Welcome to the Financial Assistance Program
NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
- You may qualify for financial assistance through SMILE’s financial assistance program!
- If you are experiencing financial difficulty, we may be able to help!
To qualify, you must reside in one of the following zip codes:
20688, 20629, 20657, 20685, 20676 or 20615
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who qualifies for financial assistance?
Anyone who resides in the Broomes Island Road south area of Calvert County may qualify. If you are not a currently registered SMILE Member, you will first complete a SMILE Registration application to become a member.
- What kind of financial assistance can I apply for?
“Emergency Assistance” is available for utility bills such as SMECO, water, propane, and oil. “Homelessness Prevention Assistance” is available for Rental Bills.
- How do I apply for financial assistance?
Secure an application in one of the following ways:
For UTILITY help, complete an “Emergency Assistance” application at the SMILE office, or you may download an application form at the bottom of this page and bring it to SMILE during the following hours: Wed. 10-1:30pm, Thurs./Fri. 10-11:30am, Sat. 9-11:30am.
IF you are applying for Rental Assistance, you must pick up a “Homelessness Prevention” Application from SMILE during the above hours, complete it at home, and follow the instructions on the application for submitting it to the Homelessness Prevention Coordinator along with all required documents listed on the Application.
- What documentation must I provide?
In addition to the completed application form, you will need to provide:
– Proof of identity (i.e., official government issued Identification (i.d.), or picture i.d., such as a driver’s license, or other proof of identity).
– Copy of most recent utility bill or cut-off notice.
– Monthly income amounts for all adult members of the household. Without this, your application cannot be reviewed.
– If you are applying for Rental Assistance, you will eventually need to attach the following to your Homelessness Prevention Application before submitting it: eviction notice (if there is one), proof of the rental agreement, and landlord/payee information.
- What are the hours for submitting an Emergency Assistance Application (or picking up a Homelessness Prevention Application)?
Wed. 10-1:30pm, Thurs/Fri. 10-11:30am, Sat. 9-11:30am.
- What happens after I submit my application?
The Case Manager or HP Coordinator will contact you by phone, typically within 2-3 business days after receiving a completed application. If you do not answer, a voicemail will be left providing a callback number for you.