reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-505 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5 - Food Stamps|Section 5-505 - Restaurant Meals Program

    (a)    In this section, “RMP” means the Restaurant Meals Program.    (b)    (1)    There is a Restaurant Meals Program within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the Department.        (2)    The purpose of the RMP is to expand food access to individuals who:            (i)    do not have a place to store and cook food;            (ii)    may not be able to prepare food; or            (iii)    do not have access to a grocery store.    (c)    A household eligible under subsection (d) of this section to participate in the RMP may purchase hot prepared foods at participating restaurants using a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit.    (d)    A household is eligible to participate in the RMP if the household is eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under State and federal law, and the household:        (1)    lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence;        (2)    includes only individuals who are:            (i)    60 years of age or older; or            (ii)    designated disabled by a government entity;        (3)    includes only an individual and the individual’s spouse if the individual is:            (i)    60 years of age or older; or            (ii)    designated disabled by a government entity; or        (4)    includes only:            (i)    individuals who are 60 years of age or older; and            (ii)    individuals who are designated disabled by a government entity.    (e)    Before participating in the RMP, a restaurant shall:        (1)    submit an application and be approved under a process determined by the Department;        (2)    become a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provider licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; and        (3)    be able to process electronic benefit transaction card payments at the point of sale.    (f)    (1)    Each local department shall administer the RMP as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program authorized under § 5–501 of this subtitle, in accordance with federal law.        (2)    The Department shall adopt regulations:            (i)    to verify household eligibility for participation in the RMP;            (ii)    to establish eligibility standards, an application process, and an approval process for restaurants to participate in the RMP; and            (iii)    otherwise necessary to carry out this section.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-01 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-01 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Energy emergency” means a lack of fuel or the imminent discontinuation of energy services supplied by a fuel vendor or utility vendor that will endanger health, safety, or welfare.    (c)    “Fuel vendor” means a person that distributes, transports, produces, or offers for sale coal products, fuel oil, kerosene, bottled gas, propane, or wood for fuel use or consumption in the State.    (d)    “Office” means the Office of Home Energy Programs.    (e)    “Program” means the Energy Assistance Program.    (f)    “Utility vendor” means a person that distributes, transports, or produces natural gas or electricity for use or consumption in the State.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-02 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-02 - Established

    There is an Office of Home Energy Programs in the Administration.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-03 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-03 - Purpose

    The purpose of the Office is to carry out this subtitle.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-04 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-04 - Staff

    (a)    The Office may employ a staff.    (b)    Except as otherwise provided by law, the employees of the Office are subject to the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-05 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-05 - Authority of Secretary

    The Office exercises its authority, duties, and functions under any State law subject to the authority of the Secretary under any State law.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-06 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-06 - Powers and Duties

    (a)    (1)    The Office shall maintain liaison with:            (i)    the United States Department of Health and Human Services;            (ii)    local government units concerned with energy programs;            (iii)    citizens’ groups;            (iv)    utility vendors and major fuel vendors in the State; and            (v)    any other state, federal, and local units.        (2)    The Office shall:            (i)    consult with and advise the local entities described in paragraph (1) of this subsection regarding their energy assistance programs;            (ii)    work at all levels of government to carry out this subtitle; and            (iii)    consult with all utility vendors and major fuel vendors in the State when developing and implementing the Program.    (b)    The Office shall:        (1)    collect and assemble information relating to energy assistance available from other units of the State and federal governments;        (2)    disseminate information to further energy assistance;        (3)    identify all utility vendors and major fuel vendors in the State and attempt to obtain their voluntary cooperation with the Program;        (4)    establish and maintain a State information service that utilizes a toll–free telephone number to provide the public with information about the Program and the location of the nearest local energy assistance office; and        (5)    establish a mechanism for monitoring the effectiveness of the Program to determine whether eligible households are aware of and have access to a local energy assistance office.    (c)    (1)    Consistent with this subtitle and other applicable laws, the Office may enter into contracts or assume any other function necessary to carry out this subtitle.        (2)    The Office may enter into contracts for any study or research activity that is necessary and proper.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-07 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-07 - Programs

    (a)    (1)    The Office shall:            (i)    carry out an energy emergency crisis intervention program to prevent low–income households, including the near poor, the elderly, households with children, and those on fixed incomes from experiencing danger to health or survival as a result of an energy emergency;            (ii)    establish intake procedures for those experiencing an energy emergency;            (iii)    establish guidelines for the income and program eligibility of applicants; and            (iv)    identify local public or private agencies to administer the crisis intervention program.        (2)    (i)    The Office shall make payments to fuel vendors and utility vendors that have provided service to persons qualifying for the crisis intervention program.            (ii)    The amount of assistance shall be based on need.    (b)    (1)    The Office shall carry out one or more fuel and utility assistance programs to make payments on behalf of qualified households to defray fuel and utility costs.        (2)    The Office shall determine program and income eligibility guidelines.        (3)    The amount of assistance shall be based on need.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5A-09 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5A - Energy Assistance Program|Section 5-5A-09 - Short Title

