Maryland Benefits Access Packet — LSC-Grade Legal Guide

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, contact a licensed Maryland attorney or your local legal aid organization.

Quick Facts: Public Benefits in Maryland

1. Eligibility Checker — Maryland Public Benefits

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

You MAY qualify if:

• Your gross monthly income is at or below 130% of federal poverty level
• Your net monthly income is at or below 100% of federal poverty level
• You have limited resources ($2,750 for most households, $4,250 if elderly/disabled)
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• You meet work requirements (if applicable)

Maryland SNAP Income Limits (2024):

Medical Assistance (Medicaid)

You MAY qualify if you are:

• Adult with income up to 138% of federal poverty level
• Pregnant woman with income up to 264% of FPL
• Child under 19 (higher income limits apply)
• Parent/caretaker relative of dependent child
• Aged 65+ or disabled (different rules apply)
• Medicare beneficiary (Medicare Savings Programs)

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

You MAY qualify if:

• You have dependent children
• Your income is below Maryland's TCA standard
• You meet work requirements (unless exempt)
• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
• You have limited resources ($2,000 for most households)

Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

You MAY qualify if:

• Your household income is at or below 150% of federal poverty level
• You are responsible for heating/cooling costs
• You meet citizenship/residency requirements

Income Limits (2024):

2. Required Documents

For All Applications

For SNAP Specifically

• Proof of all income (employment, SSI, unemployment)
• Proof of housing costs (rent/mortgage)
• Utility bills
• Childcare expenses
• Medical expenses (if elderly or disabled)

For Medicaid Specifically

• Immigration documents (if applicable)
• Health insurance information (if any)
• Proof of pregnancy (if applicable)

For TCA Specifically

• Proof of children's school attendance
• Immunization records
• Work/school schedule
• Childcare arrangements

3. Step-by-Step Application Instructions

SNAP Benefits

Option 1: Apply Online

1. Go to mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us
2. Create an account or continue as guest
3. Complete the application
4. Upload documents or mail them later
5. Complete a phone or in-person interview

Option 2: Apply by Phone

1. Call Maryland Benefits Center: 1-800-332-6347
2. Request an application be mailed to you
3. Complete and return by mail
4. Complete phone interview

Option 3: Apply In Person

1. Visit your local Department of Social Services
2. Request and complete application
3. Submit with documents
4. Schedule interview

Medical Assistance (Medicaid)

Option 1: Maryland Health Connection (Online)

1. Go to marylandhealthconnection.gov
2. Create an account
3. Complete application
4. Submit required documents
5. Enroll in a health plan

Option 2: Local Health Department

1. Visit your local health department
2. Ask to apply for Medical Assistance
3. Complete application with staff assistance

Option 3: Maryland Health Connection Call Center

1. Call 1-855-642-8572
2. Complete application over phone

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)

1. Visit your local Department of Social Services
2. Complete application (DHR/FIA 1001)
3. Submit required documents
4. Complete interview
5. Develop a work activity plan

Energy Assistance (MEAP)

Option 1: Online

1. Go to mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us
2. Select Energy Assistance
3. Complete application

Option 2: Mail

1. Download application at dhs.maryland.gov/office-home-energy-programs
2. Complete and mail to your local OHEP office
3. Include required documents

4. Local Office Information

Baltimore City DSS

• Address: 1510 Guilford Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21202
• Phone: (410) 361-4600
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Montgomery County DSS

• Address: 1301 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850
• Phone: (240) 777-4600
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Prince George's County DSS

• Address: 805 Brightseat Road, Landover, MD 20785
• Phone: (301) 909-7000
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Baltimore County DSS

• Address: 6401 York Road, Baltimore, MD 21212
• Phone: (410) 887-2800
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Anne Arundel County DSS

• Address: 80 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
• Phone: (410) 269-4500
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Howard County DSS

• Address: 3300 North Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043
• Phone: (410) 313-7700
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Frederick County DSS

• Address: 100 East All Saints Street, Frederick, MD 21701
• Phone: (301) 600-2500
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Harford County DSS

• Address: 2 South Bond Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
• Phone: (410) 836-4700
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

5. Application Checklist

Before Applying

• [ ] Gather all required documents
• [ ] Know your household size and income
• [ ] Have Social Security numbers ready
• [ ] Know your housing and utility costs
• [ ] Have bank account information

During Application

• [ ] Answer all questions honestly
• [ ] Report ALL income sources
• [ ] List ALL household members
• [ ] Sign and date the application
• [ ] Get a receipt or confirmation number

After Applying

• [ ] Complete your interview (SNAP/TCA)
• [ ] Submit any requested documents
• [ ] Keep copies of everything submitted
• [ ] Report any changes in circumstances
• [ ] Check application status regularly

6. What to Bring to Appointments

• [ ] Photo ID for all adults
• [ ] Social Security cards for everyone
• [ ] Birth certificates for children
• [ ] Proof of residency (utility bill, lease)
• [ ] Last 4 weeks of pay stubs
• [ ] Bank statements (last 2 months)
• [ ] Rent/mortgage statements
• [ ] Utility bills (electric, gas, water)
• [ ] Childcare receipts
• [ ] Medical bills (if elderly/disabled)
• [ ] Immigration documents (if applicable)
• [ ] Any other proof of income or expenses

7. What Happens After Applying

SNAP Timeline

Expedited SNAP: If your income is very low, you may receive benefits within 7 days.

Medicaid Timeline

TCA Timeline

8. Appealing a Denial

Your Rights

If your application is denied or benefits are reduced/cut off, you have the right to:

1. Request a fair hearing within 90 days
2. Receive a written notice explaining the decision
3. Have legal representation at the hearing
4. Continue receiving benefits while appealing (in some cases)

How to Appeal

1. Call your local DSS office
2. Request a fair hearing in writing
3. State why you disagree with the decision
4. Submit within 90 days of the notice

Fair Hearing Process

1. You'll receive notice of hearing date
2. Bring all relevant documents
3. Present your case to an administrative law judge
4. Receive written decision within 90 days

9. Local Legal Aid Resources

LSC-Funded Legal Aid in Maryland

Additional Resources

10. Controlling Law Citations

Federal Law

• 7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq. — Food and Nutrition Act (SNAP)
• 42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq. — Social Security Act (Medicaid)
• 42 U.S.C. § 601 et seq. — TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Maryland Law

• MD Code, Human Services Article — DHS organization and powers
• MD Code, Health-General Article — Medical Assistance programs
• COMAR 07.03.15 — SNAP regulations
• COMAR 10.09.24 — Medicaid eligibility

Disclaimer

This packet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Benefits eligibility is complex and depends on individual circumstances. No attorney-client relationship is formed by using this information.

For help with your benefits application or appeal, contact:

• Maryland Legal Aid at 1-800-999-8904
• Your local Department of Social Services
• Maryland 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1)

Last updated: March 2026 | Jurist-Diction | "The law, precisely spoken."

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