How to Apply for SNAP in Maryland: Step-by-Step Guide

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps many Maryland households buy groceries each month. This guide explains, in plain language, how to apply for SNAP in Maryland, what to expect, and how to avoid common problems.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or application portal. This article is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can apply through official Maryland offices and websites.

What SNAP Is and How It Works in Maryland

SNAP is a federal food assistance program run in Maryland by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), usually through local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices in each county and in Baltimore City.

If you are approved, you receive a monthly benefit loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at most grocery stores and some farmers’ markets.

You do not receive cash. Benefits are limited to eligible food items, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, fish
• Bread, cereal, rice, pasta
• Dairy products
• Some seeds and plants to grow food

SNAP does not cover things like alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods (in most cases), household supplies, or non-food items.

Who Typically Qualifies for SNAP in Maryland

Eligibility is based mainly on your household size, income, and certain expenses. Rules can be detailed, but here are common factors the state usually looks at.

Basic Eligibility Factors

Maryland generally considers:

• Household size
  Everyone who lives together and buys and prepares food together is usually one “SNAP household.”

• Income
  Your gross income (before taxes) and, in some cases, net income (after certain deductions) must usually be under program limits for your household size.

• Citizenship and immigration status

  • U.S. citizens may be eligible.
  • Some qualified noncitizens (such as certain lawful permanent residents or refugees) may also be eligible.
  • Undocumented immigrants typically do not qualify for SNAP, but eligible children or other household members may.

• Residency
  You must live in Maryland and apply through Maryland’s official system.

• Work requirements (for some adults)
  Some adults without dependents must meet work or training requirements to get benefits beyond a limited time. This can vary by county and your specific situation.

• Resources (assets)
  In many cases, Maryland focuses mainly on income, but some households may still have resource limits (such as cash or money in the bank), especially if someone in the household has certain types of immigration status. Check with your local DSS office for how this applies to you.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, you can usually use an online pre-screening tool on the state’s official benefits website or call your local Department of Social Services to ask general questions. This pre-screen is not an application and does not guarantee approval.

Documents to Gather Before You Apply

Having the right documents ready can make your Maryland SNAP application move faster and with fewer delays. You may not need every item below, but these are commonly requested:

Identity and Residency

• Photo ID for the person applying (e.g., driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security numbers or proof of application for each person applying, if available
• Proof of Maryland address, such as:
  • Lease or rental agreement
  • Utility bill
  • Official mail with your name and address

Income

For each working adult in the household, you may need:

• Recent pay stubs (often last 30 days)
• Employer letter with hours and pay (if you don’t get pay stubs)
• Self-employment records, such as:
  • Invoices, receipts
  • Business ledgers
  • Recent tax returns (if available)
• Benefit letters for:
  • Social Security
  • SSI
  • Unemployment
  • Pensions
  • Workers’ compensation
• Proof of child support received (if any)

Expenses (for possible deductions)

These can sometimes lower your “counted” income, which may help you qualify or increase your benefit amount:

• Rent or mortgage statements
• Property tax and homeowners insurance on your primary home
• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, heating fuel)
• Childcare or adult care receipts needed so someone in the home can work or attend school/training
• Medical expenses for elderly (60+) or disabled household members that are not reimbursed, such as:
  • Prescription receipts
  • Doctor or hospital bills
  • Health insurance premiums

Other

• Immigration documents, if applicable (such as permanent resident card, I-94, etc.)
• Proof of child support paid (if someone in the household pays it)

If you’re missing something, you can usually still submit the application and then work with your local DSS office to provide missing documents. However, missing information is a common cause of delays.

How to Apply for SNAP in Maryland

You can typically apply for SNAP in Maryland in three main ways:

1. Online
2. In person at your local Department of Social Services
3. By mail or fax after filling out a paper application

You only need to apply one way; you do not need to apply multiple times.

