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3.8 Referrals to Other Energy Assistance Resources When an OHEP applicant is experiencing a heating crisis that cannot be resolved through available OHEP benefits, the Local Administering Agency (LAA) is responsible for referring the customer to other energy assistance resources. Emergency Assistance (EA) Program 1. Eligibility for Referral LAAs may refer customers to the Department of Human Services/Social Services (DHS/DSS) for EA if:

a. The customer has been determined eligible for OHEP assistance; and

b. There are children under the age of 21 living in the household; and

c. OHEP funds are insufficient or unavailable to resolve the heating crisis.

Note: The applicant does not need to be a current Public Assistance recipient to qualify for EA benefits. Each local DSS has the discretion to approve or deny EA assistance for heating crises, and policies regarding EA fund use may differ by jurisdiction. 2. Referral Process a. Complete the Referral by phone or email and Provide the customer the referral information to follow up with their local DSS office.

Note: Each LAA must maintain an up-to-date list of alternative energy assistance resources for referrals when OHEP benefits are inadequate to meet a customer’s energy needs.

3.9 Referral for Energy Efficiency Programs, Furnace Repair and Replacement OHEP collaborates with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to connect eligible households with energy efficiency programs designed to help reduce their overall energy burden. Local Administering Agencies, when uploading a paper application(LAAs) are responsible for selecting the appropriate box in the customer’s record within the OHEP Data Management System, granting DHCD access to the customer’s information for follow-up and

Updated May 2025