Baltimore public aid and assistance.
Public assistance has helped many Baltimore County families make it through a difficult period. Resources can assist them with getting back on track for long term success. The Department of Social Services administers most of the resources for the needy.
Housing Assistance is offered from the federal government section 8 Housing Choice Voucher as well as Family Self-Sufficiency Program. The housing vouchers can help low-income families or elderly/disabled persons pay their rent. It subsidizes a portion of the amount due, and will not pay the clients entire monthly rental expense. Often offered at the same time is the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), which is an innovative, voluntary program that assists families and individuals in Baltimore that are Section 8 participants. Advice and support can help people achieve economic independence over a five-year period. FSS allows people to meet with case managers, to identify barriers to stabilization, assess their strengths, explore other public aid options, set goals and gain independence.
The Temporary Cash Assistance Program is paid for by Maryland and the federal government. It is one of the primary components of the county Family Investment Program. It can provide grants and cash assistance to qualified low income and working poor families with children under 18 years old when they are out of options. Applicants can’t have access to other resources or services that can meet their needs, and this is when TCA can help. This Baltimore program emphasizes people achieving total independence, helps them pay short term bills, and regain employment.
Some families who apply for this may need only short-term assistance. They may also receive a Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) which is equivalent to three months of TCA benefits, and public aid is paid out as a one-time lump sum payment to clients.
Child care financial assistance and a subsidy program assists eligible lower income families living in Baltimore County with paying their childcare costs. This aid is available while parents work, attend job training or school. Note there is often a waiting list, and services can and have been cut back in the past due to demand. However you may be able to be placed on a waiting list.
Another social services resource is the food stamp / Supplement Program (Formerly Food Stamps). This will provide a debit card/voucher to low income families so they can buy healthy groceries and food at a grocery store or supermarket.
The Baltimore Housing Office Assistance may have other ideas and suggestions for tenants as well. For example, other non-profit agencies or charities in the region may offer homeless prevention services.
Home energy bill assistance programs may be able to support those people who have a utilities turn off notice and who need help keeping their power or heat on. The main public programs are the Maryland Home Energy Programs, or MEAP, as well as weatherization, which can help people save money on their heating bills from conservation.
Child Support Program is an option to help people in accessing financial support from your child's other parent, and the Maryland Department of Human Resources offers support for that need.
Emergency financial assistance is an option in Baltimore if you have a crisis situation, such as eviction, needed prescription medications, or an energy disconnect notice. Call or visit a social service office. Case managers can help families with Children or Emergency Assistance Flex Funds.
Public assistance can also help with housing costs as part of RAP. The DSS in Baltimore can help tenants or the currently homeless apply for this, and grants are used for everything from back rent to heating bills and deposits. This is in fact one of the highest demand emergency programs in the city.
The Temporary Disability Assistance Program, public aid and medical bill assistance is available to the disabled who are seeking financial emergency assistance.
Job programs and employment assistance is an option for those who are receiving the state’s Food Supplement Benefits. Clients may participate in the Making it Work job readiness program at the Young Parent Support Center.
If you need help in Baltimore, then public assistance from the Department of Social Services may be able to assist. A number of government programs are focused on helping residents in need pay bills, find jobs, and more. Addresses are.
- Drumcastle Government Center, 6401 York Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21212, dial 410-853-3385
- 910 Frederick Road, Catonsville, Maryland 21228, telephone 410-853-3450
- 1400 Merritt Boulevard, Suite C, Baltimore, Maryland 21222, call 410-853-3400
- 439 Eastern Avenue, Essex, Maryland 21221, telephone 410-853-3800
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