Food & Nutrition

Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Maryland Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Maryland pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card, called the Maryland Independence Card, looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Maryland to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Maryland SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Maryland?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHS case manager can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Maryland SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for Maryland SNAP online, by mail, or in person. You can also get help applying over the phone. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process and secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: You must have a phone interview with a case manager once DHS receives your application.
Wait for a decision: Most Maryland SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new Maryland Independence Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of Maryland.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
All able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
The household must meet certain income (and in some cases, asset) limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

The amount of money you will get in Maryland SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Maryland SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Maryland, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with a member who is age 60+ or receives disability payments only have to meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A DHS case manager can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Standard deduction, based on household size
20% earned income deduction
Dependent care deduction
Excess shelter deduction
Deduction for legally obligated child support payments
Excess medical expense deduction (for households with older members and/or members with a disability)

What are the Maryland SNAP asset limits?

“Assets” refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). There is no asset limit in Maryland for SNAP for most households. However, if a household has a member who is age 60+ or has a disability, and they did not meet the gross income test, there is an asset limit of $4,250.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply for SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier:

Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources
Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members
Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs
Child care or dependent care costs
Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

Driver's license or other government-issued ID
Birth certificate
Bank statements
Pension statements
Social Security statements
Pay stubs
Tax returns
Social Security card
Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)
Marriage license or divorce decree
For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Maryland?

There are several ways to apply for Maryland SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the myMDTHINK website. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through myMDTHINK

To apply online:

Visit the myMDTHINK website.
Click on ‘Food & Cash Assistance’ and then click ‘Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’ in the menu that pops up.
On the next screen, if you already have an account, enter your username and password.
If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an account’ and follow the prompts to create your username and password.
Once you have successfully logged in, click on ‘Services’ and then ‘Food Assistance.’
Follow the prompts to complete the SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information.
If English is not your primary language, click ‘Español’ at the top right of the myMDTHINK website (if you are already in the application, click on the circular ‘Translate’ button at the top right of your screen).
Click on the ‘Help’ link at the top right of your screen for additional guidance on using myMDTHINK and completing a benefits application.

APPLY IN PERSON OR BY MAIL

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need a paper application. Below, you will find the Maryland SNAP application that you can download and print out at home:

SNAP Application (English)

Once you have completed the SNAP application, you can drop it off or mail it to a DHS office near you.

Simplified SNAP Application for Households With Older Adults

The Maryland Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) makes it easier for older people to apply for and receive SNAP. Benefits of ESAP include:

Shorter, simpler application form
Fewer verification requirements
36-month certification period
No interview required at recertification

You may be eligible for ESAP if each household member meets the following requirements:

Is 60 years or older
Does not have earned income

You can complete an ESAP application online through myMDTHINK or request one from your local DHS office.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Maryland SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

Your household’s monthly rent or mortgage and utilities are more than your household’s income and resources.
Your household’s gross monthly income is less than $150, and your resources, such as bank accounts, are $100 or less.
Your household is a migrant or seasonal farm worker household.

Need food today? Visit the Maryland Hunger Solutions website to find food resources near you while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Maryland SNAP application. You can:

Contact the DHS Customer Service Center at 1-800-332-6347 .
Call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552 to schedule an appointment.
Call the Maryland Food Bank SNAP Outreach Team at 1-888-808-7327 or email snapteam@mdfoodbank.org.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Maryland?

It can take up to 30 days for DHS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

After you submit your application, you must have an interview with a DHS case manager.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHS case manager can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Maryland SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most Maryland households, that period is 12 months. For households with no earned income where all members are older or have a disability, this period may range up to 24 months. Households participating in the Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (MSNAP) or Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) are certified for 36 months.

Other important tips to know

What if my Maryland SNAP application is denied?

If you think your SNAP application has been wrongly denied or your benefits amount is incorrect, you should notify DHS. If they do not agree with your statement, you can ask to have your case reviewed by a fair hearing official.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can sign into your myMDTHINK account anytime to:

Check on the status of your benefits application.
Start a new application, or finish a saved application.
View messages and notifications from Maryland DHS.
Get detailed information about your saved, submitted, and active applications.
Report any changes to your SNAP household.

How do I manage my Maryland Independence EBT card?

To create or change your Independence Card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call the Customer Service hotline at 1-800-997-2222 (or the number on the back of your card). You can also manage your card by registering on the Connect EBT website.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

Most households that receive Maryland SNAP are in the “simplified reporting” group. This means you are only required to report when your household's gross monthly income is more than the program limit for your household size. You should also report any change you think might increase your SNAP benefit amount. Changes can be reported through myMDTHINK or by contacting your case manager.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Maryland?

You must renew your Maryland SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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