Where to Start Your Application

In Maryland, food stamps are called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You can start an application through the Maryland Department of Human Services website, by mail, in person at your local Department of Social Services office, or by phone. The fastest route is usually online through the MyDHR portal at mdhealthconnection.maryland.gov, where you can submit your application and upload documents without leaving home.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to apply in person, find your local office by searching "Maryland Department of Social Services" plus your county name. You can also call 1-800-332-6347 to speak with someone who can mail you an application or answer questions about what you need to bring. Phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Paper applications take longer to process — usually 30 days instead of the 7 to 10 days for online applications — so online is worth trying even if you need help setting it up. Many local libraries and community centers have computers and staff who can walk you through the MyDHR portal.

Key Takeaways

  • You can apply online through MyDHR, by mail, by phone at 1-800-332-6347, or in person at your county Department of Social Services office.
  • Online applications are processed in 7 to 10 days; paper applications usually take 30 days.
  • You will need proof of identity, residency, income, and expenses — bring originals or certified copies, not photos.
  • Maryland counts your household size and monthly income to determine how much you receive, and the amount changes if your income or household changes.
  • If you are denied, you have the right to a hearing; the denial letter will explain how to request one.

Documents You Need Before You Apply

Gather these documents before you start, whether you apply online or in person. You will need proof of your identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof that you live in Maryland (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 60 days), and proof of your income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or bank statements showing deposits).

You will also need to list your expenses. Bring documentation of rent or mortgage payments, utility bills (electric, gas, water, phone), childcare costs if you pay for them, and medical expenses if you are over 60 or disabled. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years and records of your current income and expenses.

If you do not have all these documents, do not wait. Submit what you have and ask the Department of Social Services what else they need. You have 30 days to provide missing documents after you apply. If you are homeless or do not have a permanent address, you can still apply — tell the caseworker your situation, and they will work with you on how to receive notices.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application

Once you submit your application, the Department of Social Services will send you a notice telling you whether they received it and what happens next. If you applied online, check your MyDHR account for messages from the department. If you applied by mail or phone, watch for a letter in the mail.

The department may ask you to come in for an interview. This can happen by phone, video, or in person at your local office, depending on what the department offers and what you request. During the interview, a caseworker will ask about your household size, income, expenses, and citizenship status. Be honest and bring any documents they ask for. The interview usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.

After the interview, the department will make a decision. If you are found to be within income and resource limits, you will receive a benefits card (called an EBT card) in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it at grocery stores and farmers markets to buy food. The amount you receive depends on your household size and income; the department will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter.

Income and Resource Limits for Maryland SNAP

Maryland has income limits based on your household size. These limits change each year, so the exact number depends on when you apply. Generally, a single person can earn up to a certain monthly amount, and the limit increases for each additional household member. A household of four typically has a higher limit than a household of one. The department will tell you whether your income is within the limit when you apply.

You can also have resources — money in the bank, for example — up to a certain amount. Most households can have up to $2,500 in resources; households with a member over 60 or disabled can have up to $3,750. Your home and one vehicle do not count toward this limit. If you are over the resource limit, you may still be found to have other factors that make you may be able to access, so apply anyway.

If your income or household changes after you are approved, you must report the change to the department. You can report changes through MyDHR, by mail, by phone, or in person. If you do not report changes, you may receive more or less than you should, and you may have to pay back overpayments.

How Much You Will Receive Each Month

The amount you receive depends on your household size and income. Maryland uses a formula that subtracts certain expenses (like rent and utilities) from your income to find your "net income," then uses that to calculate your benefit amount. The maximum benefit for a single person is lower than the maximum for a family of four.

Your benefits are loaded onto your EBT card on the same day each month. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card, checking online through MyDHR, or asking at the store when you swipe it. You can use your benefits at any store that displays the SNAP logo, including most grocery stores, some farmers markets, and some online retailers.

If you receive more benefits than you should have — for example, because your income changed and you did not report it — the department may ask you to pay back the overpayment. You can ask for a payment plan if you cannot pay it all at once.

What Happens If You Are Denied

If the department denies your application, they will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include income over the limit, resources over the limit, or not meeting citizenship requirements. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to a hearing, which is a chance to explain your situation to someone other than the caseworker who made the decision.

To request a hearing, follow the instructions in the denial letter. You usually have 10 days from the date on the letter to ask for one. At the hearing, you can bring documents, witnesses, or someone to speak for you. You do not need a lawyer, though you can bring one if you want. The hearing officer will listen to both sides and make a new decision.

If you were denied because of missing documents, you can also ask the department to reopen your application if you get the documents within 30 days. Call your local office or log into MyDHR to ask.

Reporting Changes and Keeping Your Benefits

After you are approved, you must report changes to the department so your benefits stay correct. Report changes in income (a new job, a raise, or lost work hours), household size (someone moving in or out), expenses (a change in rent), or address. You have 10 days to report most changes. Report them through MyDHR, by mail, by phone, or in person.

You must also recertify — that is, reapply — every 12 months. The department will send you a notice before your benefits end, telling you how to recertify. If you do not recertify by the deadline, your benefits will stop. You can recertify online, by mail, or in person.

If you stop working or your income drops, report it right away. Your benefits may increase. If you get a job or your income goes up, report that too. Reporting changes keeps you from owing money back later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for SNAP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens and certain legal permanent residents can receive SNAP. Some refugees and asylees are also may be able to access. Bring your immigration documents when you apply, and the caseworker will tell you whether you meet the citizenship requirement. If you are unsure about your status, apply anyway — the department can explain what you need.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online applications are usually processed in 7 to 10 days. Paper applications take about 30 days. If the department needs more information from you, they will send you a notice asking for it. You have 30 days to provide what they ask for. If you are in a crisis and need food right away, ask about expedited processing when you apply — some people can receive benefits within 7 days.

What if my income is just over the limit?

Apply anyway. The department counts income in a specific way — they may subtract certain expenses or deductions that lower your countable income below the limit. You will not know whether you may have access to until you apply. If you are denied, you can request a hearing to explain your situation.

Can I use SNAP to buy hot food or restaurant meals?

No. SNAP benefits can only be used to buy unprepared food — groceries like meat, vegetables, bread, milk, and canned goods. You cannot use them for hot food from a deli counter, restaurant meals, or non-food items like soap or paper towels. Some farmers markets accept SNAP, and a few online retailers do too.

What do I do if my EBT card is lost or stolen?

Call the number on the back of your card right away to report it. The card company will cancel it and mail you a new one, usually within 7 to 10 business days. If you need benefits before the new card arrives, call your local Department of Social Services office and ask about an emergency replacement.