Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by Rachel

Domestic Violence and Abuse Help & Safety Resources for Single Mothers in Maryland

Last updated: September 2025

Quick Help Box — Act Now

• Emergency: Call 911 if you or your children are in immediate danger.
• 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233, Text “START” to 88788, or use safe chat at The National Domestic Violence Hotline—Get Help. (thehotline.org)
• House of Ruth Maryland Hotline: 410-889-7884 for crisis, shelter, legal and counseling referrals statewide. See House of Ruth Maryland—Get Help. (peoples-law.org)
• Maryland Protective Orders: File the court form online or in-person. Start with Petition for Protection—Form CC-DC-DV-001 or visit Maryland Courts—Domestic Violence. (mdcourts.gov, courts.state.md.us)
• Maryland Address Confidentiality Program (Safe at Home): 410-260-3875. Learn how to shield your address from public records at MD Secretary of State—Safe at Home ACP and Apply to ACP. (sos.maryland.gov)
• General resource navigation: Dial 211 any time to connect to in‑state services or use the 211 Maryland resource search. (211md.org)
• Court closed right now: Go to a District Court Commissioner (open 24/7) or an approved hospital/advocacy site to file electronically and appear by video under Maryland’s e‑filing law for temporary protective orders. See Maryland Courts—Domestic Violence. (mdcourts.gov)

Emergency First Steps in Maryland

• Safety first: Get to a safe place if you can—friend/family, a DV shelter, or a public place.
• Call for support: 1-800-799-7233 (The Hotline) or 410-889-7884 (House of Ruth Maryland) for safety planning, shelter intake, and legal referrals. (thehotline.org, peoples-law.org)
• Seek a Protective Order today: You can file at a courthouse during business hours or with a District Court Commissioner when courts are closed; interim orders can be issued immediately and a temporary order hearing is set quickly. Filing is free and service by law enforcement on the respondent is at no cost. (courts.state.md.us, law.justia.com)
• Protect your address: Ask the court to withhold your address on the petition and ask about the Safe at Home ACP if you’re relocating. (mdcourts.gov, sos.maryland.gov)
• Document the abuse: Save photos, threatening messages, medical records, police reports, and names of witnesses. You can attach extra pages to your petition. (peoples-law.org)
• Plan for kids and pets: Protective orders can include temporary custody, supervised visitation, use and possession of the home, car, and surrender of firearms; shelters may help with pet safety or pet‑friendly options. Ask the clerk or advocate to include what you need. (courts.state.md.us)

Table — Maryland Crisis Contacts You Can Use Right Now

Maryland Protective Orders — Fast Track How‑To

• Go to the nearest courthouse during business hours and tell the clerk you need to file a “Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence (CC‑DC‑DV‑001).” There’s no fee. When courts are closed, go to a District Court Commissioner or an approved site for electronic filing and video hearing. (mdcourts.gov)
• Timeline: Temporary orders generally last up to 7 days after service and can be extended for good cause (up to 6 months to complete service); final hearing is usually within 7 days after service of the temporary order. Final orders typically last up to 1 year and can be extended, including to 2 years in some cases; a permanent order is possible in limited circumstances. (peoples-law.org, law.justia.com, womenslaw.org)
• Relief you can ask for: Stay‑away/no‑contact, vacate the home, temporary custody/visitation, emergency family maintenance (support), use/possession of a car, firearms surrender, counseling, and more. Ask the judge for everything you need to stay safe. (courts.state.md.us)
• Service: Law enforcement handles service of the temporary order on the respondent; you do not pay for this service. (law.justia.com)
• Keep your address private: File Request to Withhold My Address from Public Access (Protective Order) and ask the clerk about Safe at Home. (mdcourts.gov)

Table — Maryland Protective Orders at a Glance

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call House of Ruth Maryland at 410-889-7884 for an advocate/lawyer to help with evidence, service issues, or appeal; or contact The Hotline 1-800-799-7233 for a safety plan while you refile. (peoples-law.org, thehotline.org)

Keep Your Address and Digital Footprint Safe

• Maryland Safe at Home ACP: If you’ve recently moved or will move within 30 days, the ACP can assign you a legal substitute address and forward your mail. Apply through a trained Application Assistant; decisions typically take up to 10 business days. Evidence options include a protective order, police report, or documentation from a DV program, medical provider, or religious professional. ACP phone: 410-260-3875. Learn more at MD Safe at Home—Overview, Apply, and ACP FAQ. (sos.maryland.gov)
• Tech safety: Use a safe device if possible; clear history; consider a new email; and ask an advocate about phone location settings.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the court to withhold your address on protective order filings and use a trusted friend’s address for mail; call the ACP for help locating an Application Assistant near you. (mdcourts.gov)

