SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD: Offers free food benefits provided monthly to eligible low-income households that allow them to purchase food from participating stores. Customers are given an Independence Card similar to a bank debit card to access benefits. SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size, income & expenses, and assets. See below for chart.

EXPEDITED BENEFITS: Applicants may be eligible for expedited SNAP benefits if their resources are less than $100 and gross monthly income is less than $150 for the past month, or if their income and resources are less than their monthly housing cost. Eligible applicants may receive benefits within seven days.

MIGRANT/SEASONAL WORKERS: Migrant/seasonal workers and qualified immigrants may be eligible for SNAP benefits and should contact DSS for more information on eligibility requirements.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants must file an application, be interviewed, and meet all financial and technical eligibility factors prior to issuance of SNAP benefits. Applicants may be required to provide the following verification: the last 2 or 4 pay stubs; Social Security Numbers for the entire household; bank account statements; utility bills; verification of rent or mortgage payments; birth certificates; unemployment compensation receipts; and/or their award letter from SSI, Social Security, or V.A. Applications can take 30-60 days to be processed.

APPLY: Customers are strongly encouraged to submit applications online via the myMDTHINK consumer portal: https://mymdthink.maryland.gov. Paper applications may be picked up from the lobby or from the vestibule just inside the office entrance, downloaded from the DHS website, or requested to be mailed by calling 1-800-332-6347 or emailing fcdss.fia@maryland.gov. Completed paper applications can be mailed, faxed or emailed to your local department of social services office. Paper applications can take longer to be processed than applying online through the portal.

myMDTHINK Account: With a myMDTHINK account (mymdthink.maryland.gov), customers can see the status of applications, access notices that the local department of social services has sent, view documents submitted, apply for new programs, renew benefits, report a change, and much more.

ELIGIBILITY: Persons or families may be eligible if they meet the income requirements listed below.

CHECK STATUS / CASE INFO: Customers can secure information regarding applications submitted online by logging into their MyMDTHINK account at: https://mymdthink.maryland.gov. Customers can also call the DHS Call Center at 1-800-332-6347 or email fcdss.fia@maryland.gov.

CHECK BALANCE of EBT CARD: Customers can call the Maryland EBT Customer call center at 1-800-997-2222 to obtain their benefit balance and perform other activities (i.e. review transactions, confirm benefit issuance and order a new card) 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Customers can also visit the Maryland EBT website at: www.connectebt.com.
class="pasteContent_RTE">**Report a Lost/Stolen Card: Call 1-800-997-2222, and a card will be mailed within 7-10 days. **