Financial assistance for low-income, older, and disabled homeowners and renters
29 programs listed · 27 verified against the program's own website
If you own or rent a home in Maryland and you are living on a low income, are an older adult, or have a disability, this page lists the help available to you. Verified July 25, 2026. Two phone numbers open most of these doors. For anything to do with aging, disability, or staying in your home, call Maryland Access Point at 1-844-627-5465, the state’s single entry point staffed through 20 local offices. For anything to do with repairs, accessibility work, weatherization, or energy efficiency, call the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at 1-877-218-8101 for repair loans and 1-855-583-8976 for energy programs. Help with the energy bill itself comes from a third number, the Office of Home Energy Programs at 1-800-332-6347.
If you are thinking about sharing your home: Maryland is unusually clear on this point, and the news is better than you might expect. The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit counts the income of everyone living in your home, but it specifically does not count anyone who pays you rent or room and board, so a home seeker paying rent should not be added to your counted income. Montgomery County’s property tax deferral uses the same exception. The Homestead Tax Credit, the disabled veteran and blind persons exemptions, the Independent Living Tax Credit, Medicare counseling, and the Maryland Joint Insurance Association have no income test at all, so sharing your home cannot affect them. Where income does count in full, notably energy assistance, weatherization, the repair loan programs, and Housing Choice Vouchers, another adult’s income is added to your household total, though the qualifying limit usually rises with household size too. Programs below where the rules are not spelled out are flagged, and it is worth confirming with the program before anyone moves in.
Everything below, in one file you can print or take to an appointment.
Home modification and aging in place
Maryland Access Point (MAP) Aging and Disability Resource Centers
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Aging, through 20 local offices led by Area Agencies on Aging
What you get
No-cost information, options counseling, and referral to home modification, waiver, and aging-in-place resources; also the intake route for the Community Options Waiver registry (2026)
Who qualifies
older adults and adults with disabilities of any age
Income limit
None for information, referral, and options counseling
How to apply
Call the statewide Maryland Access Point line to be connected to the local office, or visit marylandaccesspoint.info
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Community First Choice (CFC): Environmental Assessments and Accessibility Adaptations
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Health, Medicaid Office of Long Term Services and Supports
What you get
Covered environmental assessments and home accessibility adaptations, plus assistive technology, personal assistance, home-delivered meals, nurse monitoring, and personal emergency response systems; no fixed dollar cap published on the program page (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Must have full Medicaid coverage and meet institutional level of care; no separate published dollar figure
How to apply
Call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 or the Community First Choice program directly at 410-767-1739
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Community Options Waiver (Home and Community-Based Options Waiver)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Health, Medicaid Office of Long Term Services and Supports
What you get
Full Medicaid benefits plus assisted living, case management, medical day care, behavior consultation, dietitian and family training services, and Senior Center Plus; participants also reach accessibility adaptations through Community First Choice (2026)
Who qualifies
18 or older
Income limit
Monthly income at or below 300% of the SSI benefit rate; countable assets capped at $2,000 or $2,500 depending on category (2026)
How to apply
Call Maryland Access Point at 844-627-5465 to be added to the waiver registry; there is an active waiting list. People who have been in a nursing facility 30 days or more on Medicaid may apply without waiting
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Special Loan Programs
What you get
Zero percent interest deferred loans up to 110% of property value with terms up to 30 years; grants up to $25,000 for homeowners who do not qualify for a loan (2026)
Who qualifies
at least one household resident age 55 or older
Income limit
Household income at or below 80% of the statewide or Washington DC metropolitan area median, 2026 limits
How to apply
Apply through your county housing office or a Maryland Access Point office; in-home appointments can be arranged. DHCD Special Loan Programs can also take the request directly
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
What you get
Up to 50% of accessibility renovation costs, capped at $5,000 per applicant (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None stated; the credit is not income tested
How to apply
File your Maryland taxes for the year of the renovation, then submit the application with receipts, invoices, and photos between January 1 and June 1. DHCD reviews by August 31, and approved applicants file an amended return on Form 502X
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Free device demonstrations and short-term loans from the assistive technology library, refurbished equipment through the High-Tech AT Reuse Center, and a low-interest financial loan program for buying equipment (2026)
Who qualifies
any age
Income limit
No income limit stated for the lending library, demonstrations, or reuse center; the financial loan program reviews ability to repay
How to apply
Browse the online inventory or visit an assistive technology library location; apply for the financial loan through the state online portal
If you share your home:
this program does not clearly say how it treats another adult in the home. Confirm with the program before anyone moves in.
