Getting Ready: Your September Action Plan
💡 ENERGY ASSISTANCE: WHAT'S ACTUALLY AVAILABLE
Maryland's Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) opened its 2026–2027 season on July 1 — here's what matters before you apply:
- You don't need a shutoff notice. OHEP strongly encourages applying before you ever receive one — waiting only delays help and doesn't improve your chances.
- It won't reduce your other benefits. Energy assistance does not count against or reduce your SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance, or Social Security benefits.
- One application covers several grants. The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps with heating bills; the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) helps with electric bills; Arrearage Retirement Assistance can pay down large past-due balances (up to $2,000 electric / $1,000 gas, for bills of $300 or more); and the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP) protects MEAP-eligible households from a winter shutoff. Weatherization help is also available to lower costs long-term.
- What you'll need: proof of income for the last 30 days for everyone in the household, Social Security card copies, a recent utility bill or termination notice, and proof of residence (lease or mortgage statement).
Ready to apply, or not sure which grant fits your situation? Apply online at MarylandBenefits.gov or talk to your CHA case manager — we can help you get started.
STEP 1: Apply for Energy Assistance Now
The 2026–2027 season is open and runs through June 2027, but demand climbs fast once cold weather hits. Applying now — rather than waiting for a bill you can't pay — gets you ahead of the line and protected under USPP before winter.
STEP 2: Complete Annual Student Verification This Week
Log into the Campus Portal for each Baltimore City Schools student in your household and confirm contact information, emergency contacts, and required forms — even if nothing has changed since last year. The deadline is September 30.
STEP 3: Report Any Household Changes Now That School's Back In
A new school year often brings new child care costs or a changed work schedule. If your household's income, hours, or composition has shifted, report it to your CHA case manager within 10 days — don't wait for your next scheduled meeting.
SNAP WORK REQUIREMENTS: WHAT'S CHANGED SINCE SUMMER
📌 The Transition Grace Period Has Ended
Earlier this year, newly affected households got a temporary three-month grace period to show they met the new work requirements. That grace period closed on June 30, 2026. Going forward, the rule is simply checked at every household's regular recertification appointment — not in a single wave. If you haven't been asked about it yet, it will come up at your next recertification. For a refresher on who's exempt (households with a child under 14, people who are disabled, and others), see July's and August's editions, or ask your case manager or Maryland Legal Aid — exemptions are always checked before anything else.
🌀 A Quick Storm Kit Check-In
September and October are historically the busiest stretch of hurricane season. If you built or restocked a kit in August, you're in good shape — just confirm water, food, and any medications are still current. If you haven't yet, the basics are simple: water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a week's supply of medications, and copies of important documents in a waterproof bag. Sign up for city alerts at emergency.baltimorecity.gov/bmore-alert (BMORE Alert) and statewide alerts at mema.maryland.gov.
September Community Events & Resources
🎉 September Community Events
Mark These Dates
- September 5, Labor Day Weekend: Charm City Live — free, one-day music and culture festival at War Memorial Plaza, headlined this year by Boyz II Men. Also features local vendors, a Kids Zone, and a hiring fair connecting residents with Baltimore City government jobs.
- September 7: Labor Day — Baltimore City Public Schools and city offices are closed.
- September 19–20: Baltimore Book Festival at Waverly Main Street — authors, readings, and family-friendly literary programming, most of it free.
- September 25–27: Baltimore Comic-Con — kids 10 and under get free admission with a paid adult.
🎊 Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Baltimore-area celebrations this month include:
- September 19, 10 AM–4 PM: Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Maryland Zoo — folkloric dance, community vendors and resources, included with regular Zoo admission.
- Enoch Pratt Free Library: "Viva la Cultura" celebration and other free, family-friendly programming at branches citywide — check prattlibrary.org for dates and locations near you.
Additional community and church-hosted celebrations happen throughout the month — ask your case manager or check local community bulletin boards for events near you.
September Community Resources and Services
| Organization |
Service |
Phone |
Details |
| Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) |
Energy Assistance |
(800) 332-6347
MarylandBenefits.gov |
2026–2027 season now open. Apply before a shutoff notice, not after |
| BGE Customer Assistance |
Utility Payment Plans |
(800) 685-0123
bge.com |
Payment plans, Budget Billing. Call BEFORE missing a payment |
| Maryland DHS Customer Call Center |
SNAP / Work Requirement Questions |
(800) 332-6347 |
Questions about ABAWD work rules or exemptions at recertification |
| Baltimore City Public Schools |
Annual Student Verification |
(410) 396-8637
baltimorecityschools.org |
Complete ASV via Campus Portal for every student by September 30 |
| Maryland Legal Aid |
Free Legal Help |
(410) 539-5340
mdlab.org |
Help with benefit denials, exemption documentation, housing issues |
| Maryland Food Bank |
Food Assistance |
(410) 737-8282
mdfoodbank.org |
Mobile pantries and family food boxes at Baltimore sites citywide |
| Enoch Pratt Free Library |
Hispanic Heritage Programming |
prattlibrary.org |
"Viva la Cultura" celebration and free branch events, Sept. 15–Oct. 15 |
| The Maryland Zoo |
Hispanic Heritage Celebration |
marylandzoo.org |
Sept. 19, 10 AM–4 PM. Included with Zoo admission or membership |
| Mayor's Office of Arts, Culture & Entertainment |
Charm City Live |
baltimore.org |
Sept. 5, free, War Memorial Plaza. City hiring fair on site |
| Baltimore Book Festival |
Literary Festival |
baltimore.org |
Sept. 19–20, Waverly Main Street. Mostly free programming |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline |
24/7 Crisis Support |
Call or text 988
988lifeline.org |
Free, confidential crisis support, day or night |
| Baltimore Crisis Response |
Mental Health |
(410) 433-5175 |
24/7 crisis support for Baltimore City residents |
| Chase Brexton Health |
Primary / Mental Health |
(410) 837-2050
chasebrexton.org |
Medical, dental, and mental health care. Sliding scale, Medicaid accepted |
| Baltimore City 311 |
Non-Emergency City Services |
Call or text 311
balt311.baltimorecity.gov |
Event info, non-emergency city services, general questions |
| 211 Maryland |
Resource Navigation |
Call or text 211
211md.org |
Free 24/7 help finding food, utility help, and more statewide |
IMPORTANT: Report Any Changes to CHA Within 10 Days
What to report: New jobs or changes in hours/wages, unemployment benefits, SSI/SSDI changes, child support, settlement payments, tax refunds over $2,000, household composition changes (adding or removing a family member), new school-year child care costs, or any other new income source.
Why it matters: Timely reporting keeps your housing benefits accurate and protects you from back-charges or loss of assistance.
How to report: Contact your CHA case manager immediately when any income or household change occurs. Don't wait until your next scheduled meeting.
SEPTEMBER CRITICAL REMINDERS
Energy Assistance: 2026–2027 season is open now — apply before a shutoff notice, not after.
Annual Student Verification: Due Wednesday, September 30, for every Baltimore City Schools student.
SNAP Work Requirements: The transition grace period ended June 30 — the rule now applies at every household's regular recertification going forward.
Charm City Live: Saturday, September 5, free, War Memorial Plaza.
Labor Day: Monday, September 7 — schools and city offices closed.
Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15–October 15, citywide events.
Hurricane Season: Still active through October. Give your storm kit a quick check.
Your Case Manager: We are here every step of the way. Reach out — that's what we're for.
