Your Key to Maryland Assistance Programs: Support for Residents

A robust network of Maryland assistance programs offers a vital lifeline to residents facing financial hardship, food insecurity, or challenges in securing stable housing and healthcare. Navigating this complex system of state, federal, and local resources can often feel overwhelming, especially during times of crisis.

The support available is extensive, ranging from direct financial aid and nutrition benefits to help with utility bills, rent, and medical costs. This resource provides a clear, centralized path to understanding and accessing these essential benefits, organized by category of need. Help is available, and the information presented here is designed to empower individuals and families to take the necessary steps toward greater stability and well-being.

Navigating Maryland's Support System: Your First Steps

Knowing where to begin is often the most significant hurdle when seeking assistance. Maryland has established several primary gateways designed to connect residents with the services they need. These centralized hubs serve as the most effective starting points, whether applying for multiple benefits at once or requiring specialized support.

The my MD THINK Online Portal (MarylandBenefits.gov): The Central Hub

The state's primary online portal for benefits is my MD THINK, accessible at MarylandBenefits.gov. This integrated platform is the most efficient starting point for residents with internet access. It allows them to apply for several of the most critical assistance programs simultaneously with a single application, saving time and reducing repetitive paperwork.

Programs Accessible Through myMDTHINK

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
• Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)

The application process involves creating a secure account and completing a detailed application. It requires information about all household members, all sources of income, and regular household expenses.

For those who are unsure of their eligibility, the portal features a "Unified Benefits Screener" tool. This preliminary questionnaire can help individuals determine their potential eligibility for various programs in just a few minutes. The direct URL for the portal is https://mymdthink.maryland.gov/.

2-1-1 Maryland: Your 24/7 Information and Referral Lifeline

For residents who need guidance or are unsure which programs fit their situation, 2-1-1 Maryland is an indispensable resource. This free and confidential service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It connects callers to a comprehensive database of more than 7,500 health and human services resources across the state.

By simply dialing 2-1-1, individuals can speak with a trained specialist who can provide information and referrals for a vast array of needs, including:

• Food pantries and emergency meals
• Housing and homeless shelters
• Utility bill assistance
• Mental health services
• Employment support
• Legal services

The service is also accessible by texting a ZIP code or searching the online database. 2-1-1 Maryland acts as a crucial first point of contact, especially for those in immediate crisis or seeking local, community-based support.

Local Departments of Social Services (DSS): In-Person Support

While the state has moved toward a digital-first application model, the network of local Departments of Social Services (DSS) remains the cornerstone of in-person support. These offices, located in every Maryland county and Baltimore City, serve residents who may lack reliable internet access or prefer face-to-face interaction.

At a local DSS office, individuals can submit paper applications for programs like SNAP, TCA, and TDAP. They can also provide necessary documentation and receive direct guidance from staff. This option is particularly valuable for those who need help navigating the application process.

Maryland Access Point (MAP): Specialized Help for Seniors and People with Disabilities

The state established Maryland Access Point (MAP) as a specialized gateway for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers. This tiered approach ensures that individuals requiring long-term services receive more intensive, personalized guidance.

MAP specialists are trained counselors who provide free, one-on-one assistance to help individuals and families plan for and access a wide range of resources. Their services focus on long-term care needs, connecting clients with supports for:

• Financial aid and benefits counseling
• In-home care and housing options
• Transportation services
• Caregiver support resources

MAP serves as the single point of entry for these specialized services, streamlining the process and saving clients the frustration of contacting multiple agencies independently.

Financial Relief: Cash and Emergency Assistance Programs

Maryland offers several programs that provide direct financial assistance to eligible residents. These programs are designed to provide ongoing, temporary income support to stabilize low-income households and offer one-time aid to resolve immediate financial crises.

For Ongoing Income Support

These programs provide regular, though time-limited, cash benefits to help households meet basic needs while they work toward greater financial stability.

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) for Families

Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is Maryland's implementation of the federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. It provides cash assistance to families with dependent children, helping them cover essential costs like rent and utilities while adults work toward self-sufficiency.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Residency: Must be a resident of Maryland.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.
• Household Composition: The household must include a dependent child under the age of 18 (or under 19 if a full-time secondary school student). Pregnant women may also qualify.
• Income: The household must meet income limits that vary by family size.
• Cooperation: Applicants must cooperate with child support enforcement efforts and participate in mandatory work activities, unless exempt.