Where to Get Shelter, Legal Help, and Counseling (Verified Maryland Programs)

• House of Ruth Maryland—Hotline: 410-889-7884; legal clinics and courthouse representation statewide; emergency shelter; bilingual services; Language Line. See Domestic Violence Legal Clinic details. (peoples-law.org)
• TurnAround (Baltimore City/Baltimore County)—Hotline: 443-279-0379; DV/SA counseling and advocacy. (stattorney.org)
• Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County: 410-285-4357 for shelter/support. (stattorney.org)
• CHANA (Jewish community services): 410-234-0030 helpline. (stattorney.org)
• Adelante Familia (House of Ruth—Latina/Spanish‑speaking services): 410-732-2176. (y2connect.org)
• Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV): Statewide coalition; find local programs and learn about the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) that many law enforcement agencies use to connect survivors to help immediately. See MNADV—Get Help. (mnadv.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Dial 211 to locate a nearby shelter or legal clinic, or call The Hotline 1-800-799-7233 to widen your search to adjacent counties/states. (211md.org, thehotline.org)

Money, Food, Child Care, and Time Off — What Maryland Offers (With Current Numbers)

Short‑term cash, food, WIC, and child‑care help can keep you afloat while you secure safety, housing, and legal protection. Below are the most‑used programs with current amounts for FY 2025 (effective October 1, 2024–September 30, 2025 unless noted).

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)—Maryland’s TANF

• Maximum monthly TCA benefit (effective January 1, 2025) for a household with zero countable income: 1 person $339\ast \ast ,2\ast \ast$596, 3 $753\ast \ast ,4\ast \ast$902, 5 $1,046\ast \ast ,6\ast \ast$1,149, 7 $1,292\ast \ast ,8\ast \ast$1,421. Higher amounts continue for larger households. Official schedule: DHS Policy 25‑12. Apply at MarylandBenefits.gov. (dhs.maryland.gov)
• Key rules: Household’s countable net income must be ≤ the payment for your household size. Cooperation with child support and work activities is generally required (domestic violence “good cause” exemptions may apply). (dhs.maryland.gov)
• Timeline: Applications are typically processed within 30 days; crisis grants may be faster if eligible.

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the local DSS about a Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) to cover a short‑term emergency (the agency may offer it when appropriate). (casetext.com)

SNAP (Food Supplement Program in MD)

• Maximum monthly SNAP allotments (48 states/DC) for FY 2025: 1 $292\ast \ast ,2\ast \ast$536, 3 $768\ast \ast ,4\ast \ast$975, 5 $1,158\ast \ast ,6\ast \ast$1,390, 7 $1,536\ast \ast ,8\ast \ast$1,756; add $220 per additional person. (fns.usda.gov)
• Income standards (FY 2025): The gross (130% FPL) and net (100% FPL) monthly income limits for SNAP through Sept 30, 2025 are posted by Maryland DHS (e.g., 3‑person household gross $2,798\ast \ast ,net\ast \ast$2,152). Some Maryland households qualify under higher gross limits due to broad‑based categorical eligibility; check your case. See MD DHS—Income Requirements. (dhs.maryland.gov)
• Deductions and caps: Standard deduction for HH size 1–3 is $204\ast \ast ;homelessshelterdeductionmax\ast \ast$190.30; shelter cap $712. (fns.usda.gov)
• Apply: MarylandBenefits.gov. Expedited issuance may be available within 7 days for very low‑income households. (dhs.maryland.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask DSS about emergency pantries and SUN Bucks (summer EBT) for school‑age children in June–August ($120 per eligible student total). (news.dhs.maryland.gov)

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)—Maryland

• Monthly cash‑value benefit for fruits/vegetables (FY 2025): $26\ast \ast perchild(1–5),\ast \ast$47 pregnant/postpartum adults, $52 fully or mostly breastfeeding adults (Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025). Apply via local WIC office or call 1-800-242-4942. See USDA WIC FY 2025 CVB amounts and Maryland WIC. (fns.usda.gov, health.maryland.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Dial 211 for same‑day referrals to food banks and WIC appointments near you. (211md.org)

