Benefits Roster
2024 FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
Review the programs and services listed below, offered by the federal, state and local government. These are designed for low-income/limited households. Each has financial eligibility guidelines, which are subject to frequent updates. For more information, refer directly to the program you are interested in.
Note: Asset tests are only listed for those programs for which they are required.
| Type | Benefit Description | One Person | Two People |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency | Seniors in Need (Expo Fund) One-time-only emergency assistance. | Income: $2,510 Assets: $11,000 | Income: $3, 406 Assets: $14,000 |
| Food | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Helps buy food needed for good health. The benefit amount varies based on household circumstances. Income limits may be lower. Asset tests may exist for some categories of individuals. Visit myDHR to apply. | Income: $2,430 per month | Income: $3,286 per month |
| Home/Community | Home and Community Based Options Waiver Assists with payment of services in the home or in assisted living. Must be assessed at nursing home level of care and meet Medical Assistance institutional eligibility rules. Age 18 and older. Income eligibility figure includes $20 disregard. | Income: $2,829 Assets: $2,000 | Income: $5,658 (Different income and asset limitations may apply when only one spouse is applying for benefits.) Assets: $3,000 |
| Home/Community | Senior Care Program Case-managed, in-home services for age 65 and up. Must be at risk of admission to a nursing home. | Income: $4,112 Assets: $11,000 | Income: $4,700 Assets: $14,000 |
| Home/Community | Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Provides financial assistance for a limited number of eligible assisted living group home residents age 62 and up. Will pay up to $1,000 toward cost of facility. | Income: $4,350 Assets: $20,064 | Income: Only applicant's income is considered Assets: $26,400 |
| Home/Community | Congregate Housing Services Program (CHSP) Financial assistance for support services in selected senior housing sites for ages 62 and up. | Income: $4,112 Assets: $27,375 | Income: $4,700 Assets: $35,587 |
| Home/Community | Accessible Homes for Seniors A loan program with zero percent interest deferred for 30 years to finance accessibility improvements. Age 55 and up. | Income: $5,708 | Income: $6,520 |
| Home/Community | Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit/Aid and Attendance for Surviving Spouse Payments for personal care assistance or assisted living through the Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefit for Veterans who are homebound. Veteran must have over 90 days active duty, one day during time of war. | Net worth: $155,356 | Net worth: $150,356 |
| Income | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medical Assistance eligibility automatic. | Income: $943 Assets: $2,000 | Income: $1,415 Assets: $3,000 |
| Income | Senior Community Service Employment Programs.(SCSEP) Employment for low-income, age 55 and up. | Income: $1,568 | Income: $2,129 |
| Medical | Medical Assistance for Ages 65 and Up State-funded health insurance. Requires documentation of disability; individuals can "spend down" to this income level to be eligible. Excludable assets include house, car, and burial plan. Visit myDHR to apply. | Income: $350 Assets: $2,500 | Income: $392 Assets: $3,000 |
| Medical | Medical Assistance for Ages 65 and Younger State-funded health insurance. Typically requires that applicant not receive any other types of health insurance, including Medicare. Excludable assets include house, car and burial plan. Visit myDHR to apply. | Income: $1,732 Assets: $2,500 | Income: $2,352 Assets: $3,000 |
| Medical | Reduced Health Insurance Premiums for Qualified Plans through Maryland Health Connection To qualify, you must be
| Income: $3,041 (for age 60) | Income: $4,108 per month (for age 60) |
| Medical | Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program (EID) Extends Medical Assistance benefits to Marylanders age 18 to 64 with disabilities. | Income: No limit Assets: Under $10,000 | Income: No limit Assets: Under $15,000 |
| Utility | Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) Helps with installation of energy conservation materials | Income: $3,547 | Income: $4,639 |
| Utility | Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Changed July 1 Provides assistance with home heating bills. Only one application is required for both the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP). | Income:
| Income:
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| Utility | Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) Changed July 1 Provides assistance with electric bills. Only one application is required for both the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) and Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP). | Income:
| Income:
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| Utility | EmPOWER Maryland Helps with the installation of energy conservation materials and major appliances. | Income: $5,708 | Income: $6,520 |
FEDERAL POVERTY LIMIT GUIDELINES
The federal government sets the Federal poverty limit each January.
- One person: $1,215 per month ($15,060 per year)
- Two people: $1,643 ($20,440 per year)
- Three people: $2,071 per month ($25,820 per year)
- Four people: $2,500 per month ($31,200 per year)
MEDICARE
Learn more about Medicare benefits, enrollment criteria and eligibility for savings:
- Medicare 2024 Fact Sheet
- New to Medicare Enrollment Criteria
- Eligibility for Savings on Medicare
- Local Help with Medicare
MEDICAID LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES SPOUSAL IMPOVERISHMENT STANDARDS
All non-exempt assets (such as savings and checking accounts, stocks, bonds) owned by either spouse, jointly or separately, are pooled as of the date the nursing home spouse enters the nursing home. The community spouse may keep $26,076 or half the assets, whichever is greater, but not more than $130,380. The couple's remaining assets are used to pay for nursing home care or other expenses until the nursing home spouse's assets reach the Medicaid eligibility level. The community spouse's income will be evaluated to determine how much, if any, of the nursing home spouse's monthly income can be allowed for the community spouse's monthly maintenance allowance.
ASSETS FOR COMMUNITY SPOUSE
- Maximum Spousal Share: $154,140
- Minimum Spousal Share: $30,828
INCOME FOR COMMUNITY SPOUSE
- Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance: $2,555
- Community Spouse Monthly Housing Allowance: $766.50
- Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance: $3,853.50