HCAA Emergency Assistance Programs

The Harford County Fuel Fund helps households with utility shut-off notices stay connected, helps restore utility service that is off, and assists households that are out of vended fuel—oil, propane, kerosene, wood, etc.

Households in need may access the Fuel Fund once in a 12-month period. The Fuel Fund is a matching dollar program. This means that the Fuel Fund provides assistance based on the amount the household owes to the utility or fuel vendor. The applicant is then required to contribute a portion of the bill, and BGE (if applicable) provides credit for the balance.

Applicants must have a turn-off notice from their utility company or be out of their vended fuel.  They should call to make an appointment and come to the appointment with a copy of the turn-off notice, along with a valid photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of Harford County residence and verification of income for all adult household members for the past 30 days.

Homeless Prevention

This program helps prevent homelessness by providing up to $500 in assistance to pay late rent or mortgage.   Funds may also be used to pay security deposits for individuals or families who are homeless or living in shelters.

Funds can be accessed once in a 12-month period.  Households in need of assistance must have a valid photo ID, Social Security cards for all household members, proof of Harford County residence and verification of income for the past 30 days for all adult household members.  For rent assistance, applicants must have a court-ordered eviction notice.

Income guidelines for emergency assistance programs are:

Household Size	Monthly Income
1	$1,861.66
2	$2,521.66
3	$3,181.66
4	$3,841.66
5	$4,501.66
6	$5,161.66

For each additional person, add $660.00