Benefit Details: The monthly cash benefit is determined by household size and any countable income. Effective January 1, 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of three with no other income increased to $753. TCA benefits are time-limited, with a federal lifetime limit of 60 months (5 years) for most recipients.

How to Apply: Applications for TCA can be submitted online through the my MD THINK portal at MarylandBenefits.gov or in person at a local Department of Social Services office.

Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)

The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) is a state-funded program providing short-term cash benefits to low-income individuals with a disability who do not have dependent children. This program functions as a critical financial bridge, providing essential income support while an individual navigates the lengthy application process for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The structure of TDAP acknowledges that applying for federal disability benefits can take many months. The requirement for TDAP applicants with long-term disabilities to simultaneously apply for SSI reveals the program's purpose: to prevent destitution during this transitional period.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Disability: Applicants must have a medically verified disability that prevents them from working for at least three months.
• Household Composition: The program is for individuals without dependent children.
• Income and Assets: Applicants must meet very low income and asset limits. Countable income may not exceed the benefit amount.
• SSI Application: Individuals with a disability expected to last 12 months or more are required to apply for federal SSI benefits.

Benefit Details: TDAP provides a modest monthly cash payment. Effective January 1, 2025, the benefit amount was increased to $339 per month. Benefits are generally limited to 12 months within a 36-month period, unless the recipient is actively pursuing an SSI application.

How to Apply: Applications can be submitted online via the my MD THINK portal or in person at a local Department of Social Services office.

Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a significant tax benefit for working individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. It is designed to supplement earnings and reduce poverty by lowering the amount of state and local income tax owed. In many cases, it can result in a direct cash refund.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Eligibility for the Maryland EITC is directly tied to eligibility for the federal EITC. An individual must qualify for and claim the federal credit on their federal tax return to be eligible for the state credit. 
• Income eligibility thresholds vary based on filing status and the number of qualifying children.
• Notably, Maryland allows filers using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to claim the state credit, even if they are ineligible for the federal credit.

Benefit Details: The state credit is calculated as a percentage of the federal credit, typically 50% for most filers. Additionally, some local jurisdictions, such as Montgomery County, offer a local EITC supplement, further increasing the total benefit for residents of those areas.

How to Apply:

1. Claim the Maryland EITC by filing a Maryland state income tax return (Form 502).
2. First, complete the federal Schedule EIC and file it with your federal return.
3. Free tax preparation assistance may be available through programs like the CASH Campaign of Maryland.
4. For more information, individuals can visit the Comptroller of Maryland's website or call 1-800-MD-TAXES.

For Immediate Financial Crises

These programs are reactive, designed to provide swift, one-time assistance to resolve a specific and verifiable emergency.

Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC)

When a family with children faces an immediate crisis that threatens their stability, the Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) program can provide a one-time cash grant. This program is intended to resolve acute emergencies, such as a pending eviction or a utility shut-off notice.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Household Composition: The household must include one or more children under the age of 21.
• Residency: Must be a resident of Maryland.
• Proof of Emergency: The family must provide documentation of the emergency, such as an eviction notice.
• Cause of Emergency: The crisis must not have been caused by a family member voluntarily quitting a job.

Benefit Details: EAFC provides a one-time cash payment to help resolve the immediate crisis. Assistance is limited and can generally be received only once every two years, contingent upon the availability of funds.

How to Apply: Applications should be made at a local Department of Social Services office or online through the my MD THINK portal. Applicants must be prepared to provide extensive documentation, including identification, proof of address, proof of income, and definitive proof of the emergency. 

Burial Assistance Program

The Burial Assistance Program provides limited financial aid to help cover funeral costs for deceased low-income Marylanders when their families cannot afford these expenses. The program is a payer of last resort and is designed to ensure a dignified burial.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Deceased's Status: The deceased individual must have been a recipient of, or eligible for, a public assistance program like TCA, TDAP, or SSI.
• Family's Financial Need: The family or estate of the deceased must not have sufficient resources to pay for the funeral.
• Funeral Cost Limit: Total funeral expenses cannot exceed $2,500.

