UPDATE 2026: EBT card services and the cardholder hotline will be temporarily unavailable on Sun, May 17, 2026, from 12AM to 12Noon. Starting Monday, May 18, users can manage benefits via the ebtEdge Cardholder Portal or the ebtEdge app. For updates visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/ebt-updates/. The cardholder helpline (1-800-997-2222) is available 24/7, except during the scheduled downtime. The state is transitioning to a new EBT card vendor to improve security and accessibility starting May 15. New EBT cards with EMV chip and tap technology will be issued this summer.
All SNAP recipients in all of Maryland between 18 and 64 years old who do not have an dependent or have a older teen dependent, veterans, people who are homeless, and young adults who recently aged out of foster care will be considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD). They will need to meet specific work requirements such as working, volunteering or attending a job training program for 20 hours a week to keep getting SNAP benefits. For more general information, visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/important-changes-snap-benefits/, for information about requirements and exemptions, visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program/able-bodied-adults-without-dependents-abawds/or call the DHS Customer Call Center.
JOB TRAINING: To find more information about work programs, visit here: .
SUMMER EBT: Provides families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries during the summer break when school meals are unavailable. Families who qualify for the Maryland SUN Bucks program will receive $40 for June, July, and August a total of $120 for each eligible student. For more information visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks/
SNAP: Formerly known as Food Stamps, helps low-income households buy food. A household as a group of people who live together and buy food and prepare meals together. The amount of food benefits will depend on the number of people in the household and on how much monthly income is left after certain expenses. Applicants must file an application, be interviewed, and meet all financial and technical eligibility requirements prior to issuance of SNAP benefits. For questions or issues about SNAP benefits individuals should contact the call center,1-800-332-6347.
SNAP benefits will be issued onto a card similar to a debit card, known as a EBT or Independence card. Issues or concerns with the EBT/Independence card should be addressed by contacting, 1-800-997-2222 or manage an EBT account at www.connectebt.com. The date that benefits are available on a EBT or Independence Card is based on the first three letters of the applicant's last name and the schedule can be found on the website.
For more information or to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, individuals should contact their local department of social services or apply online at benefits.maryland.gov.
REIMBURSEMENT FOR STOLEN BENEFITS: Complete the online EBT Stolen Benefits Attestation Claim Form, benefits will be replaced in 10 days or sooner. For questions or to check the status of a pending claim, call the dedicated hotline at 1-833-330-7328. For in-person assistance visit a DSS office or a partner organization. For more information visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/ebt-reimbursement/