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Social Services

Social services allow you to access various programs and services at no or low cost.
 

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211 Maryland is the state's most comprehensive Information and Referral System. 

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Assistive Technology

 

​The right equipment can help older adults and people with disabilities stay safer at home and in their communities. Maryland Equips offers free medical equipment and assistive technology without the need for insurance or a prescription. The service is available to Marylanders of all ages.

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Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT)

  • This program provides free equipment to use the phone if you have any trouble with hearing, vision, or speaking and have a limited income. Click here to complete an online application or call (410) 767-6960.

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iCanConnect

Sending an email or chatting on the phone can be challenging for people with both significant vision and hearing loss. iCanConnect provides free equipment and training for people with both significant hearing and vision loss who meet the program’s disability and income eligibility guidelines. iCanConnect is a national program with local contacts that helps people stay connected to friends, family and the world.

Comprehensive Benefits​​

 

Maryland Benefits One is an integrated portal to available health and human services in Maryland, allowing residents a single point of entry to search for benefits they may be eligible for, including food, cash, medical cost, and energy bill programs across state agencies.
 

FOR THOSE AT RISK OF PLACEMENT IN A RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY​​​​

 

​​SUPPORTING OLDER ADULTS WITH RESOURCES (SOAR) PROGRAM

​The SOAR Program is a statewide initiative that provides case management and funding for services to people 65 or older who may be at risk of nursing home placement. SOAR provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s needs, a case manager to secure and coordinate services, and a pool of gap-filling funds to purchase services for individuals who meet program eligibility requirements. Services may include personal care, chore service, medications, medical supplies, adult day care, respite care, home-delivered meals, transportation, and emergency response systems. For further information on eligibility and to access SOAR, contact the Talbot County Health Department SOAR program at (410) 819-4700 or click here for more information.​​​

 

ASSESSMENT EVALUATION & REVIEW SERVICES (AERS)

​AERS is a Maryland program based in local health departments that provides assistance to frail, aged, and disabled adults. The AERS team member creates personalized care plans and connects clients to community resources, promoting independence and preventing unnecessary entry into a nursing home or other residential care facility.​ Individuals who are generally served by AERS are those who: 

  • Are at risk of being placed in a care facility or face a change in their normal living situation.

  • Have chronic medical conditions.

  • Need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or mobility.

Learn how and when to make a referral to be considered for this program.

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FOR HOMEBOUND SENIORS

Take advantage of the Talbot County Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, where community health professionals visit you in your home to coordinate social services and referrals to connect individuals with community resources. Click here to learn more about the MIH program.

Coordination of Care & Services​​

 

GENERAL COMMUNITY SUPPORTS & LONG TERM CARE PROGRAMS

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​MARYLAND ACCESS POINT (MAP)

MAP is Maryland’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, established as the single entry point for individuals seeking a range of community supports and long-term care programs. Counselors at MAP offices help you navigate the complex system of long-term care services and options through individual, person-centered counseling. Click here for details and contact information.​

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FOR THOSE AT RISK OF PLACEMENT IN A RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY​​​​

 

​​SUPPORTING OLDER ADULTS WITH RESOURCES (SOAR) PROGRAM

​The SOAR Program is a statewide initiative that provides case management and funding for services to people 65 or older who may be at risk of nursing home placement. SOAR provides a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s needs, a case manager to secure and coordinate services, and a pool of gap-filling funds to purchase services for individuals who meet program eligibility requirements. Services may include personal care, chore service, medications, medical supplies, adult day care, respite care, home-delivered meals, transportation, and emergency response systems. For further information on eligibility and to access SOAR, contact the Talbot County Health Department SOAR program at (410) 819-4700 or click here for more information.​​​

 

ASSESSMENT EVALUATION & REVIEW SERVICES (AERS)

​AERS is a Maryland program based in local health departments that provides assistance to frail, aged, and disabled adults. The AERS team member creates personalized care plans and connects clients to community resources, promoting independence and preventing unnecessary entry into a nursing home or other residential care facility.​ Individuals who are generally served by AERS are those who: 

  • Are at risk of being placed in a care facility or face a change in their normal living situation.

  • Have chronic medical conditions.

  • Need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or mobility.

Learn how and when to make a referral to be considered for this program.

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FOR HOMEBOUND SENIORS

Take advantage of the Talbot County Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, where community health professionals visit you in your home to coordinate social services and referrals to connect individuals with community resources. Click here to learn more about the MIH program.

Disability Assistance

 

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Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)

  • The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) is available to help low-income, disabled Marylanders through a period of short-term disability or while they are awaiting approval of federal disability support. The program is funded by the State of Maryland to help individuals without dependent children. Click here to learn if you are eligible and how to apply.

Home Energy Assistance - Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)

 

​​The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) provides bill assistance to low-income households to make energy costs more affordable and help prevent loss and restore home energy service. OHEP manages its energy assistance programs through a local OHEP office for Talbot County, which is the Neighborhood Service Center in Easton.

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Complete one of the following to apply for any of the energy assistance programs below:

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Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

MEAP provides financial assistance with home heating bills. Payments are made to the fuel supplier and utility company on the customer’s behalf.

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Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)

USPP is designed to protect low-income families from utility turn-offs during the heating season. All MEAP eligible customers may participate in USPP. Participation also requires year-round, even monthly budget billing. Failure to make consecutive payments may result in removal from USPP.

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Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)

​​EUSP is an electric assistance grant. This grant is available to eligible recipients once per program year (July- June). Customers who receive EUSP may choose to enroll in budget billing with their utility company, but are not required. Budget Billing is a tool that utility companies provide to help spread out annual utility bills into even monthly payments and avoid seasonal spikes in a recipient's bill.

