MARYLAND

Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is a time-limited cash assistance program that helps eligible families with children who cannot afford basic necessities.

The program provides direct cash assistance, employment support, and other resources to help families meet essential needs, with lifetime limits on benefits.

Most adult recipients who aren’t exempt are required to participate in work-related activities for a certain number of hours per week. Activities include:

• Employment
• Vocational training
• GED preparation
• Community service
• Job search assistance

How much is cash assistance in Maryland?

For a family of three, Maryland offers up to $624 per month in cash assistance. Adult recipients are generally limited to a lifetime maximum of 60 months of benefits.

How do I apply for TANF in Maryland?

Apply in person at your local DSS office  or submit an application online through Maryland Benefits  which is a web-based screening and application tool for residents to apply for benefits.

Maryland Department of Human Services
Customer Service Center
(800) 332-6347

Maryland Welfare Avoidance Grant

Maryland operates a diversion program known as the Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) to help families address immediate crises, such as car repairs or eviction prevention.

Eligible families may receive a one-time, nonrecurring payment equal to three months of TCA benefits or more. This assistance is limited to one payment per year.

There is no application for WAG. In most cases, the case manager assesses eligibility for WAG as part of the initial application process for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA).

Maryland Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC)

Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) is a specialized cash grant designed to resolve immediate, one-time crises for families with children under age 21.

Administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), EAFC provides emergency cash to families facing crises like eviction, utility shut-offs, or mortgage foreclosures.

For immediate crises, visit your local DSS office  in person to submit an application and bring along proof of the emergency, like an eviction notice or utility shut-off notice.

Maryland Department of Human Services
Statewide EAFC Line
(800) 332-6347

Maryland Food Supplement Program

Food Supplement Program (FSP), formerly referred to as food stamps, helps low-income individuals and families in Maryland buy the food they need for healthy eating.

As a condition of eligibility, all adults ages 18–64 who are not otherwise exempt must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, and take part in an employment and training program.

What is the maximum income for food stamps in Maryland?

For most households, eligibility is based on gross income up to 200% of the poverty level. For example, a family of three qualifies for the program if it has a gross monthly income of $4,442 or less.

How do I apply for food stamps in MD?

Submit an application with your local DSS office  or go to Maryland Benefits  to apply online. Once your application is received, an interview will then be arranged to determine your eligibility, either by phone or in person.

Maryland Department of Human Services
Customer Service Center
(800) 332-6347

Maryland Medicaid

Medicaid is the largest health care program for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

Most Medicaid members in Maryland are enrolled in a Managed Care Organization (MCO), which is a health plan that manages your care through a network of doctors and hospital.

There are 9 Managed Care Organizations  (MCOs) participating in the Maryland HealthChoice program. While some MCOs offer statewide coverage, others are restricted to specific counties.

1. Aetna Better Health
2. CareFirst Community Health Plan Maryland
3. Jai Medical Systems
4. Kaiser Permanente
5. Maryland Physicians Care
6. MedStar Family Choice
7. Priority Partners
8. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan
9. Wellpoint

Once approved for Medicaid, you have 28 days to pick an MCO. If you don’t choose, the state will automatically assign one to you.

What is the income limit for Medicaid in Maryland?

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Maryland expanded Medicaid to nearly all adults age 19—64 with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. Children and pregnant women are eligible at higher limits.

Starting July 1, 2023, Medicaid will provide health coverage to pregnant and postpartum individuals regardless of their immigration status. Coverage will last for 12 months after pregnancy.

How do I apply for Medicaid in Maryland?

Maryland Health Connection, along with the “Enroll MHC” mobile app, is the state’s health insurance marketplace for all Marylanders to enroll in Medicaid, MCHP and other health coverage.

If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you can always shop for reduced-cost coverage through the Marketplace where you can compare different plans before you make a choice.

Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Health Connection 
(855) 642-8572

Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)

Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) gives full health benefits for uninsured children up to age 19 who meet the income guidelines .

MCHP is free for children under age 19 whose countable income is up to 211% of the federal poverty. Children whose family income exceeds the MCHP guidelines qualify for MCHP Premium.

