EBT Guides
Apr 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential food assistance to low-income individuals and families in Maryland, ensuring access to nutritious meals and alleviating food insecurity.
SNAP Income Limits and Benefit Amounts in Maryland
Income limits and benefit amounts for SNAP in Maryland are determined based on household size and gross monthly income. The gross monthly income limit is the maximum income a household can earn to be eligible for SNAP benefits. The maximum benefit amount is the highest amount of SNAP assistance a household can receive each month.
Household Size: 1
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,473
Maximum Benefit Amount: $250
Household Size: 2
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $1,984
Maximum Benefit Amount: $459
Household Size: 3
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $2,495
Maximum Benefit Amount: $658
Household Size: 4
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,007
Maximum Benefit Amount: $835
Household Size: 5
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $3,518
Maximum Benefit Amount: $992
Household Size: 6
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,029
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,190
Household Size: 7
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $4,541
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,316
Household Size: 8
Gross Monthly Income Limit: $5,052
Maximum Benefit Amount: $1,504
For households with more than 8 members, add $512 to the gross monthly income limit and $188 to the maximum benefit amount for each additional person. For the most current information, please visit the official Maryland SNAP website.
Eligibility Criteria for SNAP in Maryland
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Maryland, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria:
Income Limits: Applicants must meet both gross and net income limits based on household size.
Residency Requirements: Applicants must reside in Maryland.
Citizenship Status: U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can qualify.
Work Requirements: Certain work-related conditions must be met.
Special Conditions: Special considerations are given to seniors, disabled individuals, and students.
For detailed and up-to-date information, visit the official Maryland SNAP website.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Maryland
Applying for SNAP benefits in Maryland can be done online, in-person, or by mail, providing multiple convenient options for individuals and families seeking assistance.
Applying Online
To apply for SNAP benefits online as a Maryland resident, follow these steps:
Visit the official SNAP application website: Go to the MyMDTHINK portal.
Create an account or log in: Register for a new account or log in if you already have one.
Complete the application form: Fill out the required fields in the online application form.
Submit required documents electronically: Upload necessary documents such as proof of income and residency.
Review and submit your application: Double-check all entered information and submit your application for processing.
Applying In-Person
To apply for SNAP benefits in-person, follow these steps:
Locate your nearest SNAP office: Find the closest SNAP office by visiting the Maryland Department of Human Services website.
Gather necessary documents: Collect essential documents such as ID, proof of income, and residency.
Visit the office during business hours: Go to the SNAP office during their operating hours, typically Monday to Friday.
Complete the application form: Fill out the application form provided at the office with the required information.
Submit your application to a caseworker: Hand your completed application and documents to a caseworker for processing.
For more information, you can contact the Maryland Department of Human Services at 1-800-332-6347 or visit their local offices page.
Applying by Mail
To apply for SNAP benefits in Maryland by mail, follow these steps:
Download and print the SNAP application form: Obtain the form from the Maryland SNAP website.
Fill out the form: Complete all required sections of the application form.
Photocopy necessary documents: Make copies of essential documents like ID and proof of income.
Mail the application and documents: Send the completed form and photocopies to the address provided on the application.
Wait for confirmation or further instructions: The Maryland Department of Human Services will contact you with next steps.
Special SNAP Services in Maryland
In Maryland, residents may qualify for special SNAP services such as expedited benefits for urgent needs, disaster assistance, and support for homeless individuals. Visit the Maryland SNAP website to learn more and see if you qualify.
Expedited SNAP Services in Maryland
Maryland residents facing emergency situations can receive expedited SNAP benefits to address urgent food needs. To qualify for expedited services, applicants must meet specific criteria. These include having a gross monthly income of less than $150 and resources not exceeding $100, or being a destitute migrant or seasonal farm worker with resources under $100.
Additionally, households with combined monthly income and resources that are less than their monthly rent or mortgage, and utility expenses, may also qualify. The expedited process ensures that eligible individuals and families receive assistance within seven days, providing crucial support during times of severe financial hardship.