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Arrearage Retirement Assistance

Helps customers with large, past-due electric and gas bills. If eligible, customers may receive a grant for up to $2,000 toward their past-due bill. Customers must have a past-due bill of $300 or greater to be considered eligible. Customers may only receive an arrearage grant once every five years, with certain exceptions. Arrearage grants received between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 will not count towards the five-year limitation.

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Home Energy Assistance - Other

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Fuel Fund of Maryland (for Queen Anne's County residents)

  • The Fuel Fund of Maryland provides financial assistance grants specifically for BGE residential customers at risk of losing power and for those already disconnected.

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Critical Medical Needs Program - Provides expedited as well as accountable energy and efficiency program assistance to medically vulnerable households.

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Contact your local utility company – some utility companies have programs to assist customers with their bills​ 
 

Homebound Seniors​​

 

Take advantage of the Talbot County Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) program, where community health professionals visit you in your home to coordinate social services and referrals to connect individuals with community resources. Click here to learn more about the MIH program.

 

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Food

 

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HelpLine's

 

The following are FREE HelpLine's:

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Home Repair & Modifications

 

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Housing​​

 

Homeowners​​​​

  • MORTGAGE - FORECLOSURE PREVENTION: Maryland's Department of Housing and Community Development offers housing counseling and a legal services network for those facing foreclosure. Click here for more information.

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Renters

  • HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM (HCVP): The federal Housing Choice Voucher Program (also known as Section 8) provides rental subsidies in the form of vouchers to eligible families or individuals to use toward housing payments. To learn more about the Housing Choice Voucher program for a rental on the Eastern Shore, contact the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development at dhcd.hcv@maryland.gov, (410) 901-4081, or (410) 901-4080.

  • AFFORDABLE RENTAL PROPERTY DIRECTORY: Maryland Housing Search is a free service sponsored by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development that lists rental properties throughout the state of Maryland.​​​​

  • AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR SENIORS AND THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: Use HUD's free online Resource Locator and click on "Find Affordable Elderly and Special Needs Housing" to begin your search.

  • ACCESS TO COUNSEL IN EVICTIONS PROGRAM: The program provides free lawyers to renters living in Maryland who have a household income that is at or below 50% of Maryland’s median income. Access to Counsel representatives will help you determine if you qualify. Click here for more information and to see if you qualify for assistance. For immediate help with your case, call 211 and tell the operator that you need legal help with an eviction case.

  • MARYLAND COURT HELP: Provides resources for tenants and landlords navigating an eviction.

  • SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES: Eligible Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may receive temporary financial assistance, including help with rent, security deposits, utilities, and moving expenses. If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans to learn more about SSVF and other housing programs at (877) 424-3838. Or, click here to start a live chat with a trained VA counselor.

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Homeless

  • CONTINUUM OF CARE (CoC) PROGRAM: This Program is designed to promote community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; provide funding for efforts by nonprofit providers, and State and local governments to quickly rehouse homeless individuals and families. Please contact the Mid-Shore Regional CoC at (410) 770-4801 to inquire about homeless services that may be available to you.

  • SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VETERAN FAMILIES: Eligible Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness may receive temporary financial assistance, including help with rent, security deposits, utilities, and moving expenses. If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans to learn more about SSVF and other housing programs at (877) 424-3838. Or, click here to start a live chat with a trained VA counselor.

Medical

 

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Dental

  • Dental Lifeline Network provides comprehensive dental care to adults across the United States. These patients receive this care through the generosity of a network of volunteer dentists and laboratories. Learn more about the program and apply for free dental services.

  • Maryland Healthy Smiles can help eligible Medicaid participants find free or low-cost dental health care.

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Eye Care

  • EyeCare America® is a public service program of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Its goal is to provide uninsured and underinsured adults with access to medical eye exams. It does this by matching patients with a volunteer ophthalmologist in their area. Ophthalmologists are the only eye doctors with a medical degree. Learn more about the program and click here to learn if you are eligible.

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Prescriptions

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Personal Care

 

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Hygiene Kits

  • Contact the Talbot County Health Department at (410) 819-5600 to learn if their "Health Resources on the Go" vending machines or distribution boxes have a current inventory of hygiene kits. These travel-sized kits have essentials and oral care products and are free and confidential to access.  Products, kits, and availability may vary. 

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Incontinence Supplies

  • Incontinence affects over 60% of women and 25% of men. About 30% of Talbot County's population is age 65 and older. This is the highest percentage of seniors of any county in the state.

  • The Senior Supply Drive helps fill in the gaps for low-income seniors when they have an immediate need for incontinence products but do not have the means to purchase them. 

  • Donations are distributed to Talbot County residents through the Department of Social Services, Health Department, and Upper Shore Aging. 

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Personal Sharps Containers

  • Contact the Talbot County Health Department at (410) 819-5600 to learn if their "Health Resources on the Go" vending machines or distribution boxes have a current inventory of personal sharps containers. These containers are free and confidential to access.

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Wound Care Kits

  • Contact the Talbot County Health Department at (410) 819-5600 to learn if their "Health Resources on the Go" vending machines or distribution boxes have a current inventory of wound care kits. Each kit contains sterile items for treating minor wounds, such as gauze, bandages, gloves, antiseptic, ointment, and an irrigation solution. Products, kits, and availability may vary. These containers are free and confidential to access.

Phone

 

Lifeline is a federal program that helps lower the monthly cost of phone (wireless or landline) or internet service. Qualifying consumers can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25 off the cost of their phone, internet, or bundled services. Click here to see if you qualify and visit this page to apply for the program.

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