

MARYLAND HAPPENIN'S - September 2010
DISCLAIMER
JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS
PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE
ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS,
HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU
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A non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL), Independence Now provides services to people with disabilities who live in
Montgomery and Prince George's counties. This is an organization created by and for people with disabilities that works toward
independent living and equal access for people with all types of disabilities.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/maryland/community_life
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A free housing service that helps people find a room, house or apartment that best suits their needs. Search by rent amount,
accessibility features, housing vouchers and more. Also has information about moving costs, assisted living facilities, help for
people who are homeless and financial assistance to help pay rent.
For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/maryland/housing
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Program Description
Food stamps help low-income households buy the food they need for good health and are used like cash to buy food. In Maryland,
food stamp benefits are accessed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer System.
There are several eligibility requirements that include resource and income limits. Households may have up to $2,000 in countable
resources, which includes a bank account. If a member of the household is 60 or older, a person with disability, countable
resources increase to $3,000.
Most households must meet a gross income test (130 percent of poverty). If the household includes an elderly person or a person
receiving disability benefits, only the "net test" must be met.
Possible deductions from gross income include: 20 percent of earned income, a standard deduction according to household size;
a dependent-care deduction; any medical expenses in excess of $35 for elderly or disabled members; housing and legally owed
and paid child support.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less
than $13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380, if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
For more information on Food Stamps in Maryland visit our web site at:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/how/cashfood/fstamp.htm
To apply, go to the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) in the jurisdiction in which you live. To find an office nearest you,
click on the following link:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/county.htm
Applications must be filed, interviews conducted and all financial and technical eligibility factors met prior to issuance of benefits.
The program is a federal entitlement program accessed through the electronic benefits transfer system. To download an
application, click on the following link:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/fia/forms.htm
For more information, call
800-332-6347
or visit our web site at
http://www.dhr.state.md.us
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
Nearly a quarter of a million low-income children in Maryland depend on School Meals for the good nutrition they need to learn and
grow. For these children, the start of summer vacation brings an end to free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch.
Fortunately, there is a program that can help provide nutritious meals to low-income children during the months when school is
closed. It's called the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household;$26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three
people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six
people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Summer Food Service program, contact your state's child nutrition program office. Contact information for your
state can be found here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm
Program Contact Information
Please visit the Maryland Summer Food Service program web site for more information:
http://www.msde.state.md.us/programs/foodandnutrition/
Or call the School and Community Nutrition Programs branch at:
410-767-0199
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The
State of Maryland provides additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify for free or reduced-price
meals. The goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation's children by
providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The
Federal government and The State of Maryland provide additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify,
because of family income, for free or reduced-price meals.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919
for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found here:
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/schoolsystems/System_Links_C...
Program Contact Information
For additional information about the programs please visit the Maryland School and Nutrition Programs office web site at:
http://www.msde.state.md.us/programs/foodandnutrition/
You can contact the Maryland School and Community Nutrition office to speak with a State representative regarding the programs.
410-767-0199
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Description
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides assistance with home heating bills. Payments are made to your utility
company on your behalf. Under this program there is limited assistance available to replace broken or inefficient refrigerators and
furnaces.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $18,953 if one person lives in the
household; $25,498 if two people live in the household; $32,043 if three people live in the household; $38,588 if four people live in
the household; $45,133 if five people live in the household; $51,678 if six people live in the household; $58,223 if seven people live in
the household; $64,768 if eight people live in the household; and $71,313 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $6,545 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Apply online! Go to https://www.marylandsail.org to file your application.
You can also apply at your Local Energy Office. Click for a list of local energy offices to apply in person:
http://www.dhr.maryland.gov/meap/local.htm
Program Contact Information
Please visit Maryland's LIHEAP web site for more information:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/how/energy/meap.htm
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
The program helps eligible low-income households through the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units.
These measures both reduce the consumption of energy and the cost of maintenance for these homes. Priority is given to
homeowners who may be elderly, disabled, have families with children, and/or have the highest energy consumption. Eligible
renters may apply and will be given due consideration in accordance with the Weatherization Assistance Program's Rental
Property Investment Program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $18,200 if one person lives in the household; $24,500 if two people live in the household; $30,800 if three
people live in the household; $37,100 if four people live in the household; $43,400 if five people live in the household; $49,700 if six
people live in the household; $56,000 if seven people live in the household; and $62,300 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,300 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Call your local energy assistance office to arrange for an appointment to apply or to receive an application by mail. Find your local
office here:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/meap/local.htm
Home visits can also be arranged for senior citizens or other persons with special medical needs.
