Maryland

The state housing agency: rental assistance programs, homeowner help, and weatherization. Their site lists what's currently open and how to apply.

Free HUD-approved housing counselors who help you avoid foreclosure and deal with your mortgage company. Call 1-877-462-7555.

Free legal help with eviction (rent court) and other civil cases, by phone, chat, or walk-in: 410-260-1392.

Your county DSS office can provide emergency housing help and shelter referrals when you're about to lose housing.

Maryland's monthly cash assistance for low-income families with children (the state's TANF program). Apply online at myMDTHINK or call 1-800-332-6347.

• myMDTHINK

Small monthly cash payments for low-income adults who can't work because of a disability and have no children at home. Apply through myMDTHINK.

Emergency financial help, food, and family services for people of any faith across central Maryland.

Every Maryland hospital must give free care to lower-income patients and payment plans to others — it's state law. Ask the hospital for their financial assistance application before paying any bill.

Free state mediators who fight incorrect medical bills, denied insurance claims, and billing disputes for you: 410-528-1840.

Free lawyers if you're being sued over medical or other debt: 1-888-215-5316.

Maryland's LIHEAP: helps pay electric and heating bills and can stop a shut-off, plus the Electric Universal Service Program for electric bill credits. Apply at myMDTHINK or call 1-800-332-6347.

Charity that helps with utility bills when you don't qualify for government programs or the help wasn't enough.

Free home energy improvements (insulation, sealing) that permanently lower your bills.

Monthly grocery money on an EBT card. Apply online at myMDTHINK or call 1-800-332-6347.

• myMDTHINK

Statewide network (except the DC suburbs) — use their site to find free food pantries near you.

Serves Montgomery and Prince George's counties; find free food distributions near you.

Healthy food and formula for pregnant women and children under 5: call 1-800-242-4942 or search "WIC" on the state health site.

Free health coverage for low-income Marylanders. Apply through Maryland Health Connection online or call 1-855-642-8572.

Free or low-cost coverage for children and pregnant women, with higher income limits than regular Medicaid.

The state's insurance marketplace; with subsidies many people pay very little, and free navigators help you enroll: 1-855-642-8572.

Call 211 and press 1 for 24/7 emotional support, suicide prevention, and connection to local mental health care.

The state mental health and addiction agency; lists local crisis services and low-cost treatment options.

Free one-on-one peer support for families dealing with a child's or loved one's mental health or substance use.

Pays most of your child care costs while you work or attend school; run by the Maryland State Department of Education.

Free referral specialists who help you find licensed child care that fits your budget and schedule: 1-877-261-0060.

Help for grandparents and relatives raising children, including cash assistance and support services through your local DSS.

Free job search help, training programs, and career counseling at centers across the state.

File for unemployment benefits through the BEACON portal, or call 667-207-6520.

Awards low-cost donated cars to working families referred by partner agencies, so a car problem doesn't cost you your job.

Free civil legal help statewide: evictions, benefits, family, consumer, and debt cases. Call 1-888-215-5316.

Plain-language guides to Maryland law — eviction, debt collection, expungement, and more — from the state courts.

Connects Marylanders with free volunteer lawyers and runs free legal clinics, including foreclosure and consumer debt help.

Low-cost immigration legal services, workers' rights help, and support for immigrant families in Maryland.