Emergency Assistance (EAFC)
Emergency Assistance to Families with Children 

EAFC is a program which provides cash assistance in certain emergency situations to families with children. This program is available only once a year. Each local jurisdiction determines the type of emergencies covered and the amount of assistance given. To apply, please visit your local District Office.

Covered Emergencies
                                                                                 
Housing related emergencies—due to unforeseen circumstances—includes but is not limited to:

• Eviction
• Security Deposit
• Relocation
• Utility Turn-Off
• Storage

Eligibility Period

A family can receive benefits once in a 12-month period.

Benefit Payments

Payment is made directly to the vendor.

Eligibility Determination

Application must be made for this program, even if the applicant is a current recipient of assistance. For new applicants, financial eligibility is determined by measuring the available resources of the family against regular paid living expenses.

The applicant and every other person included in the EAFC assistance unit must be without resources to meet the emergency need.

Resources

Available Resources

• All income
• Money that can be had via loan, credit, or salary advance
• In-kind assistance from community recourses
• Assets, which convert readily into cash

Excluded Resources

• Income and assets of TCA recipient
• Income and assets of SSA recipient
• Foster Care and Subsidized Adoption Payments

Emergency Worker

Each District office of the Baltimore County Department of Social Services has an "emergency" Social Worker on staff. This worker will take the application and assess the individual situations for possible solutions and appropriate referrals to community resources.

Revised September 11, 2006