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Chapter 6: Categorical Eligibility Policy for OHEP Programs Overview On April 24, 2023, Governor Wes Moore signed House Bill 323 (HB 323) into law, establishing automatic enrollment in Maryland’s Energy Assistance Programs for households receiving one or more of the following benefits: ● Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ● Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ● Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ● Means-Tested Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Households awarded benefits from any of the above programs during the current program year are not required to submit an additional application for Maryland’s Energy Assistance programs: ● Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) ● Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) ● Electric Arrearage Retirement Assistance (EARA) ● Gas Arrearage Retirement Assistance (GARA)

6.0 Categorical Eligibility Households participating in SNAP, TANF, SSI, or Means-Tested VA programs are categorically eligible for OHEP benefits. If additional household members are listed on the OHEP application but not on the qualifying benefit case, their income must be collected. However, if the household’s combined income exceeds 200% FPL, the household still remains eligible for OHEP benefits if any member receives one of the qualifying benefits. Important — any household member receiving a qualifying program benefit categorically qualifies the entire household for OHEP assistance, regardless of income.

Updated May 2025