How to Apply for SNAP EBT Benefits in Baltimore

Last Updated 3/04/26

Facing Food Insecurity? Apply independently for SNAP EBT Benefits!

Sections

• What is a SNAP EBT Card?
• Eligibility Guidelines
• Checklist and Workflow
• SNAP Worksheet

What is a SNAP EBT Card?

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federally funded program that assists low-income individuals in purchasing good food to promote health. SNAP benefits are loaded onto a EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are loaded onto the EBT card monthly.

Benefit amounts vary by income, household size, and expenses. For a single person household, benefits for eligible individuals can range from $24 to $298 (amount valid until September 30, 2026). SNAP households are defined as individuals who live, purchase, and prepare meals together.

Eligibility Guidelines

SNAP eligibility is highly complex, encompassing a wide array of guidelines, criteria, and exceptions. To simplify the process, I created a flow chart below to see if you are likely to be eligible for SNAP benefits. It is important to note that SNAP guidelines can change and you should always refer to the Maryland Department of Human Services and the USDA for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made several important changes to SNAP which you should be aware of.

Policy Area	Old Rule (Pre-2025)	New Rule (2026)
ABAWD Age Limit	Work rules applied to ages 18-54.	Work rules expanded to ages 18-64.
Exempt Groups	Veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness were exempt from work rules.	Veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness must meet work rules.
Dependent Age	If your child was under 18, you were exempt from work rules.	Now, you are only exempt if the child is under 14.
Utility Deduction	If received utility assistance, automatically eligible	Must prove utility costs (heating or cooling) unless 60+
Immigration	Refugees asylees eligible	Restricted to Green Card holders/LPRs
Benefit Growth	Needs based adjustments to SNAP allotments by the USDA are allowed	Not allowed anymore

*Work requirements are typically 80 hours/month of paid work, volunteering, or participating in approved training programs.

If you have specific quotations regarding your eligibility for SNAP, please call the Maryland SNAP Office at 800-332-6347. 

Checklist and Workflow

Based on the eligibility requirements above, you can be reasonably confident as to whether you are eligible for SNAP. There are several ways that you can apply for SNAP.

The process for applying to SNAP can be complicated and time-consuming due to the lack and contradiction of information on the internet. Here, I break down the process of independently applying to SNAP into manageable steps.

Step 1: Gather the required documents

1. Photo ID for Head of Household/applicant
2. Social Security Cards for everyone in household that have one
   1. If not a citizen, valid immigration documents such as work authorization card and/or green card.
3. Proof of income
   1. 4 paystubs if paid weekly, 2 paystubs if paid biweekly
   2. Social security award letter (SSI, SSDI, etc.)
   3. Letter from employer
   4. Letter explaining unemployment
   5. Letter of external contribution from an individual who provides financial support
4. Proof of Rent
   1. Lease/rent contract
   2. Letter from landlord
5. Proof of Bills
   1. BGE bill
   2. Water bill
   3. Phone bill (optional)
   4. If bills are not in Head of Household/applicant’s name, a letter from person receiving the bill explaining how much the Head of Household/applicant pays will suffice
6. Proof of Address
   1. If not present on other pieces of documentation, government mail with Head of Household/applicant name

*Note: All letters must be signed and contact information for the individual (phone number, email, etc.) must be included. 

Step 2: Create an Maryland Benefits One Account or fill out a PDF Application

Create Account for Maryland Benefits

PDF Application

Step 3: Fill Out Application

• If you completed the application over the paper, you may mail the completed application to 311 West Saratoga Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. 
• Your application should be processed within 30 days and you will receive a notice explaining if you were accepted to the SNAP EBT program. If you were denied, they will provide an explanation as to why.

Step 4: The InterviewAfter applying, you will likely receive a call for a phone interview. Do not miss this call, as it is a required step to verify your information.

SNAP Worksheet

To help keep track of your SNAP application, we made a sheet that you can make a copy of or print out to fill out as you apply

Please leave a comment if you have any concerns or questions and we’ll be sure to reply!

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