Maryland Housing Rehabilitation Program (MHRP), Single Family
stateHomeowners
Type of help
loan
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Special Loan Programs
What you get
Generally up to $50,000, at 0% to 6% interest depending on ability to repay, with terms up to 30 years; loans under $5,000 are typically unsecured (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Household income at or below 80% of the statewide or Washington DC metropolitan area median, 2026 limits
How to apply
Contact your local housing office or DHCD Special Loan Programs. You must supply contractor proposals with photos and the contractor's MHIC license, insurance certificate, and W-9
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Special Loan Programs
What you get
HUD-funded grant up to $25,000 per eligible property owner, plus state-funded loans; loan amounts and rates are not published on the program page (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
80% of area median income in non-targeted areas, per the DHCD Rehabilitation 2026 Income Limits
How to apply
Download and submit the application form from the DHCD program page, or contact Special Loan Programs. The property must be registered with the Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
USDA Section 504 Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants
federal-in-stateHomeownersNot confirmed
We could not open this program's own website to
check these details, so they may be out of date or incomplete. Please call
or visit the program before relying on anything here.
Type of help
loan and grant
Who runs it
USDA Rural Development, Maryland state office
Who qualifies
62 or older required for grants; loans have no age minimum
How to apply
Apply year-round through the USDA Rural Development Maryland state office; rural properties only
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Housing and Building Energy Programs, delivered by Local Weatherization Agencies
What you get
No-cost energy audit followed by air sealing measured with a blower door, attic and wall insulation, heating system and hot water improvements, lighting, and health and safety repairs (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit; households with a member over 60 are prioritized
Income limit
At or below 60% of state median income or 200% of the federal poverty level, whichever is higher; a household of four qualifies up to $92,470, limits updated February 11, 2026
How to apply
Contact your Local Weatherization Agency to apply; after approval the agency schedules an energy audit inspection
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
EmPOWER Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Housing and Building Energy Programs
What you get
No-cost attic and wall insulation, hot water system improvements, lighting upgrades, furnace maintenance, refrigerator retrofits, and health and safety items (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Maximum annual household income from $74,800 for one person to $167,700 for ten, limits updated July 14, 2026
How to apply
Complete the online pre-application through DocuSign or mail a paper application, available in English and Spanish, with supporting documents to the program office
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) heating and cooling system repair and replacement
stateHomeowners
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Housing and Building Energy Programs
What you get
Repair or replacement of heating, cooling, and water heating systems at no cost to the household (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
200% of the federal poverty level; a household of four cannot exceed $66,000 gross annual income, limits updated February 10, 2026, adding $11,360 per member above 14
How to apply
Submit the program application with documentation; a local agency then schedules a home assessment and a contractor performs the approved work
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) heating bill assistance
federal-in-stateOwners or renters
Type of help
grant
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), delivered by local OHEP offices
What you get
One-time annual grant paid directly to your fuel supplier or utility; the amount depends on fuel type, household income relative to size, and area of the state (fiscal year 2027)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Fiscal year 2027 monthly gross income limits run from $2,660 for one person to $11,180 for ten; households of 11 or more should call the local office
How to apply
Apply online at benefits.maryland.gov, on paper, or through a local OHEP drop box; check status at myohepstatus.maryland.gov
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
What you get
Payment toward a portion of the current electric bill, available once per program year running July through June; participants may opt into budget billing to even out monthly payments (fiscal year 2027)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Fiscal year 2027 OHEP monthly gross income limits, $2,660 for one person to $11,180 for ten
How to apply
One application at benefits.maryland.gov covers all Office of Home Energy Programs benefits, including EUSP
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
What you get
Protection from utility turn-off during the heating season, combined with year-round budget billing that spreads the annual cost into even monthly payments (fiscal year 2027)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Open to all households found eligible for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program, fiscal year 2027 limits
How to apply
Ask to enroll when you apply for energy assistance at benefits.maryland.gov or at your local Office of Home Energy Programs
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
What you get
Credit for property tax above a sliding limit: 0% of the first $8,000 of combined household income, 4% of the next $4,000, 6.5% of the next $4,000, and 9% of income above $16,000. A household at $16,000 has a tax limit of $420 and gets a credit for everything above that (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Combined gross household income of $60,000 or less, and net worth under $200,000 excluding the home's value and qualified retirement accounts (2026)
How to apply
File online at Maryland OneStop or mail the paper form; do not email it. File by April 15 to have the credit show on the July bill
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
What you get
Up to $1,000 per year, paid as a direct check to the renter
Who qualifies
60 or older, or any age if 100% disabled; applicants under 60 must have had a dependent under 18 living with them and must not have received federal or state housing subsidies
Income limit
Applicants 60 and older qualify on a rent-to-income comparison rather than a flat cap; applicants under 60 with a dependent face limits running from $19,720 for two people to $55,700 for nine
How to apply
File online at Maryland OneStop or mail the paper form to SDAT Renters' Tax Credit Program, P.O. Box 49006, Baltimore, MD 21297. Deadline October 1 of the year you are claiming
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), Homestead Tax Credit Division
