The Propel Guide To EBT In Maryland

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps or just EBT, can be an essential tool for low-income households in Maryland to help supplement their grocery budget every month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and SNAP benefits in Maryland.

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How does SNAP work in Maryland?#how-does-snap-work-in-maryland

In Maryland, about 675,100 people receive SNAP benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, SNAP provides monthly support through an EBT card, called the Independence Card in Maryland. Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size, income, and expenses. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in Maryland#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-maryland

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Maryland.

Apply for SNAP online

You can apply through the official state SNAP website below.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

• Call the Maryland SNAP hotline at at 1-800-332-6347 (TTY: 1-800-735-2258) for information and guidance on how to apply in your county (some counties may allow you to apply by phone
• Apply in person at a county or local benefits office

You can also download a paper application and return it by mail or in person. SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for:

• Proof of identity
• Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
• Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters
• Housing and utility costs

You may not need every document to start an application; you can often submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in Maryland?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-maryland

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for SNAP if:

• Your household income is at or below state limits
• You meet work requirements (if it applies to you)
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are SNAP deposits issued in Maryland?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-maryland

SNAP benefits are sent out once per month in Maryland, from the 4th to the 23rd of the month. Your exact deposit date is on the same day every month depending on the first three letters of the primary account holder’s last name. For example if your last name is “Smith,” your deposit is on the 20th, because the first 3 letters of your last name are “SMI.”

The primary account holder is usually the person who was listed first on the household’s SNAP application.

Your SNAP approval letter may also have information about your deposit schedule. You can login to the Maryland Benefits Portal to view your past SNAP notices.

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

How do I renew my food stamps in Maryland?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-maryland

SNAP benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Households in Maryland are approved to receive SNAP benefits for a set period of time, called a certification period. The length of your certification period depends on your household situation.

Most households in Maryland are approved for 12 months, with a 6-month check-in where they must complete the Maryland Benefit Review Form. No interview is required at that point. Some households may have different certification periods, including:

• 36-month periods: Households participating in the Maryland Senior Nutrition Assistance Program (MSNAP) or Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) are certified for 36 months. These households are subject to mid-certification contact requirements at months 12 and 24.
• 24-month periods: Households where all adult members are elderly or have a disability and have no earned income may be approved for up to 24 months. These households are subject to one contact every 12 months.
• Shorter periods: Some households may be certified for 1 to 6 months, if circumstances are unstable or the household includes an “able-bodied adult without dependents" (ABAWD) subject to work requirements.

Your SNAP office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

How to renew

You can usually renew:

• Online through the Maryland Benefits Portal
• By phone
• By mail or in person

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or the Maryland SNAP hotline: 1-800-332-6347 (TTY: 1-800-735-2258)

What can I buy with EBT in Maryland?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-maryland

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your Independence Card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

SNAP‑eligible foods in Maryland include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and candy
• Seeds and plants that grow food
• Drinks like juice, water, and energy drinks
• Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
• Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in Maryland:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
• Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies and household items
• Diapers and wipes
• Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF (called TCA or Temporary Cash Assistance in Maryland), which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

Where are EBT cards accepted in Maryland?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-maryland

You can use your Independence Card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers

Download Propel to find nearby stores that take EBT, plus other Maryland SNAP resources

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What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In Maryland, most households are assigned to simplified reporting. This means changes are reported during your regular SNAP recertification, during mid-certification reporting, or when your state asks for it.

However, some changes must be reported sooner to help avoid delays or issues with your benefits. If required, you must report changes by the 10th of the month after the change (for example if the change happened in March, you must report it by April 10). If the change happened in the last few days of the month, you may have a little extra time, but report it as soon as possible.

Changes you should report by the 10th:

• Income goes over the limit: If your household's total gross monthly income goes over 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your household size.
• Work hours drop: If you are an "able-bodied adult without dependents" (ABAWD) and your work or training hours drop below 20 hours per week or 80 hours per month on average

How to report changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

• Use your Maryland State Benefits Portal
• Call your local SNAP office
• Call your caseworker

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your SNAP office is the safest option.

