Looking to move into a new house? Renovate one you are moving into? Renovate your own?

The best way to do this is to utilize government programs that are meant to benefit health, the environment, and emissions, and to prevent danger and hazards. Here are three programs that can deliver the desired result:

EmPOWER Maryland

Have you ever noticed all the EmPower MD charges on your BGE bill? Now it is time to become a beneficiary of what you are paying for instead of just funding others.

EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program is a statewide program that provides free home repairs and upgrades to reduce energy use, improve comfort, lower bills, and enhance health/safety. This is one of Maryland’s most powerful hidden home?improvement resources. I actually finally studied it properly as a result of being pressured with a 45-minute deadline to write this article.

Eligibility: There are two paths to eligibility:

1) If you participate in any of these programs, you are automatically income?eligible: SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid.

2) Income?based eligibility is based on the household income being below 250% of Federal Poverty Level. As an example, the income for a household of eight must be below $137,550. For other amounts, see https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Energy-Home-Repair/pages/homeowner-grants/empower.aspx.

EmPOWER focuses on energy efficiency and safety. Here are some major repairs that many homeowners don’t realize can be covered by EmPOWER:

• Insulation
• Hot water system improvements
• Furnace cleaning/tuning
• Lighting retrofits
• Refrigerator replacement
• Health and safety items

When people think of home improvement, they usually picture a new kitchen, bathroom, or flooring. But one of the most impactful home improvements – especially in Maryland – is weatherization. It lowers energy bills, makes homes more comfortable, and in many cases costs the homeowner nothing at all.

I’ve helped many families apply for weatherization over the past few years, and the feedback is almost always the same: “I wish I had done this sooner.”

I usually apply for my clients for weatherization as an add-on without even telling them, and this year I got calls out of the blue thanking me very much for helping them with the weatherization – in some cases including new furnaces – because now their house is in better shape.

What Is Weatherization?

Weatherization focuses on making your home more energy efficient. The goal isn’t cosmetic; it’s comfort, safety, and lower utility bills. Depending on the home, this can include:

·         Insulation (attic, walls, crawlspace)

·         Air sealing and draft reduction

·         Duct sealing

·         Ventilation improvements

·         Energy-efficiency upgrades related to heating and cooling

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is Maryland’s version of the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Designed to help low-income families with dependent children, TCA provides monthly cash support to meet essential needs such as housing, food, utilities, clothing, and childcare. The ultimate goal is to support families in becoming self-sufficient through employment and education.

This article outlines the key features of Maryland’s TCA program, how it differs from TANF in general, how income is counted (especially in households with stepparents), eligibility rules, and tips for a successful application.

TCA vs. TANF: What's the Difference?

TANF is a federal block grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each state implements TANF under its own rules and program name. In Maryland, TANF is administered as TCA through the Family Investment Administration.

So, when people talk about applying for TANF in Maryland, they are actually applying for TCA.

Maryland has customized its TCA program with rules that are slightly more flexible than federal minimums, including:

·         A 12-month certification period, meaning you are approved for benefits for a full year without a mid-point review, unless there is a major change in circumstances. This is better than SNAP, which requires a mid-certification Review (MBR) every six months, and in some cases, as frequently as three months.

For many Marylanders, the cost of property taxes or rent can be challenging. To help ease this burden, the state offers the Homeowners and Renters Tax Credit programs, designed to provide financial relief to eligible residents.

What Are These Tax Credits?

The Homeowners Tax Credit is available to low-income homeowners, helping reduce the amount of property taxes owed based on income. If your property taxes exceed a certain percentage of your income, the state will cover the difference, making homeownership more affordable.

In this article, I will review two government programs that aim to make family life more compatible with work.

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave in Maryland is governed by a combination of federal and state laws, ensuring that new parents have options for taking time off to care for their newborns. Here are the key aspects of maternity leave in the state:

1) Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Under the federal FMLA, eligible employees in Maryland can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. This can be used for maternity leave following the birth or adoption of a child.

2) Maryland Parental Leave Act (MPLA):  Maryland has its own MPLA, which provides additional protections. Eligible employees can take up to six workweeks of unpaid leave for the birth or adoption of a child. To qualify, employees must work for an employer with 15 or more employees and meet specific service requirements.