Eat Right & Stay HealthyYou want the best for you and your family. You want everyone in your family to eat right and stay healthy. The Food Supplement Program helps low income people buy the food they need for good health. You may be able to receive a food supplement if you: Show
The amount of food supplement you are eligible for is based upon the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Thrifty Food Plan. The Thrifty Food Plan is an estimate of how much it costs to buy food to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for your household. This estimate is changed every year to keep pace with food prices. In the Food Supplement Program, a household is normally a group of people who live together, buy food and prepare meals together. If your household passes the program's eligibility tests, the amount of food purchasing assistance you receive will depend on the number of people in your household and on how much monthly income is left after certain expenses (deductions) are subtracted More InformationThe income eligibility guideline requirements can be viewed at the USDA. To find out if you qualify for this program, you may apply on line via My DHR or visit one of the local offices. For information about how to maximize your Food Supplement Program assistance funds, read Eat Right When Money's Tight (PDF). Interpretation Services Interpretation Services are available free of charge for limited English proficiency customers. Please contact one of the Local Offices for assistance. eSubscriptionSign up for a newsletter or update your subscription preferences. Stay Informed
Policies
TranslationThe Google Translate Tool is displayed dynamically on Montgomery County web pages using a Google javascript function. The function is used to translate County web pages into different languages. However, the Google function displays a drop-down menu form field (with no label) and a Google logo image which has no alt tag. Google is aware of this issue. Copyright 2022 Montgomery County Government - All Rights Reserved. The Food Stamp Program (FSP) in Maryland helps low-income people buy the food they need for good health. The program is now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card called the Independence Card and used like an ATM card. The benefits are
distributed monthly. Recipients spend their benefits to buy food in authorized retail food stores. SNAP can only be used for food and seeds to grow food. SNAP cannot be used to buy:
Sales tax cannot be charged on items bought with food stamps. How to qualify for the Maryland Food Supplement ProgramTo receive this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Maryland and meet the following requirements:
To be eligible, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Listed below are some basic rules and the proof you may need during your eligibility SNAP interview:
Applying for food stamps in MarylandThere are various ways to apply for the SNAP benefits. You may apply online at myDHR, or local social services departments can give you a SNAP application the same day you ask. To find a department close to you, visit https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardclient/#/dssMap. You may ask for an application in person, over the phone at 1-800-332-6347, by mail at 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, or someone else may get one for you. You can also download a SNAP application at https://dhs.maryland.gov/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program/applying-for-the-food-supplement-program/. Include your name, address, telephone number, and as much other information as possible on the form and sign it. Send the form to the office as soon as possible; the same day you turn it in, the office will accept a signed application form, even if they cannot interview you. If you need further assistance, a case manager can help you fill out the rest of the form during your interview. Answer all questions completely and honestly. If you do not, you can be removed from the program, fined, or imprisoned. The local department will contact you to schedule an interview to review your application if you are not interviewed the day you submit your application. You should be able to get your benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. Your application will be reviewed the same day to determine if you are eligible to receive SNAP. If you are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may apply for SNAP in your Social Security district office. A case manager will explain the program rules, help you complete any parts of the application that you have not filled out, and ask you for proof of certain information you have given. Online Application If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact MPC. We're here to help!FAQsHow do I renew my food stamps?Before your certification period ends, review your food stamps. A letter will come in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To find the easiest way to renew in your county, call your caseworker, local office, or the Maryland SNAP hotline: 1-800-332-6347. When will I get my food stamps?If you qualify for SNAP, you should be able to access your benefits no later than 30 days from the date the office received your application. Your application will be reviewed the same day to determine if you are eligible to receive SNAP within seven days. Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?Below are the discounts available to all EBT Cardholders across the United States that Maryland Independence Card Holders can redeem.
MPC Members: Sign up for Belong. Belong is a FREE program that rewards MPC members with healthy prizes and valuable coupons! Sign Up Attention: Similac Powdered Formula Recall Click Here to Read More What is the maximum income to qualify for food stamps in Maryland 2022?2022 Financial Eligibility Guidelines. How do I apply for food stamps?To apply for food stamp benefits, or for information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), contact your local SNAP office. You can find local offices and each State's application on the USDA national map. Local offices are also listed in the State or local government pages of the telephone book.
How do I talk to a Maryland EBT representative?You may obtain a new card by calling the Maryland EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-2222, or go to ConnectEBT.com.
How do I get an EBT card in Maryland?Call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552 for an appointment to receive assistance in applying for SNAP. You can also apply for SNAP online at myDHR.
|