Benefit Details: The program provides a payment directly to the chosen funeral director, generally up to $650. The funds cannot be used to reimburse funeral expenses that have already been paid.

How to Apply: The application process is typically initiated by the family in coordination with the funeral home. For information, individuals should contact their local Department of Social Services or call the statewide DHS customer service line at 1-800-332-6347.

Ensuring Access to Food: Nutrition Programs for Marylanders

Food security is a cornerstone of individual and family well-being. Maryland administers several key nutrition programs designed to ensure residents have consistent access to healthy food. Federal initiatives like SNAP and WIC form the foundation of long-term support, while a network of food banks addresses more immediate needs.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is the nation's largest anti-hunger program. It provides monthly benefits to eligible low-income households to supplement their food budget. 

Key Eligibility Requirements: Eligibility for SNAP is primarily based on a household's size, income, and certain expenses. Most households must meet both a gross and a net monthly income test. However, households containing an elderly member (age 60 or older) or a member with a disability are often subject only to the net income test.

Benefit Details: SNAP benefits are loaded monthly onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, known in Maryland as the Independence Card. This card functions like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores and some farmers' markets to purchase eligible food items.

How to Apply for SNAP: Maryland offers several ways to apply for SNAP benefits:

1. Online: The fastest method is to apply online through the my MD THINK portal at MarylandBenefits.gov.
2. In Person, by Mail, or Fax: Applicants can visit their local Department of Social Services office to apply in person or to obtain a paper application.
3. With Assistance: Community-based organizations, such as the Maryland Food Bank, offer free, confidential assistance with completing and submitting SNAP applications.

After an application is submitted, a case manager will conduct an interview, typically over the phone. Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of identity, address, income, and certain household expenses to expedite the process.

SNAP Monthly Income Eligibility Limits (Effective Oct. 1, 2024 - Sept. 30, 2025)

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The WIC program safeguards the health of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. It provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health care. 

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Categorical: Applicants must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, an infant, or a child under the age of five.
• Income: The household's gross income must fall at or below 185% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines.

If an individual is already participating in other programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or TCA, they are automatically considered income-eligible for WIC. This "categorical eligibility" simplifies the application process.

Benefit Details: WIC benefits are provided on an eWIC card, which can be used to purchase specific healthy foods like milk, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. The program also offers breastfeeding support and referrals to other health and social services.

How to Apply for WIC: The WIC application process is handled through local WIC agencies, not the DSS.

1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a local WIC agency to schedule a certification appointment. A statewide hotline (1-800-242-4942) can help locate the nearest clinic.
2. Attend the Appointment: The applicant and any children applying must be present.
3. Provide Documentation: Applicants must bring documentation to verify identity, residency, and household income.

WIC Monthly Income Eligibility Guidelines (Effective April 4, 2025)

Emergency Food Resources (TEFAP & MEFP)

For those in need of immediate food assistance, Maryland's emergency food network provides a crucial safety net. Federal and state programs—The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Maryland Emergency Food Program (MEFP)—supply food and funding to large regional food banks. These food banks then distribute the food to local partners like food pantries and soup kitchens.

Individuals do not apply for TEFAP or MEFP directly. Instead, they access the food provided by these programs by visiting a local distribution site.

How to Find a Local Food Pantry or Soup Kitchen:

• For Residents of All Maryland Counties EXCEPT Montgomery and Prince George's:
  1. Visit the Maryland Food Bank website at mdfoodbank.org.
  2. Use the "Find Food" tool and enter a ZIP code to see a list of nearby partner agencies.   
• For Residents of Montgomery and Prince George's Counties:
  1. Visit the Capital Area Food Bank website at capitalareafoodbank.org.
  2. Use the "Get Help" tool and enter an address or ZIP code to find local partners.
• Universal Option: Anyone in Maryland can dial 2-1-1 at any time to be connected with information about the nearest food pantry or emergency meal program.

Securing Your Home: Housing and Utility Support

Maintaining stable housing and affording essential utilities are fundamental needs. Maryland offers a range of programs designed to make housing more affordable and to provide a safety net for residents facing an energy crisis or the threat of homelessness.

