๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฌ
The application period for the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) closed on July 18, 2025. Since then, other sources of funding have become available. Because each program has different criteria, the committee has been working to match over 300 applicants with the best source of funding so we can stretch these dollars as far as possible.
A large portion of time has also been spent contacting applicants and doing site visits as needed. Payouts are anticipated in early September โ thank you for your patience.
๐ ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ง๐
- OPERATE YOUR FURNACE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. There is a separate fund available through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) MEAP Program (more info below) โ itโs better to apply now and turn it down later if not needed.
- The DHCD MEAP Flood Victim Application is for a grant (not a loan).
- New Deadline: The application will remain open, with funds needing to be allocated by May 31, 2026. (Changed from the original September 11, 2025 deadline).
- Eligibility/Income limits and Application: https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Energy-Home-Repair/Pages/Homeowner-Grants/MEAP.aspx
โน๏ธ ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
- The same universal application is used for multiple programs โ you may see other information that does not apply to the flood victim funds.
- There is a separate $1,000,000 fund for flood victims in Western Maryland within this program.
- Restrictions and income limits are the same for both the general program and the flood victim fund.
- A background check is NOT required for MEAP assistance through DHCD โ even though itโs listed on the universal form.
โน๏ธ ๐๐ก๐ฒ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐๐?
- If you need a furnace due to flood damage and applied for the SDRF funds administered by the County, but meet the requirements for the MEAP program above โ ABSOLUTELY apply for the MEAP program!
- Their program will most likely provide a better result than the SDRF can offer, due to its restrictions.
โน๏ธ ๐ ๐๐จ๐ญ๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐
The SDRF is designed to help, not to make flood victims whole. There are payout limits and restrictions on what the funds can be used for.
- Max payout for a flood-damaged vehicle: $5,000 (few applicants qualify)
- Max per household for appliances & building supplies: $3,000
While we know the process is taking time and the funds will be helpful, please understand the amounts are limited by the programโs design. We hope to provide some light on the process to better help with expectations.
Again โ we thank you for your patience and cooperation.