How to apply for Food Supplement Program (SNAP) for Older Adults — Maryland

Who it's for

Maryland's Food Supplement Program (SNAP) puts monthly grocery money on an EBT card. Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability can deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 a month, which often raises the benefit, and Maryland supplements the minimum benefit for members age 62 and older. Apply at myMDTHINK or the local department of social services.

What you'll need

• Identity and Maryland residency proof
• Income documentation
• Medical expense receipts (60+/disabled, for the deduction)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Food Supplement Program (SNAP) for Older Adults — Maryland. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need identity and Maryland residency proof, income documentation, medical expense receipts (60+/disabled, for the deduction) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your documents before you start. You will need proof of identity, proof of Maryland residency, and income documentation. If you are 60 or older or have a disability, also collect receipts for out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 a month — these can lower your countable income and raise your benefit.
2. Choose how you want to apply. You can apply online through myMDTHINK or call the Maryland Department of Human Services at 1-800-332-6347. You can also apply in person at your local department of social services.
3. Complete the application. Answer all questions about your household, income, and expenses. If you are 62 or older, note that Maryland supplements the minimum benefit for your age group.
4. Submit your medical expense receipts if they apply to you. Handing these in with your application helps the local office calculate the medical expense deduction right away.
5. Respond promptly to any requests from your local department of social services. They may need more information or schedule an interview to finish processing your case.
6. Wait for your eligibility decision. Processing times vary, so ask your local office for an estimate. If approved, grocery funds are loaded monthly onto an EBT card you can use at participating stores.

What to expect: After you submit your application, your local department of social services reviews your documents and computes your benefit amount after all allowed deductions — income limits follow federal SNAP rules with Maryland's broad-based categorical eligibility, so the local office does this calculation for your household. If approved, you will receive an EBT card loaded with monthly grocery funds. Benefits must be renewed every year; your local office will notify you when it is time to renew, and you will need to provide updated income and expense information at that time.

Renewals

annual