Disaster Assistance for SNAP Beneficiaries
In Maryland, individuals affected by disasters such as fires or power outages can request replacement SNAP benefits to cover lost food. Those who qualify include current SNAP recipients and individuals who are not already on SNAP but have experienced food loss due to a disaster.
To apply, current SNAP recipients should contact their local SNAP office and report the disaster within ten days. Non-recipients must complete a SNAP application and indicate the disaster-related food loss. Both groups need to provide proof of the disaster, such as a fire report or utility outage notice.
Required documents may include identification, proof of residence, and evidence of the disaster's impact. This ensures that those in need receive timely assistance to replace lost food and maintain their nutrition.
SNAP for Seniors and People with Disabilities
SNAP in Maryland provides tailored support for older adults (60+) and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they receive the assistance they need. These groups often have simplified application options, such as shorter forms and the ability to apply by phone, making the process more accessible.
Eligibility criteria for seniors and disabled individuals may differ slightly, often allowing for higher income limits and more lenient asset tests. This ensures that those with fixed incomes or additional financial burdens can still qualify for benefits.
Common deductions for these groups include out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can significantly reduce their countable income. This deduction helps ensure that essential medical costs do not hinder their ability to receive adequate food assistance.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Maryland
Once approved for SNAP benefits, it's important to understand how to use them effectively, including what you can buy and where.
What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?
EBT cards, or Electronic Benefit Transfer cards, are used by SNAP recipients to access their benefits. Similar to a credit or debit card, EBT cards are swiped at checkout terminals in authorized stores to purchase eligible food items. The card deducts the purchase amount from the user's SNAP balance, providing a convenient and discreet way to use benefits. This system ensures secure and efficient transactions for food assistance.
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
Recipients in Maryland can use their EBT cards to purchase a variety of eligible food items, ensuring they have access to nutritious options. These items include:
Fruits and vegetables
Dairy products
Bread and cereals
Meat, poultry, and fish
Non-alcoholic beverages
Seeds and plants that produce food for the household
However, there are restrictions on what can be purchased with EBT cards. Ineligible items include:
Alcoholic beverages
Hot foods and foods meant to be eaten in the store
Vitamins and supplements
Non-food products such as cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet foods
Personal care items like soap and toothpaste
Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT
With Benny, you can earn cash back on groceries from stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree, as well as services such as Uber and Lyft. Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.
Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?
In Maryland, EBT cards can be used at a variety of locations to purchase eligible food items. Recipients can shop at grocery stores, corner stores, and farmers' markets, ensuring access to fresh and nutritious options. Additionally, some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart accept EBT for eligible food purchases, providing further convenience.
When shopping, simply swipe the EBT card at the checkout terminal and enter the PIN to complete the transaction. This system ensures secure and efficient access to food assistance benefits.
How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits
Effectively managing your SNAP benefits ensures you maximize your food assistance, avoid running out of funds, and maintain a balanced diet. Here's how to check your EBT balance and more.
EBT Deposit Schedule in Maryland
In Maryland, SNAP benefits are typically deposited onto EBT cards based on the recipient's case number. The deposit schedule is as follows:
Case numbers ending in 1: Benefits deposited on the 4th of the month
Case numbers ending in 2: Benefits deposited on the 5th of the month
Case numbers ending in 3: Benefits deposited on the 6th of the month
Case numbers ending in 4: Benefits deposited on the 7th of the month
Case numbers ending in 5: Benefits deposited on the 8th of the month
Case numbers ending in 6: Benefits deposited on the 9th of the month
Case numbers ending in 7: Benefits deposited on the 10th of the month
Case numbers ending in 8: Benefits deposited on the 11th of the month
Case numbers ending in 9: Benefits deposited on the 12th of the month
Case numbers ending in 0: Benefits deposited on the 13th of the month
Understanding the deposit schedule is crucial for managing SNAP benefits effectively, ensuring recipients can plan their grocery shopping and budget accordingly.
