Where to Start: Maryland's Online and In-Person Routes

Maryland handles SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program) through the Department of Human Services. You can begin the process online through the Maryland Automated Client Evaluation System (MACES) at maces.mds.maryland.gov, or you can visit your local Department of Social Services office in person. The online route is faster — you can submit everything without leaving home — but the in-person route works if you need help filling out forms or have questions about what documents to bring.

Both routes lead to the same outcome: your process goes to your local DSS office, which processes it and sends you a decision by mail. Online applications typically move through the system in 7 to 10 business days if you have all your documents ready. In-person applications can sometimes be processed the same day if the office is not busy, though you should expect to wait.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online through MACES or in person at your local Department of Social Services office; online is usually faster.
  • You will need proof of income, residency, identity, and citizenship or immigration status before you start.
  • Maryland counts your household's gross monthly income against the federal limit, which changes each year based on household size.
  • Once approved, your benefits load onto a Maryland EBT card that works like a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets.
  • If you are denied, you can request a hearing within 10 days of the denial letter.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start, whether you explore online or in person. You will need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), proof of Maryland residency (a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days), and proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or bank statements showing deposits). If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years.

You will also need to prove citizenship or immigration status. A birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers work for citizenship. If you are not a citizen, you may still be able to receive SNAP if you have a valid immigration status — bring your green card, work permit, or other immigration documents. If anyone in your household is not a U.S. citizen, you will need documents for them too.

If you receive child support or alimony, bring documentation of those payments. If you pay child care so you can work, bring receipts or a statement from your child care provider showing what you paid last month. The more documents you have ready, the faster your process moves.

how the process works Online Through MACES

Go to maces.mds.maryland.gov and select "explore for Benefits." You will create an account using your email address and a password. The system will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and the names and dates of birth of everyone in your household. It will then ask about your income, expenses, and assets.

Answer each question carefully. The system asks about gross income (before taxes), so include wages, self-employment income, unemployment benefits, Social Security, pensions, and any other money coming in. List your monthly expenses: rent or mortgage, utilities, child care, medical costs, and child support payments if you pay them. Be honest about what you own — the system asks about bank accounts, vehicles, and property.

Once you finish the form, you will upload your documents. Take photos of your pay stubs, lease, utility bill, and ID with your phone, or scan them on a computer. The system accepts PDF, JPG, and PNG files. After you upload everything, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down or take a screenshot — you will need it if you have questions about your process.

explore in Person at Your Local DSS Office

Find your local Department of Social Services office by entering your zip code at dhs.maryland.gov/office-locator. Call ahead to ask about wait times and whether you need an appointment. Some offices take walk-ins; others require you to book a time slot online or by phone.

Bring all your documents in originals or copies. The office staff will help you fill out the process form (you do not have to do it yourself), answer questions about your household and income, and collect your documents. They will give you a receipt showing what you turned in. Ask them how long processing usually takes at that office — it varies by location.

If you do not have all your documents the day you explore, ask the office whether you can submit them later by mail or through MACES. Many offices will give you a important date (usually 10 days) to send in missing papers. If you miss the important date, your process may be denied, but you can reapply.

What Happens After You explore

Your local DSS office reviews your process and checks your income against Maryland's SNAP limits. The limits change each year. For 2024, a single person can earn up to about $1,550 per month gross income; a family of three can earn up to about $3,300. These numbers include all household members' income added together. Your office will send you a letter in the mail telling you whether you were approved, denied, or need to send in more information.

If you are approved, the letter will tell you how much you receive each month and when your EBT card will arrive. Maryland sends EBT cards by mail — it usually takes 7 to 10 business days. Your benefits start loading onto the card on the first of the month after you are approved. You can use your card at any grocery store, supermarket, or farmers market that accepts SNAP. You cannot use it for hot food, alcohol, tobacco, or household items like soap or paper towels.

If you are denied, the letter will explain why. Common reasons are income too high, not meeting residency requirements, or missing documents. You have 10 days from the date on the letter to request a hearing. To request a hearing, call your local DSS office or send a written request by mail.

Recertification: Keeping Your Benefits Active

SNAP benefits do not last forever. Maryland requires you to recertify every 12 months. About 30 days before your recertification date, your DSS office will mail you a form asking you to confirm your household size, income, and expenses. Fill it out, sign it, and mail it back or submit it through MACES. If you do not recertify by the important date, your benefits will stop.

If your income or household changes during the year — you get a job, lose a job, have a baby, or someone moves out — report it to your DSS office within 10 days. You can report changes online through MACES, by phone, or in person. Reporting changes quickly can increase your benefits if your income went down, or prevent overpayment if your income went up.

If Your process Is Denied or You Need Help

If you are denied and want to challenge the decision, request a hearing within 10 days of the denial letter. Your local DSS office will schedule a hearing with an administrative law judge. You can bring documents, witnesses, or a representative to the hearing. The judge will review your case and make a new decision. This process usually takes 30 to 60 days.

If you need help understanding the process or filling out forms, contact your local DSS office. Staff can answer questions about what documents you need, how long processing takes, or what to do if something is wrong with your process. You can also contact the Maryland Department of Human Services at 1-800-332-6347 for general questions about SNAP.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for SNAP in Maryland?

Online applications usually process in 7 to 10 business days if you submit all your documents at once. In-person applications can sometimes be processed faster, but it depends on how busy your local office is. If you are missing documents, the office will give you a important date to submit them — usually 10 days — which extends the timeline.

Can I explore for SNAP if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) can receive SNAP. Some other immigration statuses also may have access to, such as refugees and asylees. Bring your immigration documents when you explore so the office can determine whether you are may be able to access. If you are undocumented, you cannot receive SNAP.

What if my income is too high to may have access to?

Maryland's income limits change each year based on household size. If you are denied because your income is too high, you can reapply if your income drops. If your income is close to the limit, ask your DSS office whether deductions (like child care or medical expenses) might lower your countable income enough to may have access to.

Can I use my EBT card at farmers markets?

Yes. Maryland farmers markets that accept SNAP have a sign at the entrance. You can use your EBT card to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other food items. You cannot use it for prepared food, plants, or non-food items. Some farmers markets also offer matching programs where they double your SNAP dollars on certain purchases.

What do I do if I lose my EBT card?

Call your local DSS office or the Maryland EBT customer service line at 1-866-372-2822. They can deactivate your old card and send you a replacement. Your benefits stay in your account — they do not disappear when your card is lost. A replacement card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.