SNAP and Food Assistance for Single Mothers in Maryland

Where to start

Start with the program that matches your immediate needs. A working mother, a pregnant mother, a mother with a baby, and a mother with school-age children may qualify for different types of food assistance in Maryland.

Note: For a wider benefits plan, you can explore our Maryland help guide and the national SNAP guide for additional programs and benefits.

Quick reference table

Maryland SNAP: what it helps with

SNAP, also known as the Food Supplement Program in Maryland, is one of the main food assistance programs for low-income households in the state. Benefits are loaded onto the Independence Card, Maryland’s EBT card, and can be used at approved grocery stores, markets, and some online retailers.

You can use SNAP to cover everyday groceries like fruits, vegetables, bread, cereal, meat, dairy products, snack foods, and even seeds or plants that grow food at home.

For many single mothers, SNAP helps free up money for other essentials, such as rent, utilities, transportation, and child-related expenses.

Maryland DHS says SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, pet food, household supplies, or hot, ready-to-eat foods. If you are unsure about an item, it’s a good idea to check the SNAP spending rules before shopping.

Note: The USDA SNAP directory for Maryland lists the state program name (Food Supplement Program), along with SNAP contact details and EBT customer service information. Maryland DHS also provides official guidance on eligibility, benefits, and the use of SNAP.

Who may qualify

Eligibility for SNAP in Maryland depends on several factors, including household size, income, living situation, and certain allowable expenses. Immigration status may also apply to people who are directly applying for benefits.

Maryland uses broad-based categorical eligibility for many households. The USDA BBCE chart lists Maryland as a state with no asset limit and a 200% gross income limit for the TANF/MOE program that confers broad-based categorical eligibility.

However, this does not mean every household under that income level will automatically qualify. Each case still has to go through the state approval process.

If your income is close to the limit, it is still worth applying. Expenses such as child care, rent, utilities, child support payments, and certain medical costs for elderly or disabled household members can affect how SNAP eligibility and benefit amounts are calculated.

Important 2026 work-rule warning

Maryland DHS says H.R. 1 changes took effect in Maryland on November 1, 2025, and that the updated rules now affect more adults receiving SNAP benefits.

According to the state, some parents or caregivers may still qualify for an exemption if they are caring for a dependent child under age 14. However, parents with only older children may need to confirm with DSS whether the work rules apply to their household.

Before assuming you are exempt, read the Maryland DHSS SNAP changes page and ask your caseworker how the new rules affect your situation.

How to apply for SNAP in Maryland

You can apply online, by mail, by fax, or with help from a local office or a community organization. Maryland DHS says applications may be submitted through a Local Department of Social Services office or online through MarylandBenefits.

If you would rather have help during the process, Maryland Hunger Solutions also assists people with SNAP applications and renewals through its SNAP application help page, if you want a nonprofit helper.

Expedited SNAP

According to the USDA eligibility page, some households may receive SNAP within 7 days if they meet additional emergency rules. Examples may include having less than $100 in liquid resources and $150 in monthly gross income, or having combined income and liquid resources that are less than monthly rent or mortgage costs plus utilities.

Maryland DHS also mentions that some households with little or no money may qualify for expedited SNAP and may only need to complete an interview and verify identity before benefits are issued.

If you believe your household qualifies, ask for expedited SNAP when you apply and mention it again during the interview.

When benefits arrive

Maryland SNAP benefits are issued based on the first three letters of the head of household’s last name. The Maryland benefits schedule runs from the 4th through the 23rd of each month.

If your EBT card is lost, stolen, damaged, or not working, call EBT customer service at 1-800-997-2222 as soon as possible.

Documents and information checklist

Bring or upload the documents you already have. If something is missing, do not wait to apply. Ask the office whether another form of proof can be accepted instead.

WIC for pregnancy, babies, and young children

WIC differs from SNAP and focuses on nutrition for pregnant women, infants, and children up to age 5. The program can help with specific healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services.

According to Maryland WIC guidance, the program may help Maryland residents who are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, caring for an infant, or raising a child under age 5, as long as they meet income and nutrition requirements.

To apply, schedule an appointment with a local WIC agency or use the Maryland WIC to get started. If your household already receives SNAP, Medical Assistance, or certain other benefits, bring proof with you because it may help confirm income eligibility.

Tip: For related assistance, read our guides on WIC for mothers, baby items in Maryland, and Maryland healthcare.

Food help for school-age children

School meals

Ask your child’s school about free and reduced-price meals, breakfast, afterschool meals, weekend food bags, and summer options.

If your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, meals are often provided at no cost during the school year. Some families may still be asked to complete a school meal benefit application (commonly known in Maryland as the FARMS form) to confirm eligibility for other programs that use income-based school meal data, including SUN Bucks.

Maryland SUN Bucks

Maryland SUN Bucks helps eligible families buy groceries during summer break when school meals are unavailable.

According to Maryland DHS, many children are enrolled automatically if they:

• Receive free or reduced-price school meals
• Are ages 5 through 18 and live in a household receiving SNAP, TCA, or Medicaid
• Are in foster care

Other families may need to submit an application.

According to Maryland DHS, 2026 Maryland SUN Bucks benefits are issued during the last week of June, July, and August. Unused benefits expire 122 days after they are issued.

Children attending Community Eligibility Provision schools are not always automatically enrolled if the household does not receive SNAP, TCA, or Medicaid, and the child is not in foster care. In those situations, families should check the Maryland SUN Bucks application process and ask the school about FARMS eligibility forms.

Summer meals

According to the Maryland State Department of Education, the Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to kids and teens 18 and younger in low-income areas when school is out. Use the summer meals program page and the meal site finder to check available locations when summer sites open.

Tip: If you want to learn more about child-related support, be sure to check out our Maryland child care and national child care guides

If you are denied, delayed, or your amount seems wrong

Start by carefully reading your notice. It will usually explain the reason for the decision, any missing documents, deadlines you need to meet, and whether you have the right to appeal. If something does not look right, contact your local DSS office and ask for a supervisor review of your case.

If you want to challenge a decision, Maryland’s fair hearing process allows you to request a formal review. You can submit a hearing request through the fair hearing form, and the local department can help you complete it. You can also request assistance by calling 1-800-332-6347. The Maryland People’s Law Library also breaks down SNAP rights and the appeal process in plain language.

This information is not legal advice. If your situation involves an appeal, immigration concerns, domestic violence, disability-related needs, or a benefit cut that could seriously affect your household, it may help to speak with a legal aid provider. You can read the ASMOM’s Maryland legal help guide to get started.

Related guides on A Single Mother

• Medicaid and CHIP
• Postpartum help
• Maryland tax credits