Rental and Housing Support

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program, commonly known as Section 8, is the federal government's primary program for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent housing in the private market. Participants find their own housing and use the voucher to pay for a portion of the rent.

This program is managed by local Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) in each county and some major cities. These local PHAs are responsible for establishing their own eligibility criteria, processing applications, and managing their waiting lists. Due to high demand, waiting lists are often long and frequently closed to new applicants.

How to Apply: To apply, individuals must contact the specific PHA that serves the area where they wish to live. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) maintains a comprehensive list of all local PHAs with their contact information.

Help with Energy and Water Bills

The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) administers several grants to help low-income households make their energy costs more affordable. A single application allows a household to be screened for eligibility for all available OHEP grants, simplifying the process.

The OHEP Grants Include:

• Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): Provides financial assistance for home heating bills. 
• Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): Offers financial assistance with electric bills.
• Arrearage Retirement Assistance: Helps customers with large, past-due electric and natural gas bills, offering up to $2,000 toward the balance.
• Utility Service Protection Program (USPP): Protects low-income families from utility turn-offs during the primary heating season.

How to Apply for OHEP Grants: Applications can be submitted year-round in several ways:

• Online: Through the my MD THINK portal at MarylandBenefits.gov.
• Mail: By downloading a paper application and mailing it to the local OHEP office.
• In Person: By visiting a local OHEP office.

Applicants will need to provide proof of identity, residency, Social Security numbers for all household members, proof of income, and a copy of their most recent utility bill.

OHEP Monthly Income Eligibility Limits (Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025)

For households with more than 8 people, contact a local OHEP office for guidelines. Source: Maryland Department of Human Services.

Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP)

The Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) is designed to assist individuals and families who are currently housed but are at immediate risk of becoming homeless. The program provides case management and limited, one-time financial assistance to resolve a crisis.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• The household must be currently living in a rental unit with a lease in their name.
• They must be facing an immediate, verifiable risk of eviction.
• The household's income must be very low, generally below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
• The household must demonstrate that with the one-time assistance, they will be able to maintain their rent payments going forward.

How to Apply: The HPP is administered at the local level. Individuals facing a housing crisis should contact their local Department of Social Services or a designated community service provider to inquire about available funds and to apply.

Health and Wellness: Medical and Prescription Coverage

Access to affordable healthcare is a critical component of well-being. Maryland provides several programs to ensure that low-income residents can receive necessary medical care and afford prescription medications. The state has streamlined access through the Maryland Health Connection, a "no wrong door" entry point for health coverage.

Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)

Medicaid, known in Maryland as Medical Assistance, is a joint federal and state program that offers free or very low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) is part of this system and provides a full package of health benefits for children up to age 19 and pregnant women who meet the income guidelines.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Eligibility is primarily based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and household size.
• Nearly all adults under age 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible.
• Income limits are higher for children and pregnant women.
• Enrollment is available at any time of year; there is no need to wait for a special open enrollment period.

Covered Services: Both Medicaid and MCHP provide comprehensive coverage that includes:

• Doctor visits and regular check-ups
• Hospital inpatient and outpatient care
• Prescription medications
• Maternity and newborn care
• Mental health and substance use disorder services
• Dental and vision care

How to Apply: The application process for all health coverage in Maryland is centralized through the Maryland Health Connection. This system automatically determines eligibility for all available programs, including Medicaid, MCHP, or financial assistance for a private insurance plan.

Application methods include:

• Online: The primary method is through the Maryland Health Connection website at MarylandHealthConnection.gov.
• Mobile App: Using the free "Enroll MHC" mobile app.
• By Phone: By calling the service center at 1-855-642-8572.
• In Person: With free, trained assistance from local health departments or certified navigators.

Pharmacy Assistance Programs

For residents who struggle with the high cost of prescription drugs, Maryland offers programs tailored to different populations based on their age and insurance status.

Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP)

This state program is for Medicare-eligible seniors and provides financial assistance to help pay for their Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan premiums. It is designed for moderate-income seniors who may not qualify for the federal "Extra Help" program.

