You can apply through Maryland’s myMDTHINK portal as of April 2025—fill out the digital form, upload ID and income docs, then schedule a phone interview. Once submitted, most applicants hear back within 30 days. For immediate needs, request Expedited SNAP at the start of your application.

For Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025, gross monthly income must be ≤ 130 percent of FPL (e.g., $3,380 for a family of 4) and net ≤ 100 percent of FPL ($2,600 for a family of 4). Households with elderly/disabled members may disregard the gross test and only meet the net limit.

Benefits are based on net income; zero-income households get the maximum: $975 for four people in the 48 states & D.C. Every $100 in net income reduces benefits by about $30, with a minimum payment of $23.

Maryland issues EBT deposits from the 4th through the 23rd of each month, based on the first three letters of your last name. Check the DHS deposit schedule or call 1-800-332-6347 for your specific date.

Renewal (recertification) is yearly for most households—24 months if you have an elderly/disabled member. You’ll get a mail notice 60 days before expiration; complete and return your renewal form online or by mail, then complete the interview.

You’ll need proof of identity, Social Security numbers, proof of income (pay stubs, benefit letters), rent/mortgage statement, utility bills, and asset documentation (if any). Digital uploads via myMDTHINK are accepted.

Households with gross monthly income < $150, liquid resources < $100, or facing shelter costs > 50 percent of income can get benefits within 7 days. You must explicitly request “expedited service” on your application.

Call the Maryland EBT hotline at 1-800-997-2222 immediately; they’ll deactivate your old card and issue a replacement. You may need to verify your identity before a new card is mailed.

Standard deductions include a $204/month standard deduction, up to $712 shelter cap, actual child/support payments, and a $190.30 homeless shelter deduction. Medical expenses > $35/month count for elderly/disabled households.

Report changes (income, address, household composition) within 10 days via your caseworker, by fax/mail, or online at myMDTHINK. Keeping your case updated avoids overpayments or benefit cuts.

Yes—Walmart, Amazon, and select local retailers accept EBT for online purchases. Link your Independence Card in their checkout portal; you must pay delivery fees separately.

Baltimore City and certain counties pilot this program, letting elderly/disabled participants use EBT at approved restaurants. Check county websites for participating eateries and eligibility criteria.

Request a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial notice by submitting Form DHS–11 033 via mail or online. You’ll get a hearing date and can present evidence to dispute the decision.

Only students working ≥ 20 hours/week, receiving federal work-study, or caring for a dependent may qualify. All other students are ineligible unless they meet specific exemptions.

Maryland has no asset limit for SNAP—home and vehicles are excluded. SSI recipients follow federal rules with a $4,500 resource cap only if they fail the gross income test.

As of Oct 1, 2024, maximum benefits for a four-person household rose to $975/month (up from $923) due to the COLA adjustment.

Missing your scheduled interview can delay benefits or lead to denial. Call your caseworker within 10 days to reschedule and avoid losing eligibility.

The DHS SNAP Outreach page lists community-based partners by county. Food banks and nonprofit legal clinics often offer application assistance.

Yes—most Maryland markets accept EBT, often offering “Market Match” incentives to double your purchasing power on produce.

You have the right to a fair hearing, nondiscriminatory service, and interpreter services. You must report changes promptly and use benefits only for eligible foods. Violations can lead to sanctions or disqualification.