Financial

Budgeting

Information and Worksheet on planning and budgeting to achieve self-reliance: Gaining Control of Your Money, prepared by Kent Mikkelsen of the Kensington Ward.

Financial Assistance Programs

• Economic Security Administration
  The Economic Security Administration determines eligibility for DC residents' benefits under the Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly Food Stamps), Child Care Subsidy, Burial Assistance, Interim Disability Assistance, Parent and Adolescent Support Services and Refugee Cash Assistance programs.


• InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington
  The Greater Washington, D.C. Emergency Services Directory is an online database of approximately 400 service providers of a variety resources including financial assistance and legal services. To begin your search, go to this link and select the service(s) and region(s) of interest.


• Bethesda Help
  Financial assistance for rent (when there is about to be an eviction), partial or full payment of utility bills (when service is about to be cut off), and prescription medicines (when need is verified by a doctor’s office and the client cannot make full or partial payment).


• Maryland Department of Human Resources
  The website has information about the Food Supplement Program, Emergency Food Assistance Program, emergency assistance to families with children that help with paying rent, utilities or other emergency bills, temporary cash assistance, temporary disability assistance. The main call center can be reached at 800-332-6347 to contact DHR at anytime.


• CASA Financial Literacy Program
  CASA provides tax preparation, individual counseling and workshops on issues such as obtaining identification documents (Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), passport, consular identification, and driver’s license), opening a bank account, writing a check, using a debit card, debt analysis, financial planning, and creating a budget. Local banks also visit CASA’s Centers to help members open accounts.

Home Energy Programs

• Office of Home Energy Programs
  The Office of Home Energy Programs provides bill assistance to low-income households in the State of Maryland to make their energy costs more affordable and to help with the prevention of loss and the restoration of home energy service. This service provides three separate grants: Maryland Energy Assistance Program, Electric Universal Service Program, and Arrearage Retirement Assistance.


• Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
  The Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible low-income households lower their energy costs by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. Priority is given to homeowners who are elderly, disabled and families with children and/or who have the highest energy consumption. Eligible renters may also apply.

Burial Assistance

• Burial Assistance Program
  The Burial Assistance Program provides limited financial help with funeral expenses of deceased recipients of Public Assistance programs when their families cannot afford funeral costs.