• Eligibility: Applicants must be Maryland residents for at least six months, be enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, and have an annual income at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. They cannot have other prescription drug coverage.
• Benefit: SPDAP provides a monthly subsidy of up to $75 paid directly toward their Medicare Part D plan premium.
• How to Apply: An application is required and can be downloaded from the SPDAP website or requested by mail.

Maryland Rx Card

The Maryland Rx Card is a free, statewide prescription assistance program available to all residents of Maryland, regardless of age or income. It is designed primarily for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

• Eligibility: Open to all Maryland residents with no income or age requirements.
• Benefit: The program provides savings of up to 80% on both generic and brand-name prescription medications at participating pharmacies.
• How to Apply: No application is necessary. Residents can print a free card from the Maryland Rx Card website or ask a participating pharmacist to process their prescription through the program. 

For individuals enrolled in Maryland Medicaid, prescription drug costs are covered as part of their comprehensive benefits package.

Support for Specific Needs and Populations

Beyond broad-based support, Maryland provides specialized programs designed to address the needs of working families, homebuyers, and individuals requiring transportation.

Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program

The Maryland Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program provides financial assistance to eligible families to help them afford the cost of high-quality child care. This enables parents to work, attend school, or participate in job training programs.

The program's design includes an innovative "Fast-Track" application process, which recognizes the urgent connection between child care and employment. A parent often cannot accept a job without having child care in place, but cannot afford child care without a job.

The Fast-Track system bridges this gap by providing a temporary, 60-day scholarship within just three business days based on minimal initial documentation. This allows a parent to secure a child care spot and begin working immediately. The state then has a two-month window to process the full application for a standard, 52-week scholarship.

Key Eligibility Requirements:

• Residency and Activity: Applicants must be Maryland residents who are employed, enrolled in an approved education or training program, or attending school.
• Child's Age: The scholarship is for a child younger than 13, or an individual aged 13-19 who has a qualifying disability.
• Income: The family's gross annual income must fall below the program's limits, which vary by household size.

How to Apply: The application process is managed entirely online through the dedicated Child Care Scholarship Family Portal. Applicants must create an account and then complete the application, uploading required documents.

Child Care Scholarship Annual Income Scale

Transportation Assistance Programs

Lack of reliable transportation can be a major obstacle to accessing essential services. Maryland offers several transportation assistance programs targeted toward specific populations.

• Medical Assistance Transportation: For Maryland Medicaid recipients, this program coordinates and covers the cost of transportation to medically necessary appointments if the member has no other means of travel. Trips must be scheduled in advance.
• Local and County-Based Programs: Many counties operate their own transportation programs, often geared toward older adults and individuals with disabilities, offering services like discounted taxi vouchers or paratransit.
• Vehicles for Change: This program provides donated, refurbished vehicles to a limited number of current and former Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) recipients to help them maintain employment.

Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)

The Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP) is designed to overcome the barrier of upfront homeownership costs for many low- and moderate-income Marylanders. It offers a suite of home loan products that make purchasing a home more affordable.

Key Programs and Features:

• 1st Time Advantage Loans: These loans offer competitive, 30-year fixed interest rates and often come paired with down payment assistance (DPA) as a no-interest, deferred second loan.
• Maryland Smart Buy: This program helps homebuyers with existing student loan debt by allowing them to pay it off as part of the home financing package.
• Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance: MMP offers various levels of DPA to help buyers meet the financial requirements of securing a mortgage.

How to Apply: The MMP operates through a statewide network of approved mortgage lenders, not directly with consumers. The first step for an aspiring homebuyer is to contact one of these state-approved lenders. The loan officer will work with the applicant to verify their eligibility and help them select the best MMP product.

Conclusion

Maryland provides a comprehensive and multi-layered support system to assist residents during periods of need. From the centralized digital gateways of my MD THINK and the Maryland Health Connection to the personalized support offered by local DSS offices and the 2-1-1 Maryland hotline, multiple pathways exist to access vital resources.

While the number of programs can seem complex, the most effective approach is to begin with one of the primary entry points. The my MD THINK portal is the ideal starting place for food, cash, and energy assistance. The Maryland Health Connection is the hub for all health insurance needs. For those who require guidance or are in immediate crisis, dialing 2-1-1 provides a direct line to a specialist who can offer information and referrals to the most appropriate local resources.

Frequently Asked Questions