Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Maryland. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Maryland)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rent, utility, food, and medical help, 24/7
- Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, the federal front door to your Area Agency on Aging
- BenefitsCheckUp.org screens you for every benefit you may qualify for
- Medicare 1-800-633-4227 | Social Security 1-800-772-1213 | VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900 | National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311 | Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Maryland SHIP)
Maryland's program is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run by the Maryland Department of Aging. Trained counselors in all 23 counties and Baltimore City give free, unbiased one-on-one help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap, and appeals. Statewide line: 1-800-243-3425 (Maryland Department of Aging) or 410-767-1100. Online: aging.maryland.gov. If you cannot reach a local counselor, the national SHIP locator at shiphelp.org will point you to the office serving your county.
Medicaid in Maryland
Maryland's Medicaid program is generally called Maryland Medicaid (most enrollees get care through HealthChoice, the managed-care side). Apply through Maryland Health Connection online at marylandhealthconnection.gov, by phone at 1-855-642-8572 (weekdays), through the free Enroll MHC mobile app, or in person with a Navigator. Maryland Medicaid can help pay Medicare premiums and long-term care costs for those who qualify.
Prescription help
Maryland runs the Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP), overseen by the Maryland Department of Health. SPDAP helps people who have Medicare Part D by providing a subsidy toward the monthly Part D premium for eligible Maryland residents. Call 1-800-551-5995 (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visit marylandspdap.com to check eligibility and apply. If you have limited income, also ask Maryland SHIP (1-800-243-3425) about Medicare Extra Help, which can lower drug costs further.
Energy and utility help
Maryland's heating help runs through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) in the Department of Human Services. The main grant is the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), paid directly to your fuel or utility company, alongside the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) for electric bills. Call 1-800-332-6347 to request a paper application or find your local OHEP office, apply online through the state's myMDTHINK portal (myohepstatus.mymdthink.maryland.gov), or dial 211.
Property tax relief (Maryland)
- Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program (run by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, SDAT): a statewide, income-based credit that limits property tax to a set share of household income. It is not age-restricted, but many older homeowners qualify. To be eligible, combined gross household income must not exceed $60,000, and net worth (excluding your home and qualified retirement savings) must be under $200,000. File by October 1 of the tax year; apply by April 15 to have the credit show on your July tax bill. Apply through Maryland OneStop (onestop.md.gov) or SDAT at dat.maryland.gov.
- County senior tax credits: separately, several counties (for example Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore County) offer their own local senior property tax credits for homeowners age 65 and older who meet county income rules. These are set county by county. Ask your county finance or treasurer's office what senior credit it offers and how to apply.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
Maryland Access Point (MAP) is the single front door to your local Area Agency on Aging for home-delivered meals, in-home care, caregiver support, and senior transportation. Call 1-844-627-5465 (1-844-MAP-LINK), reach the Maryland Department of Aging at 1-800-243-3425, use the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), or dial 211. For free civil legal help, ask your Area Agency on Aging or 211 for the legal aid office serving your county.
Frequently asked questions
What is Maryland's SHIP program? It is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, run by the Maryland Department of Aging. Free Medicare counseling at 1-800-243-3425, with counselors in every county and Baltimore City.
Does Maryland offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The statewide Homeowners' Property Tax Credit (through SDAT) is income-based, capped at $60,000 household income and under $200,000 net worth, filed by October 1. Many counties also offer a separate local senior credit for homeowners 65+, available through your county finance office.
How do Maryland seniors get help with prescription costs? Through the Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP), which subsidizes the Medicare Part D premium for eligible residents. Call 1-800-551-5995, or ask Maryland SHIP about Extra Help.
How do Maryland seniors get help with heating bills? Through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), including the Maryland Energy Assistance Program. Call 1-800-332-6347 or dial 211.
Sources
- Maryland Department of Aging, SHIP: https://aging.maryland.gov/programs-and-services/medicare-support/state-health-insurance-assistance-program . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Maryland Health Connection, How to Enroll in Medicaid (1-855-642-8572): https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov/how-to-enroll/medicaid/ . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP): https://marylandspdap.com/ and contact page https://marylandspdap.com/contact-us/ . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Maryland Department of Human Services, Office of Home Energy Programs: https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/ . Verified June 7, 2026.
- SDAT, Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program: https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/pages/homeowners'-property-tax-credit-program.aspx . Verified June 7, 2026.
- Maryland Access Point: https://aging.maryland.gov/pages/maryland-access-point.aspx . Verified June 7, 2026.