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Bill would let 60–64‑year‑olds use simplified energy‑assistance redetermination process
Summary
HB 648 would expand OHEAP’s uniform redetermination (one‑page renewal) to households with members aged 60–64, aligning Maryland with federal guidance; DHS estimates about 1,700 households would newly qualify for simplified redetermination though the bill does not change eligibility rules.
Justin Hayes, acting director in the Department of Human Services’ Office of Government Affairs, testified that HB 648 would extend the Office of Home Energy Programs’ simplified redetermination process (currently for recipients 65+) to include eligible households with members ages 60–64. Hayes said the change is intended to reduce paperwork and avoid gaps in assistance that can lead to shutoffs.
Hayes told the committee the bill would not change eligibility income thresholds; it would simply allow prior‑year recipients in the 60–64 age range to use an abbreviated one‑page redetermination form and automated processing. DHS estimated more than 1,700 households would newly qualify for the simplified process. Committee members repeatedly asked whether the change would increase total program enrollment or reduce per‑household benefits if the fund does not grow; DHS said the bill was designed to streamline renewals rather than expand eligibility but acknowledged that greater retention could increase program demand if funding remains constant.
Members requested data on how many people have dropped off the program because of administrative complexity; DHS said it would provide that information. The committee received no formal vote during the hearing.