How much is MCHP premium in Maryland?

As of May 1, 2024, Maryland Medicaid has ended premium payments for this program. This means that children enrolled in MCHP no longer need to pay a monthly premium.¹

How do I apply for MCHP in Maryland?

You can apply for MCHP through Maryland Health Connection  or “Enroll MHC” mobile app. If you or your child is found eligible for MCHP, you can select a plan right away.

Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Health Connection
(855) 642-8572

Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program

Starting May 1, 2025, the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program will temporarily stop  issuing scholarships to new families.

Maryland’s Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program provides financial assistance with child care costs to eligible working families in Maryland.

Eligible families receive a 52-week scholarship from the local department of social services paid directly to the provider of their choice and the remaining cost is co-paid by the recipient.

Families already receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will have a $0 co-payment.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Maryland?

A family is considered “income eligible ” when their gross monthly income is at or below 75% of the State Median Income (SMI) at the time of initial application or about $8,091 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Maryland?

To apply for a Child Care Scholarship, you must submit an application through the Child Care Scholarship Family Portal  along with proof of wages and residency.

Maryland State Department of Education
Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Central
(877) 227-0125

Maryland Special Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Maryland WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children up to age 5.

It provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Maryland families who qualify.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Be a resident of Maryland.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the federal poverty limit.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Maryland?

In Maryland, WIC income eligibility is set at 185% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

Participants receive an eWIC card, which works like a debit card, to purchase specific healthy foods from authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets.

How to apply for WIC in Maryland?

To apply for WIC, you need to make an appointment with a local agency or use the Client Portal ​ to schedule your appointment.​

Maryland Department of Health
WIC Customer Service
(800) 242-4942

Maryland SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, helps families with school-aged children who receive free or reduced-price meals buy groceries in the summer months when schools are closed.

Eligible families will receive $40 per qualifying child each month for June, July, and August, totaling $120 per child over the summer.

SUN Bucks can be used to purchase the same foods approved for SNAP, including

• Breads and cereals
• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, fish and poultry
• Dairy products
• Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat
• Soft drinks, candy, cookies, snack crackers and ice cream
• Seafood, steak and bakery cakes

Most families will automatically get EBT benefits if they already receive other benefits like SNAP, TCA or Medicaid with a qualifying family income.

To find out whether your child will be automatically enrolled or if you need to apply, use this eligibility checker  or go to Maryland Benefits  to apply online.

Maryland Department of Human Services
Summer EBT Customer Service
(800) 332-6347

Maryland Summer Food Service Program

Administered by the Maryland State Dept. of Education (MDSE), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is a program that helps children receive free, nutritious meal throughout the summer months when school is not in session.

It is open to children under the age of 18 but those who participate in other benefit programs, such as the SNAP, Medicaid or TANF are automatically eligible.

To see if your child is eligible to participate in the program, please call (410) 767-0199 or dial 2-1-1 to locate the closest summer meals site.

Maryland State Department of Education
Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
(410) 767-0199

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps low-income households pay winter heating or summer cooling costs, particularly those with high energy burdens.

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $750. Households with the elderly or disabled or a young child under age 5 are given priority consideration.

What is the income limit for Maryland energy assistance?

LIHEAP serves those with a household income of no more than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). That’s about $6,473 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for energy assistance in Maryland?

To apply for energy assistance (MEAP), contact the Local Home Energy Program Office  in your area. Applications are accepted at any time during the year.

Maryland Department of Human Services
Office of Home Energy Programs (LIHEAP)
(800) 332-6347

Maryland Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)

Households who qualify for MEAP can also sign up for the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP), which can help protect families from utility cut-offs during the heating season.

To receive this protection, households must agree to a year-round, even monthly payment plan with their utility company, which spreads energy costs more evenly across the year and helps keep utility services connected.

To qualify, you must apply for MEAP through your local energy assistance agency. If approved, USPP enrollment is handled as part of the MEAP process with the utility company.

Maryland Department of Human Services
Office of Home Energy Programs (LIHEAP)
(800) 332-6347

Maryland Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Maryland LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who are 30 days or more past due on their water and wastewater bills.

