Maryland Food Supplement Program

Food Supplement Program (FSP), Maryland’s name for SNAP, helps low-income households in Maryland afford the food they need for a healthier diet.

The program serves low-income families with children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working or unemployed people of all ages.

Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) must meet certain work requirements . Otherwise, receipt of benefits is limited to no more than 3 months within a 36-month period.

FAQ

Who is eligible for SNAP in Maryland?

In order to qualify for FSP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Live in Maryland
Be a US Citizen or a lawful permanent resident
Show proof of identity
Meet income limits and other financial eligibility rules

What is the maximum income to qualify for food stamps in Maryland?

Most families in Maryland with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 per month for a family of three, may qualify for food stamps. There is no asset limit in Maryland.

Household Size	100%Net Income	200%Gross Income
1	$1,304	$2,608
2	$1,763	$3,525
3	$2,221	$4,442
4	$2,679	$5,358
5	$3,138	$6,275
6	$3,596	$7,192
7	$4,054	$8,108
8	$4,513	$9,025

Effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. Gross income limit applies to most households, except when at least one member is age 60 or older or receives disability income; in these cases, only the net income test applies.

Marylanders, are you eligible for SNAP?

Find out if you may qualify and get an estimated amount of benefits you could receive.

How much food stamps will I get in MD?

For the period through September 30, 2026, a family of three may receive up to $785 per month with no income or about $485 per month if the family has a net monthly income of $1,000.

Household Size	SNAP Benefits
1	$298
2	$546
3	$785
4	$994
5	$1,183
6	$1,421
7	$1,571
8	$1,789

The actual SNAP benefit amounts are based on a household’s net income with a general rule that an increase of $100 in net income results in a reduction of $30 in benefits. Use our SNAP calculator to estimate the amount of benefits you can expect to receive.

Benefits are issued electronically on a card that can be used, like a debit card, to purchase eligible food from local grocery stores or wherever EBT is accepted. In Maryland, the EBT card is known as the “Independence Card”.

How do I apply for food stamps in Maryland?

Submit an application with your local DSS office ¹ or go to Maryland Benefits to apply online. Maryland Benefits is the department’s new online application portal which replaced Maryland SAIL.

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

What documents do I need to apply for SNAP in Maryland?

When you apply for SNAP, you may be asked to provide the following documents:

A valid photo ID
A valid Social Security Number
Proof of residency (where you live)
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of earned and unearned income
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

How long does it take to get food stamps in MD?

If you qualify for FSP, you’ll receive your benefits no later than 30 days from the date of your application. In some emergency cases, you may get benefits in as little as seven days.

Locate a local DHSS office in your area. ↩