1. Applying Online (Maryland’s Official Benefits Portal)

Most people find the online application the fastest and easiest:

• Go to the official Maryland benefits portal (look for the Maryland Department of Human Services website or search for “Maryland SNAP apply online” and choose a .gov result).
• Create an online account, or log in if you already have one.
• Choose to apply for SNAP (sometimes listed as “Food Supplement Program” in Maryland).
• Answer all questions about:
  • Everyone who lives in your household
  • Income and expenses
  • Citizenship or immigration status for each person applying
• Upload documents if the system allows, or be prepared to provide them later.

Once you submit, you should receive a confirmation number or message. Keep this for your records.

2. Applying In Person at Your Local DSS Office

You can also apply in person at your local Department of Social Services (DSS) office:

• Find your local DSS by searching online for “Maryland DSS [your county]” or calling the Maryland Department of Human Services main number.
• Ask about office hours and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.
• Request a SNAP (Food Supplement Program) application at the front desk.
• You can:
  • Fill it out at the office and turn it in right away, or
  • Take it home, complete it, and return it later.

If you are unable to go in person due to a disability or serious hardship, you can ask the office about reasonable accommodations or alternative ways to apply.

3. Applying by Mail or Fax

If you prefer a paper form:

1. Get a paper SNAP application:

   • Download and print it from the Maryland DHS website, or
   • Ask your local DSS to mail you one.

2. Complete the form as fully as you can. Be sure to:

   • Sign and date the application
   • Include contact information where you can reliably receive calls or mail

3. Mail or fax it to your local DSS office address or fax number listed on the form or on the local office website.

Your application date is usually the date the office receives your signed application, not the date you put it in the mail.

Comparing Your Maryland SNAP Application Options

Below is a simple comparison to help you choose how to apply:

No matter which method you choose, you still complete one official application through Maryland’s system.

What Happens After You Apply for SNAP in Maryland

Once your application is received, the process usually includes:

1. Application Review and Screening

The local DSS office will:

• Log your application into the system
• Check if you may be eligible for expedited (emergency) SNAP
  • You might qualify if your income and resources are extremely low and you have very little money for food.

If you may qualify for expedited benefits, your case is typically processed faster, sometimes within a few days.

2. SNAP Interview

Most households must complete a SNAP eligibility interview with a caseworker.

• This can usually be done by phone or sometimes in person.
• You should receive a notice with the date and time, or instructions to call and schedule.
• During the interview, the worker will:
  • Review your application
  • Ask about your household, income, and expenses
  • Tell you about any missing documents you still need to provide

If you miss your interview, your case may be delayed or denied for “failure to complete interview,” so it’s important to:

• Answer calls from numbers you don’t recognize around the expected time, when you believe the call might be from DSS
• Call your local DSS if you miss the call to try to reschedule

3. Submitting Any Missing Documents

If the caseworker needs more proof (like pay stubs, rent receipts, or ID copies), you will usually receive a written notice with a deadline.

You can often submit documents by:

• Uploading them to the official online benefits portal
• Dropping them off at your local DSS
• Mailing or faxing them, following the instructions in your notice

Missing the document deadline is one of the most common reasons for delays or denials.

4. Receiving a Decision

Maryland generally has to make a decision on your SNAP application within a set timeframe, as required by federal rules (in many cases within 30 days, and sooner for emergency cases). Actual processing time can vary.

You will receive a notice of approval or denial by mail (and possibly through your online account, if you applied online). If approved, the notice will explain:

• Your monthly SNAP benefit amount
• The start date of your benefits
• Your certification period (how long your benefits last before you must renew)
• Any next steps, such as reporting changes

If approved, you will receive an EBT card in the mail, along with instructions on how to activate it and choose a PIN.

Common Reasons for SNAP Delays or Denials in Maryland

If you are delayed or denied, it’s often because of one of these issues:

• Missing interview: You never completed the scheduled SNAP interview.
• Incomplete application: Key questions were left blank or information was confusing.
• Missing documents: Required proof of income, identity, or expenses was not provided by the deadline.
• Income too high: Based on the information provided, your household’s income appears to be above the program limits.
• Residency issues: The office cannot confirm that you live in Maryland.
• Unclear household information: It’s not clear who lives with you or who should be counted in your SNAP household.

