Felons in Maryland who need help paying the bills may qualify for grant programs. There are numerous grant programs that have been designed to help people meet their basic needs when experiencing difficult financial times. The grant programs are often federally funded, but there are also some that are funded through the state and local organizations.
The grants for felons in Maryland are typically open to those who have a low income. There is no limit to how many grant programs you can apply for, so it’s a good idea to apply for all of them that you feel you qualify for. Some of the programs provide short term financially assistance, while others will help for a longer period of time.
Grants for Felons in Maryland
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Felons who need help obtaining food each month may qualify for a grant from SNAP. The program used to be referred to as food stamps, and in Maryland is also called the Food Supplement Program. The federally funded program gives those who qualify an electronic debit card. Each month, the grant is added to the debit card, and then it can be used to pay for groceries at the store. To qualify for SNAP in Maryland, you will have to prove you have a low income, provide your social security number, and apply for work if you are able bodied between the ages of 18 and 49. You also need to be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – Those who need help paying for their utility bills may qualify for a grant through MEAP. The program helps people pay for their heating and cooling bills. The grant is given directly to your energy provider in order to pay your bill. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. This program is open to those who rent and own their home. They also provide help to those who are retired, providing up to $2,000 toward their past utility bills. They will also provide weatherization services, which will help reduce monthly utility bills. To apply, click here.
Medicaid – Maryland offers the federally funded healthcare program called Medicaid. The program helps people with a low income, by paying for their medical expenses. The program will pay for doctor visits, prescription drugs, dental care, substance abuse treatment, and emergency hospital stays. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. The program will also offer long term medical assistance for those who qualify. To apply, click here.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) – This program is the same as the nationwide one called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The program provides monthly cash grants to those in need. The cash can be used to pay for a wide variety of living expenses, including food, clothing, paying bills, rent, and transportation. To qualify for TCA, you have to be cooperating with child support, participate in work activities, comply with substance abuse provisions, meet the financial requirements, and have at least one minor child you are providing for. To apply, click here.
Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) – Felons may need help with meeting their transportation needs. The state of Maryland offers transportation help through TAP. The program will provide those who qualify with a used vehicle for two years or 24,000 miles. This helps people be able to have the transportation they need to be able to get to and from work. To learn more about the program, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Those who need help finding affordable housing or paying their rent may be able to obtain help through HUD. The federally funded programs will help people pay rent, find affordable housing, avoid foreclosure, and help with weatherization services. To qualify, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal alien. They also have a program to help people become a homeowner. HUD also owns housing complexes, called Section 8, where they will let people who qualify live for a low rate. To apply, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization provides a wide variety of services to help people in need of assistance. Their programs will help with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, shelter, and more. To get more information, click here.
In addition to these grants for felons in Maryland, it is a good idea to check with your local churches. They often have programs that help people by providing them with hot meals, boxes of food, transportation vouchers, clothing, support programs, and more. Many of the programs do not have strict requirements when it comes to receiving the help. They are typically open to anyone who has a financial need for the assistance.