Child Care Scholarship (CCS)—MSDE

• Current status: As of May 1, 2025, MSDE put a temporary freeze on new CCS awards due to demand; applications are still accepted and approved families are placed on a waitlist. Current recipients continue without interruption if they recertify on time. Info and contact 877-227-0125 at MSDE—CCS Program. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org, news.maryland.gov)
• Initial income scale for new applications (effective 12/15/2024): Family of 2 $76,117\ast \ast ,3\ast \ast$94,026, 4 $111,936\ast \ast ,5\ast \ast$129,846, 6 $147,756 max annual income. Higher “continuation” income thresholds apply to current recipients. See MSDE table. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask DSS about TCA‑related child‑care assistance and talk to your provider about sliding scale/short‑term scholarships while you remain on the state waitlist. (casetext.com)

Table — Quick Benefit Snapshot (Maryland FY 2025)

Your Job — Paid “Safe Leave” You Can Use for Court, Relocation, or Counseling

• Maryland Healthy Working Families Act: Employers with 15+ employees must provide paid sick and safe leave; 14 or fewer must provide unpaid leave. Accrual is at least 1 hour per 30 hours worked; up to 40 hours per year, with up to 64 hours accrued/held. You can use it to seek a protective order, meet with an advocate/lawyer, receive medical/mental health care, or relocate for safety. See the state poster/FAQs. (labor.maryland.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your employer denies legally required leave, email ssl.assistance@maryland.gov or call 410-767-2357 (MD Department of Labor). (labor.maryland.gov)

Housing Rights for Survivors in Maryland

• End your lease early without penalty: If you or a legal occupant is a victim of domestic violence or sexual assault, you can terminate your future lease liability by giving 30 days’ written notice with proof (final protective order, final peace order, or a report from a qualified third party signed within 60 days). You owe rent only for up to 30 days after notice. See Maryland Real Property §8‑5A‑02 and People’s Law Library guidance. (law.justia.com, peoples-law.org)
• Ask for lock changes and eviction protections: Protective orders can grant use/possession of the home and keep the abuser away; courts can also order the abuser to vacate when legally eligible. (peoples-law.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Talk to Maryland Legal Aid/Women’s Law Center or your local DV legal clinic (House of Ruth) about landlord issues; save copies of your notice and proof and send notice by certified mail if safe. (peoples-law.org)

Crime Victim Compensation — Help With Costs That Pile Up

• Maryland Criminal Injuries Compensation can reimburse medical bills (up to $45,000\ast \ast ),mentalhealthcounseling(upto\ast \ast$45,000 in certain cases), funeral costs (now up to $10,000\ast \ast ),crimescenecleanup(upto\ast \ast$2,000), lost wages, and more—subject to program rules and caps. Recent reforms removed barriers like the 48‑hour reporting requirement and broadened documentation beyond police reports. See the Governor’s priorities and reporting on the reform. Apply through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) under the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy. (marylandmatters.org, governor.maryland.gov)
• Traditional caps (pre‑reform) referenced in older summaries include an overall $45,000\ast \ast cap,funeral\ast \ast$7,500, and mental health $10,000. The July 1, 2024 law increased several of these categories as noted above. Start with the CICB program page and confirm current limits when you apply. (gocpp.maryland.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask an advocate to help you submit complete documentation; if denied, you can appeal within program timelines.