    This subtitle may be cited as the “Energy Assistance Program Act”.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-01 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-01 - Definitions

    (a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.    (b)    “Applicant” means an individual who applies for assistance under this subtitle.    (c)    “Assistance” means cash payments made to a recipient.    (d)    “Eligibility period” means the period of time an individual is eligible for assistance under this subtitle.    (e)    “Impairment” means a medically verified mental or physical condition that renders an individual unable to work at any occupation.    (f)    “Program” means the Temporary Disability Assistance Program.    (g)    “Recipient” means an individual who receives, or has received, assistance under this subtitle.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-02 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-02 - State-Funded Temporary Disability Assistance Program

    (a)    There is a State–funded Temporary Disability Assistance Program in the Department.    (b)    The primary purpose of the Program is to provide assistance to low–income disabled adults who are ineligible for other categories of assistance.    (c)    The Program shall be:        (1)    in effect in each county; and        (2)    administered by the local departments in accordance with regulations that the Administration adopts.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-03 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-03 - Qualifications for Receipt of Assistance

    Subject to § 5–5B–04 of this subtitle, an applicant is entitled to assistance under this subtitle if the applicant is:        (1)    a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien as determined by the Administration;        (2)    a resident of the State and the jurisdiction served by the local department at the time of application;        (3)    unemployed;        (4)    not receiving any other means–tested cash assistance; and        (5)    determined, based on the medical  form required under § 5–5B–05 of this subtitle, to have an impairment  that is expected to last at least 3 months.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-04 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-04 - Impairment; Eligibility Period

    (a)    If an applicant has an impairment that is expected to  last at least 12 months, the applicant shall:        (1)    pursue Supplemental Security Income; and        (2)    sign an interim payment reimbursement authorization that:            (i)    gives the Social Security Administration authority to mail the applicant’s payments to the Department or the local department; and            (ii)    authorizes the Department or local department to deduct from the payments an amount equal to the assistance granted the applicant under this subtitle.    (b)    A recipient who is otherwise eligible under this subtitle may not receive assistance for more than 9 months in a 36–month period, unless the recipient:        (1)    has been certified as medically disabled by a licensed health care provider  on the medical form required under § 5–5B–05 of this subtitle; and        (2)    has a pending application for Supplemental Security  Income that has not been withdrawn or finally denied.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-05 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-05 - Application

    (a)    An application for assistance under this subtitle shall be made:        (1)    to the local department of the county where the applicant resides; and        (2)    in the form and manner that the Administration requires.    (b)    An application for assistance under this subtitle shall include a medical  form that:        (1)    contains  the name and estimated duration of the applicant’s impairment; and        (2)    is signed by  a licensed health care provider.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-06 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-06 - Determination of Eligibility

    (a)    In determining  whether an applicant qualifies for assistance under this subtitle, the local department shall evaluate whether the applicant meets the  criteria listed under § 5–5B–03 of this subtitle.    (b)    The local department shall notify the applicant of its determination under subsection (a) of this section.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-07 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-07 - Eligibility Period

    (a)    The local department shall determine an eligibility period for a recipient based on the estimated duration of the impairment indicated in the medical  form required under § 5–5B–05 of this subtitle.    (b)    The eligibility period determined by the local department:        (1)    may be less than the estimated recovery time indicated  on the medical  form; and        (2)    may not exceed the estimated recovery time indicated  on the medical  form.    (c)    If a local department determines that a recipient’s eligibility period is at least 3 months, but less than 12 months, the recipient shall be eligible for assistance for not more than 9 months in a 36–month period.    (d)    (1)    If the local department determines that a recipient is unlikely to recover in less than 12 months, the recipient shall be eligible for assistance for not more than 12 months if the recipient:            (i)    pursues Supplemental Security  Income; and            (ii)    otherwise remains eligible for assistance under this subtitle.        (2)    The local department may establish additional eligibility periods, each not exceeding 12 months, if the recipient:            (i)    reapplies for assistance under this subtitle;            (ii)    maintains eligibility; and            (iii)    continues to pursue a Supplemental Security  Income claim.        (3)    The local department shall adjust the eligibility period for a recipient to be not more than 9 months in a 36–month period if the recipient:            (i)    withdraws the recipient’s application for Supplemental Security  Income; or            (ii)    is denied the Supplemental Security  Income claim.    (e)    Unless a recipient reapplies for assistance and the local department establishes an additional eligibility period, a recipient’s eligibility for assistance under this subtitle will automatically end at the end of the eligibility period established by the local department.    (f)    If a recipient is eligible for any portion of a month, the recipient shall be eligible for the entire month.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-08 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-08 - Funding

