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RELIEF Act: The RELIEF Act, signed into law Monday by Governor Larry Hogan, passed several benefits for MD residents. Listed below are only some of the benefits in the RELIEF Act.

- Taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit in Tax Year 2019 and reside in or have permanent residence in Maryland as of February 12 are eligible for one-time stimulus payments of $300 or $500. Taxpayers can visit the Comptroller's website to see if they qualify and check the status of their payments. They can also cal1 1-833-345-0787 or email ReliefAct@marylandtaxes.gov for more assistance. No application is necessary. For more information check out these FAQ's.

- Marylanders awaiting unemployment insurance adjudication will be sent $1,000 grants. Check out these FAQ's for more information.

- State income taxes on Unemployment Insurance income received during 2020 and 2021 will be waived for single filers who report under $75,000 in income and joint filers who report under $100,000. Taxpayers who have already filed their 2020 State tax returns can file an amended return for a full refund of Maryland state income taxes.

Energy Assistance Toolkit: The Office of People's Counsel has created an energy assistance toolkit to help Maryland households facing utility turn-off notices keep their power on. This toolkit includes videos, application forms, and resource guides. Check out this video to learn how to fill out the Office of Home Energy Programs application.

Utility Bill Help: Maryland Volunteer Lawyer Services, Probono Resource Center of MD and Office of People's Counsel have come together to provide remote Utility Clinics.Baltimore City residents can receive free legal advice from volunteer attorneys and from OPC staff regarding their water, gas, and/or electric bills. Attorneys will advise on issues such as unusually high or delinquent bills, bill disputes, shutoffs, and questions about financial assistance that may be available. Everything is done via phone, email, text, and mail. See the attached flyer for more information about how to connect clients to this free service. Please feel free to distribute.

Maryland Insurance Administration: The Maryland Insurance Administration will be hosting a virtual event where you can meet one-on-one with an expert to discuss quesitons about home, auto, life, health, renters and commercial insurance. The "Ask the MIA" event takes place Thursday February 25, 2021, 11AM-2PM. Register for the event here. See the attached flyer.

Health Insurance: The Maryland Health Connection has extended the emergency special enrollment period for uninsured Marylanders. You can enroll in a private health insurance plan now through Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Coverage start dates follow:

· Enroll by February 15, coverage starts February 1

· Enroll February 16–March 15, coverage starts March 1

· Enroll March 16–April 15, coverage starts April 1

· Enroll April 16–May 15, coverage starts May 1

Visit the Maryland Health Connection online or download the free “Enroll MHC” mobile app. When enrolling, consumers should request or select “Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment Period.” Help is available by calling 855-642-8572 weekdays from 8AM-6PM.

Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness: For children who are experiencing homelessness there may be extra supports available through their school system. Homelessness can be defined as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence (ex: being doubled up, transient, living in motels/hotels/emergency shelters). Encourage families to reach out to their local Homeless Education Coordinator/Liaison who may be able to offer support. The attachment has listings for the state.

For more information and resources, visit our website.

Be well.

Brandi Nieland, LCSW

Director of Consumer Assistance

Maryland Office of People's Counsel

6 St.Paul Street, Suite 2102

Baltimore, MD 21202

brandi.nieland@maryland.gov

Pronouns She/Her

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