Table — Protective Order vs. Lease Termination vs. ACP

Diverse Communities — Targeted Help You Can Ask For

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Anti‑Violence Project Hotline 212-714-1141 offers support; many Maryland providers are LGBTQ+‑affirming, including TurnAround and House of Ruth. Ask for an advocate trained in LGBTQ+ safety planning. (stattorney.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Tell the court about accommodation needs; most DV programs can arrange accessible shelter rooms and ASL interpreters. The Deaf Hotline video phone 855-812-1001 provides DV help for Deaf/HoH survivors. (stattorney.org)
• Veteran single mothers: Ask The Hotline for referrals to VA‑connected DV social workers and trauma‑informed counseling; mention any protective orders when addressing housing/relocation issues. (thehotline.org)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: You can seek protective orders and most DV services regardless of immigration status. House of Ruth’s Adelante Familia serves Spanish‑speaking survivors (410‑732‑2176). ACP also serves residents regardless of status. (y2connect.org, sos.maryland.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: StrongHearts Native Helpline 844-762-8483 via The Hotline offers culturally specific DV support for Native communities (including urban Native families in MD). (thehotline.org)
• Rural single moms: If your county lacks shelter beds, advocates can help place you out‑of‑county and arrange transportation. Call 211 or 1-800-799-7233 for multi‑county options. (211md.org, thehotline.org)
• Single fathers: Maryland DV services are for survivors of all genders; tell the hotline you’re a dad seeking safety for yourself and your children. (thehotline.org)
• Language access: Many providers use interpreters; House of Ruth confirms Language Line use and Spanish‑speaking staff. Ask for interpretation at court and during hotline calls. (peoples-law.org)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting too long to file: Temporary protective orders move fast and can stabilize custody and housing. If the court is closed, use a commissioner or approved electronic filing site. (mdcourts.gov)
• Not asking for specific relief: If you need temporary custody, emergency family maintenance, or use/possession of the home, say so in your petition. (courts.state.md.us)
• Posting online about your move: Use ACP and avoid sharing locations publicly. (sos.maryland.gov)
• Skipping benefits due to myths: TCA/SNAP can be temporary safety nets; verified 2025 amounts are listed above. Apply and let an eligibility worker evaluate your case. (dhs.maryland.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• Missing deadlines: Temporary orders expire quickly; final hearing is usually within 7 days—watch your mail and attend every hearing. (peoples-law.org)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• Protective Order forms: Maryland Courts—Family/DV Forms. Ask for CC‑DC‑DV‑001. (mdcourts.gov)
• Statewide Hotline: House of Ruth 410‑889‑7884; The Hotline 1‑800‑799‑7233; 211 for local services. (peoples-law.org, thehotline.org)
• Address privacy: Safe at Home ACP 410‑260‑3875. (sos.maryland.gov)
• Money/food help: TCA (3‑person $753\ast \ast ),\ast \ast SNAP\ast \ast (3‑person\ast \ast$768), WIC CVB ($26–$52). Apply at MarylandBenefits.gov. (dhs.maryland.gov, fns.usda.gov)
• Child care: CCS waitlist active; check income tables and call 877‑227‑0125. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
• Time off: MD Sick and Safe Leave—up to 40 hours/year. (labor.maryland.gov)

Application Checklist (Bring as many as you safely can)

• Photo ID: Driver’s license, state ID, or other government ID.
• Proof of Maryland residency: Lease, utility bill, mail.
• Income and expenses: Last 4 weeks pay stubs, child support orders, rent receipt, childcare costs.
• Evidence of abuse: Photos, threatening messages, medical records, police reports, witness names.
• Children’s documents: Birth certificates, school records, immunizations.
• Existing court papers: Any protective/peace orders, custody orders.
• Safety: A friend’s mailing address or ACP info to keep your location private. (sos.maryland.gov)

Real‑World Example

• A Baltimore mom with a 4‑year‑old filed an interim order with a commissioner on a Friday night after a violent incident. She brought photos and prior threatening texts. She received a temporary order and a hearing date in 7 days. An advocate from House of Ruth helped her request temporary custody, emergency family maintenance, and use of the family car in the final order. She applied for TCA and SNAP online that weekend; her TCA was set at $753\ast \ast fora3‑personhousehold,and\ast \ast SNAP\ast \ast issued\ast \ast$768 in benefits—the maximum for FY 2025—until her situation stabilized. (dhs.maryland.gov, fns.usda.gov)

Tables — Program Details You Can Scan

Table — FY 2025 SNAP Maximums (48 States/DC)

Table — TCA Maximum Monthly Payments (Effective January 1, 2025)

Table — WIC Cash‑Value Benefit (FY 2025)

Table — Child Care Scholarship Initial Income Scale (Selected Sizes)

