Public Assistance Programs - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

 

How to Apply

You can apply for SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) online at https:// mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/   by mail or fax or you may file in person at a regional office location based on your zip code.  Applicants are seen on a walk-in basis or by appointment. 

If you  apply online, please capture and retain the control number provided (a nine digit number starting with the letter "S"), so that your application may be tracked by you until you are contacted by a staff member to complete the interview and application evaluation process.

Applications may also be obtained and/or dropped off at one of the three regional offices or at the three Neighborhood Service Centers:

MidCounty DHHS Building
1301 Piccard Drive
Rockville, MD  20850
(click   here for map and office hours)

DHHS Silver Spring Center
8818 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD  20910
(click  here ​for map and office hours)

UpCounty Regional Services Center
12900 Middlebrook Road
Germantown, MD  20874
(click  here  ​for map and office hours)

TESS Center
8513 Piney Branch Road
Silver Spring, MD 20901
(click   here  for map and office hours)

 

Applicants who do not speak English or have limited English proficiency will have access to an interpreter.  The interpreter may be a local department staff member, an individual designated by the applicant, an individual outside the agency who is proficient in the customer’s language, or the department can use the Language Line. An interpreter cannot be a minor child.

Documents To Bring

In general, the following documents are needed:

  • Proof of identity
  • Social Security number (not the Social Security Card)
  • Proof of residence
  • Proof of income
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status for non-U.S. born applicants

Other information may be required once the interview has been completed

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility is based upon household size and income.  Benefits are not intended to cover total monthly food expenses but are designed to be a supplement to the food budget.  U.S. citizenship is a requirement of the program but non-citizens with “qualified immigrant” status may also meet eligibility requirements.  A signed application and interview is required in order to receive benefits. Specific information on eligibility is available at the local office.

Fees and Payments

None

FAQ's

1.  Where should I apply?

Applicants are encouraged to apply at an office location based on their zip code. See the listing of those zip codes (below) that correspond to each office. 

Rockville Office (1301 Piccard Drive): 

 

20810
20811
20812
20813
20814
20815
20816
20817
20818
20824

20825
20827
20830
20832
20833
20847
20848
20849
20850
20851

20852
20853
20854
20856
20857
20858
20859
20860
20861
20862

20889​
20891
20892
20894
20895
20896
20897
20902
20906

 

Silver Spring Office (8818 Georgia Avenue):

 

20707
20777
20783
20866
20863

​20901
20903
20904
20905
​20907

20908
20910
20911
20912
20914

20915
20916
20918
20993

Germantown Office (12900 Middlebrook Road):

 

20837
20838
20839
20841
20842
20855
20871

20872
20874
20875
20876
20877
20878

20879
20880
20882
20883
20884 
20885

20886
20898
20899
20997
​21771
21797

 

2.  If approved, how will I receive my benefits?

Benefits are issued through the electronic benefit transfer system (EBT) plastic card known as the Independence Card.  EBT cards are mailed from a State vendor and are not issued at the offices. This card may be used in any participating store. It is used as a debit card and your food purchase is subtracted from the benefit.

3.   When will I receive my food supplement benefits?

If you are determined to be eligible, your food supplement benefits should be in your EBT account within 30 days from the date you filed your application. If you are qualified for expedited benefits because your income was very low, your benefits should be in the account within seven days from the date you filed the application.  Starting in September 2015, Maryland is changing the schedule for issuing SNAP benefits. Click   here  for more information.

4.   How do I check the status of my application?

Call 311 to check the status of your case.

Additional Information

No additional information at this time.

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