For more details, check out our guide on EBT deposit schedule in Maryland to learn about common reasons for delays and other helpful information.
How to Check Your EBT Card Balance
There are several methods available for checking your EBT balance in Maryland:
Online Portal: Visit the MyMDTHINK portal and log in to check your balance.
Benny App: Benny is a mobile app that allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real time by linking your EBT card to the app. Download Benny for free.
Phone Number: Call the number on the back of your EBT card and follow the prompts to hear your balance.
ATM Receipt: Insert your EBT card into an ATM, enter your PIN, and select "Balance Inquiry" to print your balance.
For additional information on each method for checking your EBT balance, check our guide on EBT Balance Check in Maryland.
How to Renew Your SNAP Benefits
In Maryland, SNAP recipients typically need to renew or recertify their benefits every 6 to 12 months, depending on their specific case. Required documents include proof of income, residency, and any changes in household size or expenses.
To complete the recertification, recipients must fill out the recertification form, submit the necessary documents, and attend an interview if required. Timely recertification is important to ensure continuous access to benefits. For more details, visit the Maryland SNAP website.
EBT Customer Support in Maryland
For Maryland residents, SNAP and EBT customer support is essential for resolving issues and ensuring access to benefits. Check out our guide on EBT customer service in Maryland to find contact details, support options, and solutions to common problems.
How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Maryland
EBT Customer Service Phone Number: 1-800-997-2222
Hours of Operation: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Services Offered:
Reporting lost or stolen EBT cards
Resetting PINs
Checking EBT card balances
Assistance with transaction issues
General inquiries about EBT benefits
Local SNAP Office Locations and Contact Info
Finding your nearest SNAP or DHS office in Maryland is straightforward with several available resources. You can use online locator tools, call dedicated phone lines, or book appointments directly.
Here are the steps to find your nearest office:
Online Locator Tool: Visit the Maryland Department of Human Services website and use their office locator tool to find the nearest location.
Phone Line: Call the Maryland Department of Human Services at 1-800-332-6347 for assistance in locating the nearest office.
Appointment Booking: Some offices offer online appointment booking through the MyMDTHINK portal, allowing you to schedule a visit at your convenience.
Multi-Langual Support
In Maryland, SNAP application materials and assistance are available in multiple languages to support non-English speakers. This ensures that all residents can access the benefits they need. The most common languages in which assistance is available include:
Spanish
Chinese
French
Korean
Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get Cashback with Benny
Managing your SNAP benefits in Maryland is easier with Benny. This app lets you check your EBT balance and transactions instantly, ensuring you stay on top of your benefits. Plus, Benny offers cash back on groceries and other purchases at stores like Walmart, Target, and 7-Eleven.
With Benny, you can make the most of your SNAP benefits while saving money on everyday purchases. Learn more about Benny and start managing your benefits more effectively today.
Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP in Maryland
Who qualifies for SNAP benefits in Maryland?
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Maryland, you must meet income limits based on household size, be a Maryland resident, and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Additionally, you must comply with work requirements and special conditions for seniors, disabled individuals, and students. For detailed criteria, visit the Maryland SNAP website.
Can college students apply for SNAP?
Yes, college students can apply for SNAP in Maryland if they meet certain conditions. These include working at least 20 hours a week, participating in a state or federally funded work-study program, or caring for a dependent under 6 years old. For more details, visit the Maryland SNAP website.
Can I get SNAP benefits if I’m an immigrant?
Some immigrants may qualify for SNAP benefits depending on their immigration status. Eligible non-citizens include those with legal permanent residency, refugees, and asylees. For a complete list of qualifying statuses, check the Maryland SNAP website.
How often do I need to renew my SNAP benefits?
SNAP recipients in Maryland typically need to renew their benefits every 6 to 12 months. The exact renewal period depends on individual circumstances and state rules. During the renewal process, recipients must provide updated information about their income, residency, and household size to continue receiving benefits.