If you receive a denial notice, read it carefully. It should state:

• Why you were denied
• When the decision was made
• Whether you have the right to appeal

How to Appeal a SNAP Decision in Maryland

If you think the decision on your Maryland SNAP case is wrong, you usually have the right to ask for a fair hearing (appeal).

Basic Steps to Appeal

1. Check your denial or reduction notice

   • It should give instructions on how to appeal and the deadline (often within a set number of days from the date of the notice).

2. File your appeal in writing or by phone

   • You may be able to submit your appeal request:
     • To your local DSS office
     • Through the state fair hearings office
   • Follow the instructions exactly as stated on your notice.

3. Prepare for the hearing

   • Gather:
     • The denial or reduction notice
     • Copies of your application
     • Any supporting documents (income proofs, bills, letters, etc.)
   • You may be allowed to bring someone with you, such as a friend, family member, or advocate.

4. Attend the hearing

   • A hearing officer or judge will listen to you and a representative from the agency.
   • You can usually tell your side of the story, present documents, and ask questions.

After the hearing, you should receive a written decision explaining the outcome.

If you need help understanding or preparing your appeal, you can look for legal aid organizations in Maryland that deal with public benefits. Many offer free or low-cost help to eligible residents.

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Maryland SNAP Channel

Because SNAP involves sharing personal and financial information, it’s important to be certain you’re dealing with official government offices.

Here are some tips:

• ✅ Look for .gov
  Maryland’s main SNAP information and online application portal will typically use a .gov web address.

• ✅ Use known agency names
  Terms like “Maryland Department of Human Services” or “Department of Social Services (DSS)” are government offices. Be cautious of unknown organizations asking for fees.

• ✅ Call official numbers
  Find phone numbers through:

  • The Maryland state government website
  • Phone directory assistance
  • Local county government offices

• ⚠️ Watch for red flags:

  • Anyone asking you to pay a fee to apply for SNAP or “guarantee approval”
  • Requests to send your Social Security number or EBT card number through unsecured email or text
  • Websites that promise extra benefits or “bonus food stamps” if you sign up through them

If something feels off, you can always contact your local DSS office directly and ask if a website, phone number, or letter is legitimate.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Need More Help?

If you’re denied SNAP or your benefit is very small, you may still have other options:

Other Food Resources in Maryland

• Food pantries and food banks
  Many counties in Maryland have food pantries that provide free groceries. You can often find them by:

  • Calling 211 (a statewide information and referral line)
  • Visiting local community centers, faith-based organizations, or nonprofits

• School meal programs
  Children may qualify for free or reduced-price school meals through their school district.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
  Pregnant people, new parents, infants, and young children may qualify for WIC, which provides specific foods and nutrition support. This is run through local health departments.

Other Assistance Programs

If you’re struggling financially, consider asking your local DSS or calling 211 about:

• Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
• Energy assistance (help with heating and utility bills)
• Child care assistance
• Housing resources or homeless services

Each program has its own rules and application process, but your local DSS or help line can usually explain your options.

Key Takeaways for Applying for SNAP in Maryland

• You must apply through official Maryland state channels, such as the Maryland Department of Human Services and your local Department of Social Services.
• You can apply online, in person, or by mail/fax.
• Gather ID, proof of income, expense information, and residency documents to speed up your application.
• Be ready to complete an interview and respond quickly to requests for missing documents.
• If you’re denied, you usually have the right to appeal within a certain time.
• If you don’t qualify, you may still find help through food pantries, WIC, school meals, and other local programs.

This guide is for information only and does not replace speaking with Maryland’s official SNAP offices. For the most current forms, rules, and contact information, check the Maryland Department of Human Services or your local Department of Social Services directly.