Eligibility is limited to families with income below 60% of the state median income. Households that meet MEAP income eligibility requirements are categorically income-eligible for LIHWAP.

How do I get help with my water bill in Maryland?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you may submit your application online at MDTHINK  and upload all of your documents along with your application.

LIHWAP funding is limited and applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Maryland Renters’ Tax Credit Program

Modeled after the Homeowners’ Tax Credit Program, which is known to many as the Circuit Breaker Program, the Renters’ Tax Credit Program  provides property tax credits for renters who meet certain requirements.

The program provides financial assistance of up to $1,000 per year for low-income renters to help account for the sky-rocketing cost of rent in Maryland.

To request an application or to schedule a phone appointment, call
SOAR Financial Counselor
(443) 961-6220

Maryland Unemployment Insurance

Maryland Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides benefits to persons who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are ready, willing and able to work, and actively seeking work.

To qualify for unemployment benefits in Maryland, you must have worked in the past 12 to 18 months, and have earned:

1. at least $1,176 in your highest paid quarter of the base period,
2. wages in at least two quarters of the base period, and
3. total base-period wages of at least 1.5 times the wages earned in your highest paid quarter.

For example, if your highest paid quarter was $4,000, your total base-period wages must be at least $6,000 ($4,000 × 1.5), and your wages must be spread across at least two quarters.

How much unemployment will I get in MD?

The current weekly benefit amount provided by the Maryland Unemployment Insurance Law ranges from a minimum of $50 to a maximum of $430 per week.

How do I apply for unemployment in MD?

Claims may be filed by telephone at (667) 207-6520 or you may choose to file your claim online through Maryland’s BEACON  claimant portal.

If you are unemployed, file your claim as soon as possible, as your eligibility begins the week in which you file your claim.

Maryland Department of Labor
Division of Unemployment Insurance
Claimant Call Center
(667) 207-6520

Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant

The Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant offers eligible students with financial aid that may cover up to $18,000 per year toward full-time tuition at an approved public or private college or university in Maryland.

For the 2025—2026 academic year, family income must be at or below 130% of the 2024 poverty guidelines at the time of initial application, and up to 150% for renewal applicants.

To be considered, you must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than August 1 or by March 1 for priority consideration.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
Office of Student Financial Aid
(410) 767-3300

Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) Grant

Like the GA Grant, the Educational Assistance (EA) Grant is need-based but less generous, with awards of up to $3,000 for students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI).

The actual amount is determined by a set formula reflecting the cost of college attendance, Student Aid Index (SAI), state scholarships awarded and Pell Grant funding received.

Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)
Office of Student Financial Aid
(410) 767-3300

Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit

EITC plays an important role in keeping working families out of poverty. Along with the federal credit, the state of Maryland offers taxpayers its own version of the credit.

Maryland offers both a non-refundable and a refundable version of the EITC. Depending on their specific circumstances, taxpayers may claim to claim one or the other, but not both.

How much is Maryland Earned Income Credit?

For families with children, the current credit equal to 45% of the federal EITC. A non-refundable EITC is set at 50% of the federal credit which all eligible filers, including those without children, may claim.

And for single people without dependents ages 18+, Maryland’s match has been expanded to 100% of the federal credit, up to $649. ²

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Maryland?

If your Maryland EITC is $3,621 and you owe $1,000 in state income tax, the credit cancels your tax bill and you receive the remaining $2,621 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

For more information regarding your specific eligibility and the potential credit amount, contact the Office of the Comptroller at 800-638-2937.

Montgomery County EITC

Montgomery County, a large suburban county neighboring the District of Columbia, is one of two counties to offer a local EITC, called Working Families Income Supplement, in addition to the state credit.

Eligible families that filed for the EITC receive a county credit equal to 56% of the state’s refundable credit. For example, if the State refunds $100, the County will add an additional $56.

Montgomery County residents who file a Maryland income tax return are automatically considered for this credit. No separate application is required.

For local free tax assistance and appointment scheduling in Montgomery County, call the Community Action Agency VITA program at (240) 777-1123.