Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program (FSP), is a federally funded program that provides funds which people are entitled to, based on income, that they can use to purchase food.
What SNAP Can Buy
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat and poultry
- Fish
- Dairy products
- Breads
- Cereals and snack foods
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants which produce food
What SNAP Cannot Buy
- Foods that are hot at the point of sale
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco
- Any nonfood items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, household supplies, hygiene items, cosmetics
General Eligibility Criteria
- Gross income is below 130% Federal Poverty Line (FPL); net income is below 100% FPL
- Is a US Citizen, 5-year permanent resident, or other qualified immigration status
- Meets work requirements if they are an Able-Bodied Adult Without Disabilities (ABAWD)
Student Exemptions
Generally, students attending an institution of higher education more than half-time are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet an exemption. You may qualify if you:
- 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
- Are taking care of a dependent household member age 12 or under
- Are assigned to or placed in a college through specific government programs
- Are receiving disability and receiving SSI, SSA or VA disability payments
- Have a disability verified by a doctor or licensed psychologist
If you are struggling to afford groceries, you can apply directly through Maryland’s Benefit Portal. To understand where you can use your benefits, visit the USDA’s Retailer Locator.
Unsure if you’ll qualify? We’ve partnered with mRelief, a nonprofit transforming access to social services, to include this free screener to find out if you’re eligible in 3 minutes or less.
If you have more questions, or want to talk to someone before calling DHS, you can call Maryland Hunger Solutions, a nonprofit working to get all eligible SNAP recipients in Maryland to enroll in the program, toll free at 866-821-5552. Feel free to contact us as well!