For information you'll need to apply, visit http://www.dhr.state.md.us/ohep/info.php.
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/meap/index.htm
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) gives full health benefits for children up to age 19, and pregnant women of any
age who meet the income guidelines. MCHP enrollees obtain care from a variety of Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) through
the Maryland HealthChoice Program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Maryland, under 19 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual
household income before taxes of less than $36,425 if two people live in the household; $45,775 if three people live in the
household; $55,125 if four people live in the household; $64,475 if five people live in the household; $73,825 if six people live in the
household; $83,175 if seven people live in the household; $92,525 if eight people live in the household; and $101,875 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $9,350 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your
income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The application is brief and the process is simple. The application asks for:
•General Information such as your name, address, telephone number, etc.
•Any health insurance coverage
•Information about family members (such as names and birth dates)
•Social Security numbers of applicants
•Sources and amounts of family income.
Download a copy of the MCHP application from this site:
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/mchp/pdf/MCHP_Application_Form_08.pdf
Local Health Departments will mail applications on request. Find your local Health Department here:
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/mchp/pdf/EnglishLHDDirectory2007.pdf
Also, applications are available at local Health Departments, local Departments of Social Services, WIC Centers, and local
hospitals and schools.
Applications can be completed at home and mailed in or dropped off at any local health department. Case managers are available
to assist you there. Find your local Health Department here:
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/mchp/pdf/EnglishLHDDirectory2007.pdf
Those found eligible for MCHP will receive an enrollment packet in the mail to select a managed care organization for health care.
Program Contact Information
To obtain more information, please visit our website:
http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/mma/mchp/
You may also contact MCHP by calling the DHMH MCHP Hotline at:
800-456-8900
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income
pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To
be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.
e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland, pregnant, breastfeeding and
postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at
nutrition risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has
family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
See the Maryland WIC website for detailed application information:
http://fha.maryland.gov/wic/wic_apply.cfm
Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm
For more information on Maryland WIC, please visit the Maryland Family Health Administration (FHA) office at:
http://www.fha.state.md.us/wic/
If you have questions about the WIC program call the Maryland FHA at:
410-767-5300
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides Federal funding to subsidize the cost of half-pints of milk served to children. Sponsors receive
13 cents for each half-pint of milk served to children or the actual cost of milk served to children eligible for free milk. The program
is open to all children up to the age of 21 who are enrolled in public or private nonprofit schools that do not have access to one of
the Federal meal programs, and to all children up to the age of 19 who are enrolled in day care centers, summer camps, and
similar nonprofit institutions that do not have access to one of the Federal meal programs.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland, your household's
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in
the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people
live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.
The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm
Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE
Program Contact Information
If you have questions regarding the SMP, please contact the Maryland State Department at Education-School and Community
Nutrition Programs Branch at:
410-767-0199
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote
school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social
services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in
administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment.
Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and
seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland, you must be a parent or primary
caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income before taxes must not
exceed $10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the household; $18,310 if three people live in the
household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live in the
household; $33,270 if seven people live in the household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status
is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less
than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may
apply.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For enrollment information, contact the program nearest you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/familylit/famresource/He...
You may also contact the Maryland State Department of Education by calling:
410-767-0140
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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Program Description
The program helps eligible low-income households through the installation of energy conservation materials in their dwelling units.
These measures both reduce the consumption of energy and the cost of maintenance for these homes. Priority is given to
homeowners who may be elderly, disabled, have families with children, and/or have the highest energy consumption. Eligible
renters may apply and will be given due consideration in accordance with the Weatherization Assistance Program's Rental
Property Investment Program.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $18,200 if one person lives in the household; $24,500 if two people live in the household; $30,800 if three
people live in the household; $37,100 if four people live in the household; $43,400 if five people live in the household; $49,700 if six
people live in the household; $56,000 if seven people live in the household; and $62,300 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,300 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Call your local energy assistance office to arrange for an appointment to apply or to receive an application by mail. Find your local
office here:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/meap/local.htm
Home visits can also be arranged for senior citizens or other persons with special medical needs.
For information you'll need to apply, visit http://www.dhr.state.md.us/ohep/info.php.
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/meap/index.htm
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY OR STATE SEND US
YOUR UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR STATE'S PAGE!
BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:
MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!
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