What you get
Limits the increase in your taxable assessment to 10% per year statewide; many counties and towns set a lower local cap (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None; there is no income test
How to apply
File the one-time application online through Maryland OneStop at onestop.md.gov, or mail it to SDAT Homestead Tax Credit Division, 700 East Pratt Street, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202. Fax 410-225-9344
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
100 Percent Disabled Veteran Exemption and Surviving Spouse Exemption
stateHomeowners
Type of help
exemption
Who runs it
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), filed with the local assessment office
What you get
Complete exemption from property tax on the dwelling and its curtilage (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None; not income tested
How to apply
Submit the 100 Percent Disabled Veteran Exemption Application, or the Surviving Spouse application, to your local county assessment office with VA certification of the rating, a DD-214 showing honorable discharge, and proof of Maryland residency. A county office directory and contact form are at dat.maryland.gov/pages/contact_us.aspx
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), filed with the local assessment office
What you get
$40,000 of assessed value exempted, prorated if you apply mid-year (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None; not income tested
How to apply
Complete the Blind Persons Exemption Application with physician certification and file it with your local county assessment office. A county office directory and contact form are at dat.maryland.gov/pages/contact_us.aspx
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
County Property Tax Deferral for Older or Disabled Homeowners (Tax-Property Article 10-204)
county-cityHomeowners
Type of help
deferral
Who runs it
Individual Maryland counties, under authority granted by state law
What you get
Postpones payment of county property tax, or of the increase in it, until you sell or leave the home. Terms vary by county. Montgomery County charges no interest on the deferred amount; state law caps Prince George's County interest at 4% (2026)
Who qualifies
65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled
Income limit
Set by each county. Montgomery County requires combined gross income of all residents to be $80,000 or less (2026)
How to apply
Apply through your county finance or treasury office, not the state. Montgomery County's deadline is September 1; call 240-777-0311
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Maryland Joint Insurance Association (Maryland's FAIR Plan)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Maryland Joint Insurance Association
What you get
Homeowners policies for owner-occupied single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes; dwelling property coverage for rental or leased residential property; and commercial fire coverage. Coverage of last resort (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None; eligibility rests on being unable to obtain coverage in the competitive market, not on income
How to apply
Apply through any licensed Maryland property and casualty insurance producer, or apply directly with the association
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Maryland State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
stateOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Aging, through 19 local SHIP offices
What you get
Free one-on-one Medicare counseling, plan comparisons by zip code, help with appeals and billing errors, fraud prevention education, and screening for Medicare savings programs (2026)
Who qualifies
Medicare beneficiaries and the family members and caregivers who help them
Income limit
None; counseling is free to all Medicare beneficiaries regardless of income
How to apply
Call the toll-free line or your local county SHIP office; counselors serve all 23 counties and Baltimore City
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
If premiums are more than you can comfortably manage, check insurance.maryland.gov in case a new program has launched, and call the Maryland Insurance Administration consumer line.
HomeShare-relevant extras
Maryland Accessory Dwelling Units Act (House Bill 1466, 2025)
stateHomeowners
Type of help
policy
Who runs it
Maryland Department of Planning; local laws adopted by counties and municipalities
What you get
State policy to promote and encourage accessory dwelling units on lots with a primary single-family detached home. Effective October 1, 2025, with counties and municipalities required to adopt a local authorizing law by October 1, 2026
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
None
How to apply
Check your county or municipal planning department for the local accessory dwelling unit law and permit process; the Maryland Department of Planning publishes a model ordinance and a frequently asked questions guide
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center Homesharing Program
nonprofitOwners or renters
Type of help
service
Who runs it
St. Ambrose Housing Aid Center, Inc.
What you get
Compatibility-based matching of homeowners with an extra room to people seeking affordable rooms, with background checks and reference verification. Rent in matches typically runs $500 to $700 a month with flexible leases (2026)
Who qualifies
adults 18 and older; single parents or guardians with one child age 12 or younger are also served
Income limit
None for eligibility; home seeker interview fees are set on a sliding scale by income
How to apply
Complete an intake form and call to schedule an interview. The process includes background checks, reference verification, and a compatibility assessment before matching
If you share your home:
this program does not count a home seeker's income, so sharing your home does not affect it.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
What you get
Rental subsidy paid toward the rent of a privately owned unit, with the tenant paying a share based on household income (2026)
Who qualifies
no age limit
Income limit
Generally at or below 50% of area median income for the county
How to apply
Apply when a waiting list opens. The Eastern Shore and Elkton list took applications April 1 to 30, 2026, with placement by lottery; check status at waitlistcheck.com
If you share your home:
a home seeker's income counts toward this program's income test, so it can change what you qualify for.
Some of the biggest sources of help are federal and work much the same everywhere, including USDA Section 504 home repair, LIHEAP energy assistance, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and VA housing grants. They are described once, in detail, on our federal programs page, and the entries above give you the Maryland contacts.
One more option
Sharing your home is not on this list, but it belongs beside it.
Every program here helps you afford the home you have. Home sharing does something different: it turns a spare room into steady income and company. It is worth considering before you sell, before you move, and before things get harder to manage alone.