Published: December 10, 2008 11:22 pm      

More state money available to heat homes

CUMBERLAND — The money available to help heat the homes of low-income Maryland families has more than tripled from a winter ago, going from $35 million to $110 million, according to an announcement by the state’s governor and its two U.S. senators.

The federal funding, to be channeled through local offices of the Human Resources Development Commission, is expected to help pay the heating bills for more than 102,000 homes in Maryland.

The commission, which administers the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, may be contacted in Allegany County at (301) 777-8550 and in Garrett County at (301) 334-9431.

Paula Tolson of the Maryland Department of Human Resources said Allegany County will receive a 30 percent increase in heating funds and Garrett County an increase of 28 percent.

“There is no way to realistically determine an average heating bill for those who qualify for assistance,” Tolson said Tuesday. “It depends upon the fuel type and the setting of the thermostat. There are a lot of variables.”

“These are historically difficult times and Maryland is not immune from the national economic downturn,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “Maryland’s working families are the cornerstone of our economy, but are also the most significantly impacted.”

Examples of households that would qualify for help include a family of four with an annual income up to $37,100 or a single person earning up to $18,200. Payments are made directly to the energy supplier.

“Many Maryland families will need help this winter to pay their energy bills,” said Sen. Ben Cardin. “Approximately 100,000 Maryland families qualify for this assistance and it’s important that they understand that this money is there to help them through the cold winter months.”

The program has increasingly served more households in Maryland, benefiting 89,108 during fiscal 2006 and 93,175 during fiscal 2008.

Applications are available online at www.dhr.state.md.us /meap. They must be returned in person or by mail to the local county offices; 104 E. Center St., Oakland, for Garrett County families; 234 N. Centre St., Cumberland, for Allegany County families.

Applicants will be required to provide a number of documents, including Social Security cards for each member of the household and an energy account number and utility bill.

“Families in Maryland need our help,” said Sen. Barbara Mikulski. “They are feeling stretched and strained by high energy costs and they need a government that is on their side.” Mikulski said she has fought to make this funding a “priority in the federal checkbook.”

Contact Michael A. Sawyers at msawyers@times-news.com.