Linda Webb, director of the Talbot County Department of Social Services, recently briefed the Talbot County Council on the individual assistance program to help county residents with unemployment, lost income, or added childcare expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This video is about 13 minutes long.
Applications for the individual assistance program must be received by Dec. 15 in order for payments to be processed by Dec. 31, when the program ends.
The social services department provides the following information about the assistance program online:
What is the CARES Individual Assistance Program?
This program provides emergency cash assistance to county residents who are out of work or whose income has been reduced due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. CARES assistance can help with rent, mortgage or other housing costs, utilities, childcare costs related to virtual schooling, some car payments, and other emergency needs. Payments are made directly to the landlord, mortgage company, utility company, or other vendor.
This program can now assist with up to two months of car payments. Plus, a second program offers help with additional childcare expenses associated with virtual school attendance. There is no requirement for loss of income with the child care program.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress to provide economic assistance for workers, families, and small businesses, and preserve jobs. Some of these funds were distributed to States and then to local governments. Talbot County, Maryland has set aside a portion of these funds to provide individual assistance as described above.
Who is eligible for the CARES Individual Assistance Program?
Talbot County residents who are unable to meet an expense between March 16, 2020 – December 30, 2020 because of the current COVID-19 public health emergency may apply. There is no income restriction for this program. Apply now – do not wait for eviction, foreclosure notice, or utility cut off to see if you qualify!
How do I apply?
The application is available here and from the Talbot County Department of Social Services. While the DSS office is closed to the public to slow the spread of COVID-19, applications can be obtained by calling 410.820.4347 and leaving a message including your phone number. Your call will be returned by the next business day and we can mail, fax, or email an application to you.
Mail the completed application or place in the drop box at:
Talbot County Department of Social Services
301 Bay Street, Unit 5
Easton, MD 21601
Fax to 410.820.7117
Email to [email protected].
Applications are also available at these locations:
Neighborhood Service Center
126 Port Street, Easton, MD 21601
Walk-ins welcome (limited access) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday – Friday
Or call 410.822.5015
Or email [email protected]
St Vincent de Paul Society
29533 Canvasback Drive
Easton, MD 21601
1-4 p.m. Tuesdays; 9 a.m-noon Saturdays
Or call 410.770.4505 and leave message asking for information on this program.
How do I find out more?
For more information on the CARES Individual Assistance Program, please call 410.820.4347 and leave a message, including your phone number. Your call will be returned by the next business day.
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