    (a)    The Governor shall provide sufficient funds in the budget to ensure that the value of the maximum monthly allowable assistance under the Program is equal to at least:        (1)    for fiscal year 2020, $215;        (2)    for fiscal year 2021, 74% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2021;        (3)    for fiscal year 2022, 78% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in  fiscal year 2022;        (4)    for fiscal year 2023, 82% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2023;        (5)    for fiscal year 2024, 86% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2024;        (6)    for fiscal year 2025, 90% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2025;        (7)    for fiscal year 2026, 94% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program in fiscal year 2026; and        (8)    for fiscal year 2027 and each year thereafter, 100% of the monthly allowable benefit for a one–person household receiving temporary cash assistance through the Family Investment Program  for that fiscal year.    (b)    Assistance shall be paid to the applicant monthly.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-5B-09 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 5B - Temporary Disability Assistance Program|Section 5-5B-09 - Supervision by Administration; Regulations

    The Administration shall:        (1)    supervise the administration of the Program under this subtitle by the local departments; and        (2)    adopt regulations necessary or desirable to carry out this subtitle.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-601 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions|Section 5-601 - Assistance to Resident Convicted of Controlled Dangerous Substance Felony

    (a)    In this section, “resident” means an individual who resides in this State on the date the individual applies for public assistance.    (b)    Subject to § 5–314 of this title and as authorized under 21 U.S.C. § 862a(d)(1), the State removes itself from the application of § 115 of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 to allow the Department to provide temporary cash assistance and food stamps to a resident who has been convicted of a felony involving the possession, use, or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance.    (c)    (1)    Notwithstanding subsection (b) of this section, if a resident receiving temporary cash assistance or food stamps is found to be in violation of § 5–612 or § 5–613 of the Criminal Law Article, the resident is:            (i)    ineligible for temporary cash assistance or food stamps for 1 year after the date of the conviction; and            (ii)    subject to testing for substance abuse, as provided by the Department, and to treatment as required under § 5–314 of this title, for 2 years beginning on the later of:                1.    the date the individual is released from incarceration;                2.    the date the individual completes any term of probation; or                3.    the date the individual completes any term of parole or mandatory supervision.        (2)    A recipient who fails to comply with the testing required under this subsection or the treatment required under § 5–314 of this title or who tests positive for the abuse of controlled dangerous substances is subject to the sanctions provided under § 5–314 of this title.        (3)    In consultation with the Maryland Department of Health, the Secretary shall adopt regulations to establish the testing methods and procedures, consistent with § 5–314 of this title, to be required by the Department under this subsection, including the intervals of testing and methods required.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-602 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions|Section 5-602 - Flat Grant Payments

    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administration, a local department, or any other unit may not decrease the monetary amount of assistance received by any recipient of public assistance before the implementation of a system of flat grant payments, solely as a result of the implementation of the system.
MD. Human Services Code Ann. §  5-603 (2021)
2021 Maryland Statutes|Human Services|Title 5 - Public Assistance|Subtitle 6 - Miscellaneous Provisions|Section 5-603 - Payments to Public Housing Authorities

    (a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.        (2)    “Delinquent tenant” means a tenant of public housing who is 30 or more days delinquent in paying the tenant’s full monthly rent to a public housing authority.        (3)    “Public housing” means a dwelling unit owned, leased, or managed by a public housing authority.        (4)    “Public housing authority” means a public corporation created under Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article or the public corporation’s designee.    (b)    If a recipient of temporary cash assistance is a delinquent tenant, the Administration, at the request of the public housing authority, shall:        (1)    deduct the amount of the tenant’s rent from the tenant’s monthly assistance payments each month;        (2)    pay the amount deducted from the tenant’s monthly assistance payments to the public housing authority or the public housing authority’s authorized agent; and        (3)    forward the remaining amount of the monthly assistance payments to the tenant.    (c)    (1)    If a court establishes an escrow account under § 8-211 of the Real Property Article or a parallel provision of public local law for a tenancy covered under subsection (b) of this section, the public housing authority shall notify the Administration of the court action.        (2)    On notice under paragraph (1) of this subsection or on certification by an attorney of record representing the delinquent tenant in the court action that an order has been issued to establish an escrow account, the Administration shall pay rent to the court as long as the order is in effect.        (3)    Any notice under paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection shall include a list of all addresses covered by the court action.        (4)    The public housing authority shall notify the Administration when the court action has been resolved.