Program Description
Food stamps help low-income households buy the food they need for good health and are used like cash to buy food. In Maryland, food stamp benefits are accessed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer System.
There are several eligibility requirements that include resource and income limits. Households may have up to $2,000 in countable resources, which includes a bank account. If a member of the household is 60 or older, a person with disability, countable resources increase to $3,000.
Most households must meet a gross income test (130 percent of poverty). If the household includes an elderly person or a person receiving disability benefits, only the "net test" must be met.
Possible deductions from gross income include: 20 percent of earned income, a standard deduction according to household size; a dependent-care deduction; any medical expenses in excess of $35 for elderly or disabled members; housing and legally owed and paid child support.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maryland and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380, if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
For more information on Food Stamps in Maryland visit our web site
at:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/how/cashfood/fstamp.htm
To apply, go to the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) in
the jurisdiction in which you live. To find an office nearest you, click on
the following link:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/county.htm
Applications must be filed, interviews conducted and all financial
and technical eligibility factors met prior to issuance of benefits. The
program is a federal entitlement program accessed through the electronic
benefits transfer system. To download an application, click on the following
link:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/fia/forms.htm
For more information, call
800-332-6347
or visit our web site at
http://www.dhr.state.md.us
Managing Agency
Maryland
http://www.maryland.gov
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