Department of Social Services

Crisis Programs

 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

LIEAP is a heating assistance program that provides once-a-year heating assistance to qualifying low income citizens. The program is initially targeted toward senior citizens and disabled adults. If funds still exist after these populations have received assistance, then remaining funds are distributed to any citizen who meets income guidelines. No cash is distributed to the citizen; rather, services are purchased for the citizen from their heating provider. This could be the electric company, the gas company, fuel oil provider or even a firewood vendor. Applications are open December to March, unless funding runs out.  

Crisis Intervention Program (CIP)

CIP provides heating/cooling assistance to elderly, disabled and families with children who are experiencing a life threatening heating/ cooling crisis. The family has to meet eligibility requirements and their net income has to be at or below 150% of the poverty level. There is a maximum benefit of $600 per household per state fiscal year. CIP can be used for oil, gas, deposits, or past due electric bills. These services are provided based on available funds.

Emergency Assistance (EA)

EA provides short-term assistance during an immediate crisis to households in which a related child in the home is under the age of 18 (or 19 if he/she is a full time high school student). The program is both limited in allowable reserve and countable gross income at or below 150% of the poverty level. There is a maximum benefit of $500 per household. EA can be used to pay utilities, rent, temporary shelter, transportation, and other things deemed an emergency by program guidelines. These services are provided based on available funds. MCDSS reserves the ability to require applicants to apply for Work First in order to meet our Mission Statement Goals.

200% of Poverty Funds

This program provides short-term assistance to families meeting all related requirements. There must be an immediate crisis and a related child under the age of 18 (19 if he/she is a full time high school student). The needed assistance must be job related. The program is both limited in allowable reserve and countable income at 200% of the poverty level. 200% of Poverty can be used to pay utilities, rent, temporary shelter, transportation, and other things that may be deemed an emergency by DSS. These services are provided based on available funds.

Montgomery Crisis Fund

Montgomery Crisis Fund is provided by a non-profit agency in the county. MCDSS serves as the screening agency for these funds. Applicants must have a medical emergency. Individual applicants may receive up to $300.00 per calendar year; families may receive up to $500.00 per annual year to assist with medical bills, prescriptions, etc. (prescriptions cannot be pain medications or narcotics)