Maryland calls SNAP the Food Supplement Program, commonly abbreviated FSP, administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services through local Departments of Social Services in each of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. Maryland has adopted Broad Based Categorical Eligibility at 200 percent of the federal poverty level, with benefits delivered on the Maryland Independence Card.
This guide is independently written and is not affiliated with USDA, OPM, the Maryland Department of Human Services, or the official federal Feds Feed Families campaign.
What SNAP in Maryland Is Called and Who Runs It
Maryland's Food Supplement Program is administered statewide by the Maryland Department of Human Services, commonly abbreviated DHS, through local Departments of Social Services. Benefits are delivered on the Independence Card, Maryland's branded EBT card, used like an ATM card at authorized retailers, and Maryland law specifically prohibits charging sales tax on items purchased with these benefits.
Income Limits
- What SNAP in Maryland Is Called and Who Runs It
- Income Limits
- Maximum Benefit Amounts
- How to Apply
- Recent Federal Changes Affecting Maryland
- Farmers Market Matching
- What Maryland SNAP Can Be Used For
- FAQ
- How do I apply for the Food Supplement Program in Maryland?
- What is Maryland's SNAP income limit?
- What is the Maryland Independence Card?
- Does Maryland allow SNAP to be used for hot food?
Maryland's Broad Based Categorical Eligibility policy raises the gross income limit from the federal minimum of 130 percent up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, meaning more households qualify than in states without this expanded threshold. This BBCE policy also generally eliminates or relaxes the standard asset test for most applicants.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
Maryland households use the same federal maximum allotment table applied across the 48 contiguous states, ranging from $298 a month for one person to $994 a month for a family of four for federal fiscal year 2026.
How to Apply
- Online through myDHR at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us
- In person, where local social services departments can generally give you a SNAP application the same day you ask
- By phone by calling 1-800-332-6347
If your household is found eligible, you should generally receive benefits no later than 30 days from your application date, or within 7 days if you qualify for Expedited SNAP due to very low or no income.
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Recent Federal Changes Affecting Maryland
Maryland's DHS has published specific guidance on how H.R. 1, the federal legislation signed in 2025 commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is changing SNAP in Maryland, reflecting the state's active effort to keep residents informed about expanded work requirements and other federal changes taking effect through 2026.
Farmers Market Matching
Maryland participates in Market Money programs at select farmers markets, providing matching funds when SNAP benefits are used to buy fresh produce, helping stretch a household's grocery budget further at participating locations.
What Maryland SNAP Can Be Used For
Beyond standard grocery purchases, the Maryland Independence Card is accepted at participating restaurants in some areas under the Restaurant Meals Program for eligible elderly, disabled, or homeless recipients, in addition to authorized retailers and select online platforms including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Aldi.
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FAQ
How do I apply for the Food Supplement Program in Maryland?
Apply online through myDHR at mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us, in person at your local Department of Social Services, or by phone at 1-800-332-6347.
What is Maryland's SNAP income limit?
Maryland uses Broad Based Categorical Eligibility at 200 percent of the federal poverty level, higher than the federal standard of 130 percent.
What is the Maryland Independence Card?
Maryland's branded EBT card used to access Food Supplement Program benefits, working like an ATM card at authorized retailers with no sales tax charged on SNAP-eligible purchases.
Does Maryland allow SNAP to be used for hot food?
In some areas, yes, through the Restaurant Meals Program for eligible elderly, disabled, or homeless recipients at participating restaurants.
Sources: Maryland Department of Human Services, USDA Food and Nutrition Administration.