Table — Protective Orders: What You Can Ask For

FAQs — Maryland Domestic Violence Help for Single Mothers

• Where do I start if I can’t leave tonight: Call 1-800-799-7233 or 410-889-7884 to create a safety plan and identify a window to leave safely. (thehotline.org, peoples-law.org)
• Is filing a protective order free: Yes. There is no filing fee and no cost for law enforcement to serve the temporary order. (law.justia.com)
• How fast will I see a judge: If courts are open, you get a same‑day temporary hearing; if closed, a commissioner issues an interim order and sets the next court date (usually within 2 days). (mdcourts.gov)
• How long until the final hearing: Typically within 7 days after the respondent is served with the temporary order (extensions possible for good cause). (peoples-law.org)
• Can I keep my address secret from my abuser: Yes. Ask the court to withhold your address and consider the ACP to use a substitute legal address. ACP phone: 410‑260‑3875. (mdcourts.gov, sos.maryland.gov)
• What if I need to break my lease: Give 30 days’ written notice with required documentation (final protective/peace order or a recent third‑party report). You owe rent for up to 30 days after notice. (law.justia.com)
• How much cash help can I get from TCA: A 3‑person household with no countable income can get up to $753/month (effective Jan 1, 2025). (dhs.maryland.gov)
• What are SNAP amounts right now: A 3‑person household’s maximum is $768/month through Sept 30, 2025. (fns.usda.gov)
• Is there child‑care help: Yes, but as of May 1, 2025, new CCS awards are waitlisted; current recipients continue. Check if you meet the income table and get on the list. CCS phone: 877‑227‑0125. (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
• Can compensation help with counseling or funeral costs: Yes. Maryland increased compensation categories (e.g., funeral up to $10,000\ast \ast ,mentalhealthupto\ast \ast$45,000 in certain cases) under recent reforms; confirm current limits with CICB when you apply. (marylandmatters.org)

What to Do When Things Don’t Go as Planned (Plan B Ideas)

• Couldn’t get a same‑day order: Ask the clerk for the next available time and call House of Ruth 410‑889‑7884 for an advocate to help strengthen evidence. (peoples-law.org)
• Shelters are full: Ask to be placed out‑of‑county or in a hotel program if available; call 211 to widen your search and ask The Hotline for multi‑state options. (211md.org, thehotline.org)
• Employer pushback on court dates: Share the state’s Sick and Safe Leave poster; if needed, contact the MD Department of Labor at 410‑767‑2357. (labor.maryland.gov)
• Landlord ignores lease‑termination law: Send notice by certified mail, keep copies, and seek legal help through House of Ruth or Maryland Legal Aid. (peoples-law.org)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Maryland Department of Human Services, USDA, HUD, and established nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified: September 2025, next review: April 2026.

Corrections: Despite careful verification, errors can occur—email info@asinglemother.org and we’ll respond within 48–72 hours.

Disclaimer

Information purpose: This guide provides general information and links to official agencies and reputable nonprofits. Program details, dollar amounts, and policies can change; always verify with the relevant agency before applying or deciding.

Safety online: For your security, use a safe device and clear your browser history. Consider the Maryland Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program if you are relocating. (sos.maryland.gov)

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Source Notes and Dates

• Protective orders: Process, forms, timelines and relief per Maryland Judiciary and People’s Law Library; last revised dates shown on courts’ forms pages (most recent updates in 2024–2025). (courts.state.md.us, mdcourts.gov)
• ACP: Program details, eligibility, and timeline (up to 10 business days) per MD Secretary of State ACP pages; last updated pages active 2025. (sos.maryland.gov)
• TCA amounts (effective Jan 1, 2025): DHS Family Investment Administration Policy #25‑12. (dhs.maryland.gov)
• SNAP FY 2025: USDA FNS COLA memo (effective Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025); MD DHS income tables for FY 2025. (fns.usda.gov, dhs.maryland.gov)
• WIC FY 2025 CVB: USDA Policy Memo #2024‑7 (effective Oct 1, 2024–Sept 30, 2025). (fns.usda.gov)
• CCS: MSDE freeze notice (May 1, 2025) and income tables (effective Dec 15, 2024). (earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.org)
• Victim compensation: CICB program info and 2024 reform coverage that raised category caps (funeral $10,000\ast \ast ,mentalhealthupto\ast \ast$45,000) and eased requirements; verify current caps when applying. (gocpp.maryland.gov, marylandmatters.org)
• Sick and Safe Leave: Maryland Department of Labor poster/FAQ. (labor.maryland.gov)
• Local organizations and hotlines: House of Ruth legal clinic and Baltimore provider directory. (peoples-law.org, stattorney.org)

If any link is broken or a phone number has changed, please email info@asinglemother.org so we can correct it quickly.

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Reality Check

Getting safe and stabilized in Maryland is rarely linear. Protective orders can be delayed if service is hard; shelters fill; benefits take paperwork. The strategy above is designed to stack your options—legal protection, address privacy, shelter/legal help, and concrete benefits—so you and your kids have runway to rebuild. Keep asking for exactly what you need at each step, and use the hotlines and advocates to push through roadblocks.

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🏛️More Maryland Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Maryland

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
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• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery