UPDATE 2026: 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. The state will be sending out new, more secure EBT cards from card vendor Fidelity Information Services (FIS). These cards use Europay, Mastercard, Visa (EMV) chip and tap technology, just like other credit or debit card. Clients should update any recent address changes through benefits.maryland.gov, visiting a local Department of Social Services, or calling 1-800-332-6347. State staff will never call or text clients to ask for their EBT card number or PIN. The official state EBT website will never ask for a card number or PIN on its first page.
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: .
SUN BUCKS/SUMMER EBT: Provides families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals at school 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. Households will automatically be enrolled in the program if the household includes a child who received free or reduced-price meals at school, a child is age 5 through 18 and part of a household that receives SNAP, TCA, or Medicaid benefits, or a child is in foster care. 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/