Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit #
EITC plays an important role in keeping working families — particularly single mothers — out of poverty. Along with the federal credit, the state of Maryland offers taxpayers its own version of the credit.
Maryland's current credit is 28 percent of the federal credit for families with children and a non-refundable EITC set at 50 percent of the federal credit.
In effect, taxpayers may claim either the refundable credit or the non-refundable credit, but not both.
How much is Maryland Earned Income Credit?
| NO. OF CHILD | 50% | 28% |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $300 | $168 |
| 1 | $1,997 | $1,118 |
| 2 | $3,302 | $1,849 |
| 3 or more | $3,715 | $2,080 |
And for single people without dependents, who qualify for much smaller refunds under the EITC, Maryland's match has been expanded to 100% of the federal credit, up to $530.
What is the Montgomery County refundable EIC? #
Montgomery County, a large suburban county neighboring the District of Columbia, is one of three 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 100% of the state’s refundable credit. For example, if the State refunds $100, the County will add an additional $100.
Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) #
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is a time-limited cash assistance program that assists families with dependent children who could not afford even basic necessities. The goal is to prepare them for independence through work.
Maryland’s TCA pays up to a maximum of $727 per month for eligible families of three — up to the lifetime limit of 60 months.
Maryland also operates a diversion program — the Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) where eligible families receive a one-time lump sum payment instead of monthly TCA benefits.
How do I apply for TANF in Maryland?
Apply in person at your local DSS office or you may also file an application online at myDHR — a web-based screening and application tool for all Marylanders to apply for benefits.
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 16—59 who are not otherwise exempt must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, and take part in an employment and training program.
Eligibility is based on gross income up to 200% of the poverty level. For example, a household of three qualifies for the program if it has a gross monthly income of $4,143 or less.
| Family Size | 100% | 200% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,215 | $2,430 |
| 2 | $1,643 | $3,287 |
| 3 | $2,072 | $4,143 |
| 4 | $2,500 | $5,000 |
| 5 | $2,928 | $5,857 |
| 6 | $3,357 | $6,713 |
| 7 | $3,785 | $7,570 |
| 8 | $4,213 | $8,427 |
Gross income limit applies to most households, except those in which at least one person is 60 years of age or older, or receives disability income.
How do I apply for food stamps in MD?
File an application with your local DSS office or go to myDHR to apply online. If you qualify for FSP, you’ll receive your benefits no later than 30 days.
Maryland Medicaid #
Under the ACA, Maryland expanded Medicaid to nearly all adults under age 6 with income at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $34,310 annually for a family of three. 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.
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Maryland?
| Maryland Medicaid | 211% | 264% | 138% |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30,760 | $38,490 | $20,120 |
| 2 | $41,610 | $52,060 | $27,210 |
| 3 | $52,450 | $65,630 | $34,310 |
| 4 | $63,300 | $79,200 | $41,400 |
| 5 | $74,150 | $92,770 | $48,490 |
| 6 | $84,990 | $106,340 | $55,590 |
| 7 | $95,840 | $119,910 | $62,680 |
| 8 | $106,680 | $133,480 | $69,770 |
A 5% disregard based on the federal poverty level (FPL) for the household size is applied and is reflected in the amounts shown above.
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 Health Connection
1-855-642-8572
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. Uninsured children younger than 19 whose family income exceeds the MCHP guidelines qualify for MCHP Premium.
| MCHP | 211% | 322% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $30,760 | $46,950 |
| 2 | $41,610 | $63,500 |
| 3 | $52,450 | $80,050 |
| 4 | $63,300 | $96,600 |
| 5 | $74,150 | $113,150 |
| 6 | $84,990 | $129,700 |
| 7 | $95,840 | $146,250 |
| 8 | $106,680 | $162,800 |
How much is MCHP premium in Maryland?
MCHP Premium requires a small monthly premium per family. The premium is either $57 or $71, depending on your household income.
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 Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program #
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 to take to the provider of their choice. The subsidy is paid bi-weekly directly to the provider and the remaining cost is co-paid by the recipient.
Families already receiving Temporary Cash Assistance and/or Supplemental Security Income 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 $6,713 a month for a family of three, with one parent and two children.
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.
Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Central
(877) 227-0125
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 Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) #
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) helps pay winter heating or summer cooling costs for low-income households, particularly those from the lower income bracket that pay a high proportion of their income for home energy.
Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $2,213. Households with the elderly or disabled or a young child under age 5 are given priority consideration.
Households who qualify for MEAP can also sign up for the Utility Service Protection Program (USPP), which can help protect you from utility cut-offs.
How do I apply for energy assistance in Maryland?
To apply for MEAP, contact the Local Home Energy Programs Office in your area or call 1-800-352-1446. Applications are accepted at any time during the year.
Maryland Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) #
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.
Households that meet the MEAP income eligibility requirements are also deemed as categorically income-eligible for LIHWAP assistance. Typically, eligibility is based on families and individuals earning 60% of the state median income level.
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.
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?
If you are unemployed, file your claim as soon as possible, as your eligibility begins the week in which you file your claim. Claims may be filed by telephone or you may choose to file your claim online.
Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) Grant #
Funded by the state of Maryland, the Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant offers eligible Maryland students financial aid that may cover up to $20,000 of full-time college tuition at any public or private college or university in Maryland.
To be considered for a Guaranteed Access Grant, you must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than April 1 or by March 1 for priority consideration.
Howard P. Rawlings Educational Assistance (EA) Grant #
Like the GA Grant, Educational Assistance (EA) Grant is a need-based award but less generous than the GA — the minimum annual award amount is $400 and the maximum award is $3,000. As fund is limited, those with the lowest EFC are awarded first.
The actual amount is determined by a set formula reflecting the cost of college attendance, expected family contribution, state scholarships awarded and Pell Grant funding received.