#2  We suggest you complete a PAPER application, especially if you've got a Termination Notice. Or, visit your OHEP local office and complete an application there to make sure it's correct.  

#3  Definitely watch this "How To" YouTube (it's only 5 minutes)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tprskCvh2DA

#4  Make copies of your ID, utility bill(s), social security cards for everyone & Gross income (pre-tax) verification for LAST 30 days. 

#5   Tip - Double-check the application. Only perfect applications with the correct documents get processed quickly. Don’t forget to sign it on page 4. 

#6  Make a copy of the completed OHEP application and documents for your records (just in case).

#7  Drop off application with the required documents at your local OHEP office.  If you have a Termination Notice, hand-deliver application and politely ask for a 55-day hold to avoid termination. 

#8  Track the status of your application at www.myohepstatus.org  

#9  After 21 days, if www.myohepstatus says "no record found," take your copy in and check on application status.

#10  In about 4-6 weeks, if you've done this right, you'll see your grant amounts online and also in a letter mailed to you.  Letter is from "Department of Human Services."

#11   Add up the grant amounts.         

#12  If you still need funds to avoid a termination, BGE folks can try Fuel Fund of Maryland. Or, call your utility (BGE, Pepco, SMECO, Potomac Edison, Delmarva) & get on payment plan to avoid termination. Payment plans take your past-due, divide it over a few months and add that past-due to your current bills.

#13   Check your bill for rip-off Energy Suppliers.  To the right of the circle on Page 1 should read “BGE,” or your regulated utility’s name (like PEPCO, DelMarva, SMECO, Potomac Edison). If it is not your utility’s name as the supplier, call the energy supplier’s toll-free number, cancel their service,  and your energy supply automatically switches back to the utility company.

#14 If no one over 18 in your household earned any income in the last 30-days, you are required to fill out 2 more forms: Declaration of Zero Income and Household Worksheet. Tip: Every adult over 18 who earned no income must sign the Declaration of ZERO Income form.

#15.  You got this! When in doubt, visit your local “OHEP” office, early in the day, with all your documents.    

"Insiders" are MD Energy Advocates Coalition-Working to ensure affordable utility bills.