The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) stands ready to offer support services to Port of Baltimore workers and others affected by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. On April 5, 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to establish temporary relief programs to support businesses and workers impacted by the Key Bridge collapse and disruption of operations to the Port of Baltimore.
DHS has created this dedicated website where Marylanders impacted by this disaster can get help navigating through this difficult period. These services include:
Financial Assistance: DHS offers various financial assistance programs to help individuals and families meet their basic needs, including food assistance, utility bill assistance, and temporary cash assistance.
Employment Services: DHS provides employment assistance and job training programs to help affected workers find new employment opportunities and transition into new roles.
Eviction Prevention and Housing Assistance: DHS partners with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to make referrals to housing assistance programs to ensure residents have safe and stable housing options during times of crisis.
Legal Assistance:Maryland Legal Aid provides free or reduced-cost legal services to individuals facing legal issues.
This webpage will be updated regularly as additional services and resources are identified. Affected Port of Baltimore workers and others impacted by the bridge collapse can access DHS support services by contacting their local DHS office or visiting the DHS Financial Assistance webpage for more information. To apply online for benefits, visit https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/
Were you impacted by the Francis Scott Key Bridge Incident and need help? The Maryland Department of Human Services has economic assistance programs that may help you get back on your feet. Click here to apply for food, cash, and medical assistance. You may also use the link to apply for utility bill assistance.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food benefits to families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being.
The Temporary Cash Assistance Program provides cash assistance to families with dependent children when available resources do not fully address the family’s needs while preparing program participants for independence through work. TCA benefits can be used to pay for rent, utilities, and basic household items.
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 through the State of Maryland to provide help to adults without dependent children under the age of 19.
Emergency Assistance to Families with Children provides emergency cash assistance to families who need emergency help paying rent or utilities or for other emergencies. These funds are available through the local department once every two years when funds are available.
The Burial Assistance Program provides limited financial help with funeral expenses of deceased recipients of Public Assistance programs when their families cannot afford funeral costs. This program provides a cash benefit to the funeral director when the deceased individual was either already receiving assistance or after filing an application, is considered eligible for a public assistance program administered by DHS even though he or she has not actually received assistance.
The Public Assistance to Adults Program pays for the cost of care and a personal needs allowance for needy individuals who live in assisted living facilities licensed by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and in Certified Adult Residential Environmental homes (also known as Project Home). PAA pays only the personal needs allowance to needy people in MDH Rehabilitative Residences. Recipients are eligible for Medical Assistance.
Maryland’s SNAP E&T Program connects people who receive monthly food supplement benefits (SNAP benefits) to job-driven training programs.
Training programs are free of cost to SNAP participants, run for an average of 12 to 16 weeks, and train participants for employment in indemand industries including, but are not limited to, welding, construction, machine operation, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and computer technology/IT. Many SNAP E&T programs also offer job placement, retention and support services that help program graduates find and keep employment. Click here to find a SNAP E&T provider nearest to you.
Medicaid, also called Medical Assistance (MA) pays the medical bills of needy and low-income individuals. It is administered by the State and pays medical bills with Federal and State funds.
Through the Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees, DHS provides a variety of support services to refugees, asylees, certain humanitarian parolees, victims of trafficking, and other humanitarian immigrants. Our services include employment services, transitional cash assistance, medical screenings, English language classes, education support services and other services to promote early self-sufficiency. Click here to learn more about services for humanitarian immigrants. For general inquiries, call us at 410-767-7514.
Child Support Services FAQs
APPLYING TO RECEIVE CHILD SUPPORT
I lost my job at the Port of Baltimore and would like to apply to receive child support.
You may submit an application online via either the Department of Human Services (DHS) Website or MyMDTHINK consumer portal at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/
Or, you may submit a paper application which can be downloaded from the DHS Website at https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-support-services/ and mailed to your local Child Support Administration office.
I lost my job at the Port of Baltimore and want to apply for Temporary Cash Assistance benefits.
Yes, recipients of Temporary Cash Assistance must cooperate with child support in order to obtain the full benefit amount. There are exceptions to this which can be discussed with your family investment case manager. Additional information can be found at: https://dhs.maryland.gov/weathering-tough-times/temporary-cash-assistance/
No, you do not need to apply for child support to be eligible for receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
PAYING CHILD SUPPORT
I lost my job at the Port of Baltimore and no longer have enough income to afford to pay child support.
You can complete a modification packet along with the requested financial documentation to be submitted to your local Child Support Administration office. Please be sure to include documentation that indicates your change in employment status. The modification packet can be obtained online under the CSA Forms section at https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-support-services/child-support-resources/. A list of local Child Support Administration offices are included in the packet with an email address where your modification packet should be submitted.
Yes, you may be eligible to apply for Temporary Cash Assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program from the Department of Human Services, Family Investment Administration at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/.
Before I lost my job at the Port of Baltimore my employer deducted child support from my paycheck. I want to now pay my child support directly, but do not know how.
Yes, payments options include:
Credit card by calling 844-324-3855 (includes processing fees).
Maryland Child Support Account
PO Box 17396
Baltimore, Maryland 21297
Check or money order in person at a local Child Support Administration office.
Credit card, check, or money order at a payment KIOSK located in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County.
After losing my job at the Port of Baltimore and not being able to pay my child support, I am concerned about enforcement actions being taken?
All enforcement actions may be monitored by the local Child Support Administration office on a case by case basis to assist you.
Yes. The Worker Support Program is required by law to deduct any amount owed in child support arrears or to the IRS from temporary relief payments issued. You must make your regular monthly child support payments. If you have any questions regarding this policy as it relates to your child support case, please call the Child Support Administration’s Customer Service Unit at 410-767-7065.
Please advise your child support caseworker that you recently lost your job at the Port of Baltimore or by updating your employment information on your myMDTHINK consumer portal at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/home/#/. If at any time you receive a notice that an enforcement action may occur, please contact your caseworker to discuss your situation.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
If I should have questions about available child support services, how can I contact or visit my local Child Support Administration office?
For general inquiries, please call the Child Support Administration’s Customer Service Unit at 410-767-7065.
If you suspect that a child or adult is being abused or neglected please call 1-800-91 PREVENT (1-800-917-7383) or 911.
TO REPORT CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT IN ANOTHER STATE:
Go to Childhelp at www.childhelp.org or call toll free: 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453).
211 is at your fingertips, dial in 211 to know what resources are available near you.
Please contact your local Department of Social Services for assistance. The Local Department of Social Services Staff are here to assist you. They are available to work with you on the challenges you may be facing. Local Department of Social Services can be reached beyond normal work hours, please also check after hours phone numbers for your local office.
DHS through the local Department of Social Services supports you through the Kinship Program. Call your Local Department of Social Services and seek assistance whether you are a formal or informal kinship caregiver.
EMERGENCY RESPITE CARE FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Providing round the clock care to a child, youth or adult who cannot care for themselves is not easy, and emergencies complicate this further. DHS is now offering a one time Emergency Respite Grant to overcome situations caused by such emergencies. We serve children and adults with developmental disabilities and adults with functional disabilities and their families in emergent situations.
The Respite Care program offers short-term temporary relief for family caregivers of children and adults with developmental disabilities and adults with functional disabilities and their families; this program provides a period of rest and renewal, relieving them of the demands and stresses of caregiving responsibilities. To learn more about/apply to the program, Marylanders may call their local Department of Social Services to speak with a caseworker today, who will assist them.
