Dollar Energy Fund

Hardship Program

The Dollar Energy Fund’s Maryland Hardship Program assists eligible Columbia Gas of Maryland customers with their bills. Eligible Customers receive a one-time grant applied directly to their bill.

Hardship Program:

  • Provides a grant directly to your Columbia Gas of Maryland utility account
  • Income Guidelines: at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines

Am I eligible?

  • Are you a Columbia Gas of Maryland heat customer?
  • Use our Income Calculator to find out if you qualify based on income. Customers who are eligible for the Hardship Program will have gross (before tax) income that is between 0 percent and 250 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

How To Apply

You must meet all guidelines to be eligible to receive a grant.

Step 1

Make an appointment with a Maryland Hardship Program Authorized Screening Agency. Hours vary for each organization. The Authorized Screening Agency will assist you with the application process.

Click here to use our Agency Finder to locate all Authorized Screening Agencies in your area.

Step 2

Please have the following information available to complete your application:

  • Names of everyone in your household
  • Birthdates of everyone in your household
  • Social Security Numbers for everyone in your household
  • Proof of Income for everyone in your household
  • A copy of your most recent utility bill
  • Your utility account number
  • Proof of all utility payments made in the last 90 days

Step 3

Complete the Maryland Hardship Program application with an agency intake worker. The Authorized Screening Agency will submit the application to Dollar Energy Fund.

Step 4

You will receive written notification of your grant decision within four to six weeks. If you are awarded a grant, the money will be applied directly to your Columbia Gas of Maryland account.

Step 5

Continue to make regular utility payments. A Hardship Program grant is not a substitute for your regular monthly payment.