The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program or Food Supplement Program, provides nutrition assistance to help eligible low-income households buy the food they need for good health. Everyone has the right to apply for SNAP.
Read the Regulation: Code of Maryland Regulations 07.03.17.01
Applying for SNAP
To receive SNAP benefits, applicants must file an application, be interviewed, and meet all financial and technical eligibility factors. Some people who have little or no money may qualify for Expedited SNAP benefits right away. Expedited benefits require only an interview and verification of the applicant’s identity.
There are several ways to file an application for SNAP benefits You can apply by completing the online application, or by requesting a written application and filing it with your local Department of Social Services. You may ask for an application in person, over the phone, by mail, or someone else may get one for you. You can also download a SNAP application.
Fill in your name, address, telephone number, and as much other information as you can on the application. Sign the application and give or send the form to your local Department of Social Services office. You must answer all questions completely and honestly. If you fail to do so, you can be removed from the program, fined, put in prison, or all three.
NOTE: If you and everyone you live with are applying for or getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may apply for SNAP in your Social Security district office.
Your application will be reviewed the same day to determine if you are eligible to receive SNAP within 7 days. If you are not interviewed the day you turn in your application, the local department will contact you to set up an interview to go over your application. During your interview, a case manager will explain the SNAP program rules and help you complete any parts of the application that you have not filled out. The case manager will also ask you for proof of certain information you have given. It is important that you understand the rules, so ask the case manager to explain anything you don’t understand.
After your interview, the local department will send you a notice. If you do not qualify for SNAP benefits, the notice will provide the reason. If you qualify for benefits, the notice will explain how much SNAP benefits you will get. It will also tell you how many months you can get SNAP benefits before you must reapply.
If you think your application has been wrongly denied or that you have not gotten the correct amount of SNAP benefits, you should tell the office. If they do not agree, you must ask them to have your case reviewed by a fair hearing official.
Income eligibility guidelines are available on the Department of Human Services website.
If you would like to apply for multiple benefits at once, you may wish to use Maryland Benefits' multiple benefits online application.
Eligibility Rules
Citizenship and Immigrant Status:
Some non-U.S. citizens are eligible for SNAP. To verify that your immigration status meets the program requirements, refer to the Program Manual.
Social Security numbers:
All members of your household, including children, need a Social Security number to apply for SNAP. If any household member, other than an undocumented immigrant, does not have a Social Security number, they will have to apply for one.
Work:
Able-bodied adults between 16-60 years of age register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, and take part in an employment and training program when referred to one by the local department of social services
Students:
Most students age 18-49, who are enrolled at least half time in college or other institutions of higher education, are not eligible for SNAP benefits. However, students may be able to get SNAP benefits if otherwise eligible if they:
- get cash assistance benefits under a TCA program;
- take part in a State or federally financed work study program;
- work at least 20 hours a week (no averaging);
- are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6;
- are taking care of a dependent household member over the age of 5 but under 12 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours, or to take part in a State or federally financed work study program; or
- are a single parent in school full-time with a child under 12; or
- are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
- a program under the Work Force Investment Act,
- a program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974,
- an employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act, or
- an employment and training program operated by a State or local government.
- are receiving disability and receiving SSI, SSA or VA disability payments, or
- have a disability verified by a doctor or licensed psychologist.
Income deductions:
After adding all of your household’s countable income, the case manager will subtract certain deductions. The following deductions are allowed for all households:
- standard deduction;
- 20 percent of earned income;
- actual costs of dependent care costs for children and disabled adults if this care is needed so that a household member can work, look for a job, or get training or education leading to a job;
- legally owed and paid child-support payments;
- shelter expenses and utility expenses;
- medical expenses over $35 a month for household members who are age 60 or older or receiving certain disability payments.
Verification:
Verification for the following is required:
- verification of income, such has but not limited to: paystubs, letter from employer or award letter.
- child-support payments, such as a court order and cancelled checks and the legal obligation to pay;
- verification of legal immigrant status for eligible immigrants;
- medical expenses for individuals 60 or older or disabled;
- any information which is questionable or conflicting.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- have your signed application accepted on the same day that you submit it to the local department of social services
- have an adult who knows your situation apply for you if you cannot get to the local department of social service;
- get your SNAP benefits within 30 days after you apply if you qualify;
- get SNAP within 7 days if you are in immediate need (no income or very little income) and qualify for faster service;
- not be discriminated against because you are elderly or because of sex, race, color, disability, religious creed, national origin, or political beliefs;
- be told in advance if the local department of social services is going to reduce or end your benefits during your certification period because of a change in your situation;
- look at your own case file and a copy of the SNAP rules; and
- have an administrative hearing if you don’t think the rules were applied correctly in your case. At an administrative you may explain to a hearing officer why you don’t agree with what the local department of social services has done.
Your Responsibilities
- When you apply for the SNAP, answer all questions completely and honestly. Sign your name to certify, under penalty of perjury, that all your answers are true and correct.
- Provide proof that you are eligible. Promptly report changes in household circumstances to the local department of social services that you are required to report.
- Do not make changes on any SNAP cards or documents.
- Do not sell, trade, or give away your food benefits, or any electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards or documents.
- Use SNAP benefits only to buy eligible items.
Violating Program rules could result in a loss of benefits.