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in Maryland?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-maryland

If your Independence Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

• Call 1-800-997-2222
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Can I get back stolen food stamps / EBT benefits?#can-i-get-back-stolen-food-stamps-ebt-benefits

If you think your EBT benefits were stolen you can file a claim to get your benefits back. Here’s what to do:

• Cancel your old Independence Card and request a new one by calling the SNAP hotline 1-800-332-6347 (TTY: 1-800-735-2258)
• Fill out the online claim form, sign, and submit

Maryland will review your claim and replace stolen SNAP benefits within 10 days. To check the status of a pending claim, call the dedicated hotline at 1-833-330-7328. For assistance contact a local benefits office near you.

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes. In Maryland, your Independence Card can unlock discounts and perks like:

• Museums for All: Free or reduced price entry to museums through Museums for All. Find participating museums nationwide.
• Metro Lift: 50% off Metrobus and Metrorail trips for Maryland residents
• Maryland Market Money: Dollar for dollar matching on SNAP benefits spent at Maryland farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

Can I use my SNAP benefits at restaurants in Maryland?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-maryland

If you’re 60 or older, disabled, or homeless, you may qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program, which allows recipients to use their Independence Card at some Maryland restaurants, including some locations of KFC, Checkers, and Wendy’s.

Check for the official RMP sign at the restaurant before ordering, or verify participating locations online.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Yes, once your child is born, you should report your new family member to your county. More household members mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Can I use my Maryland EBT card in another state?#can-i-use-my-maryland-ebt-card-in-another-state

Yes, your Independence Card works in all 50 states, as well as most U.S. territories, at any store displaying the Quest® symbol or EBT/SNAP/food stamps accepted sign.

Keep in mind that while your card will work nationwide, some states have restrictions that may prevent you from using SNAP benefits to buy items like soda or candy at local stores.

Using your card exclusively outside of Maryland for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your SNAP agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your Maryland SNAP case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

How do I activate my Maryland EBT card?#how-do-i-activate-my-maryland-ebt-card

To start using your Maryland Independence Card, you’ll need to activate it and set your PIN. You can do this in a few different ways:

• Online at the Maryland ConnectEBT cardholder portal
• By calling the Maryland EBT Customer Service: 1-800-997-2222

View our step-by-step guide on how to activate your new EBT card to learn more. Also check out how to change your PIN.

Do food stamps roll over in Maryland?#do-food-stamps-roll-over-in-maryland

Unused SNAP benefits roll over to the next month and stay on your Independence Card to be used later. However, if benefits sit unused for a long period of time without activity, usually 9 months or more, they may be permanently removed from your account under federal SNAP rules.

How do I apply for emergency food stamps in Maryland?#how-do-i-apply-for-emergency-food-stamps-in-maryland

If you need food assistance urgently, Maryland can process your application to SNAP faster through something called Emergency SNAP (also known as Expedited SNAP).

Typically you have to wait 30 days or more to start getting SNAP benefits. But if you qualify for Emergency SNAP, the state can process your application within 7 days.

You can apply for emergency food stamps by submitting a SNAP application through the Maryland Benefits Portal, by phone, by mail, or in person at your local benefits office. Be sure to talk to someone at DHS and share that you want to be considered for expedited processing.

After you apply, you may need to complete a short interview and provide basic documents to confirm your eligibility.

What other benefits are available to me in Maryland?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-maryland

In addition to SNAP, you may qualify for other programs that help cover basic needs, including:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Cash assistance, called Cash EBT (or Temporary Cash Assistance in Maryland) and workforce training opportunities
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Nutrition and breast feeding support among other benefits
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP): Free or reduced price school meals for children and Summer EBT for cash food assistance during non-school months
• Medicaid or the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP): Fee or low-cost healthcare or discounts for private health plans in the Health Insurance Marketplace
• Child care assistance programs like Head Start and other free or low cost childcare options
• Energy or utility assistance programs like LIHEAP
• Housing support programs like like Section 8 housing vouchers and emergency assistance

Use the Maryland benefit screener to find out what you qualify for or apply through the Maryland Benefits Portal. You can also talk to a local caseworker, benefits office, or community agency.