Hotline for Residents
The Baltimore County Department of Health has issued a hotline for residents to call with questions or concerns about COVID-19. The number is 410-887-3816. The hotline is open seven days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Benefits Screening Partnership
Baltimore County Government and the CASH Campaign of Maryland, which promotes creating assets and savings through programs that offer economic advancement, are now offering benefits screening and support services via phone and by appointment.
Callers to BaltCo 311 will be screened and referred to CASH Campaign to connect with their trained case managers to gather the information required to access their eligibility for over 20 local, state and federal benefits including, but not limited to:
- Temporary Cash Assistance
- Temporary Disability Assistance
- SNAP (formerly food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Women, Infants and Children program (WIC)
- Maryland Utility Assistance
- NeedyMeds (discount pharmacy program)
- Discounted cellular and landline programs
- Maryland Children’s Health Program
- Child Care Subsidy Program
- Child Support Payment Incentive
- Free and Reduced Price School Meals
- Head Start and Early Head Start
- Renters and Homeowners Tax Credit
- Child Tax Credit
- Earned Income Tax Credit
Baltimore County 311 is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Food Access
For information about food distribution sites, as well as restaurants offering delivery and carry-out, visit our Food Resources page.
Assistance for Impacted Businesses and Employees
The Department of Economic and Workforce Development has compiled resources for businesses and workers regarding available assistance at the federal, state and local levels.
Pet Food Assistance
Assistance for Pet Owners
The Baltimore Humane Society is assisting pet owners who are having temporary financial stress so they are able to keep their pets. Eligible pet owners may come once a month. Staff will portion out a month’s supply of food for a maximum of five cats and three dogs per household. Food is available for indoor, house pets only, and is dependent on supply. Pet owners needing assistance are asked to make an appointment by calling 410-833-8848, extension 2.
Donations to the Pet Food Bank
Donations may be dropped off at the Baltimore Humane Society by placing food items in the donation shed on the right-hand side of the parking lot. All brands of wet and dry cat and dog food are accepted, as well as dog and cat treats and cat litter. Open, unexpired bags accepted. Donations to the food bank may be made directly at the donation shed on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Donation receipts are available on the door.
The Baltimore Humane Society is located at 1601 Nicodemus Road, Reisterstown, Maryland 21136. Find more information about the Bmore Kind Pet Food Bank.
Utility Shutoffs Halted
County Executive Olszewski and Mayor Young announced that neither municipality (City or County) will turn off water service for failure to pay.
In addition, on August 31, 2020, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) took emergency action (PDF) prohibiting termination of PSC-regulated residential utility services (electric and gas), charging of late fees, and provided for a transition period that allows residential customers time to apply for assistance programs or make payment arrangements with their utility. Termination is prohibited through November 15, 2020. Utilities may not begin sending termination notices until October 1, 2020—45 days in advance of a termination.
Maryland Access Point Hotline for Seniors
Seniors can call the Maryland Access Point hotline at 410-887-2594. Calls are answered by a team of Certified Information and Assistance Specialists (CIRS), Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Internet Access and Public WiFi
WiFi Outside of Public Libraries
The County has installed external WiFi capacity at 10 Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) branch locations. Residents can access free WiFi in the parking lots of BCPL branches:
Residents will be required to remain in their vehicles or otherwise adhere to all social distancing guidelines. These requirements will be strictly enforced.
Public WiFi Locations Map
Residents can also visit the BaltCo Go-Online Map to find the closest available free internet service throughout the County. Users can search for locations closest to where they live.
VIEW THE MAP
Comcast Xfinity Public Hotspots
Any resident can now access hundreds of Comcast public WiFi hotspots throughout the County. Locations are available on Comcast Xfinity's website.
Low-Cost Internet Support
Do you need help accessing affordable WiFi in your home? Comcast and Verizon provide affordable, high-speed internet programs for low-income families.
Comcast Internet Essentials provides affordable internet access for as low as $9.95 plus tax per month. You may qualify for this program if you are eligible for public assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SNAP and others. Apply today.
Verizon Fios provides access to their 100 percent fiber-optic network for $20 off to those who qualify for their Lifeline Discount Program. All you need to do is apply online, choose a Fios plan, and call 1-800-VERIZON within 90 days to receive their discounted plan and equipment credit.