Maryland EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find your 2025 Maryland EBT deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits are late or run out early.
Nov 9, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Maryland EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find your 2025 Maryland EBT deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits are late or run out early.
Nov 9, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Maryland EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find your 2025 Maryland EBT deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits are late or run out early.
Nov 9, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Maryland EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find your 2025 Maryland EBT deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits are late or run out early.
Nov 9, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Maryland EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find your 2025 Maryland EBT deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits are late or run out early.
Nov 9, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
SHARE
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Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Maryland helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, giving you peace of mind and better control over your finances.
In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maryland
In Maryland, your EBT deposit date is determined by the first three letters of the head of household's last name. This system applies to both SNAP and cash assistance benefits.
Your SNAP benefits, also known as the Food Supplement Program, are distributed between the 4th and 23rd of each month. Here is the official deposit schedule:
4th of the month: Last names starting with AAA – BAO
5th of the month: Last names starting with BAP – BQZ
6th of the month: Last names starting with BRA – CAQ
7th of the month: Last names starting with CAR – COQ
8th of the month: Last names starting with COR – DIZ
9th of the month: Last names starting with DJA – FIS
10th of the month: Last names starting with FIT – GON
11th of the month: Last names starting with GOO – HAX
12th of the month: Last names starting with HAY – JAB
13th of the month: Last names starting with JAC – KIM
14th of the month: Last names starting with KIN – LOX
15th of the month: Last names starting with LOY – MCO
16th of the month: Last names starting with MCP – NEF
17th of the month: Last names starting with NEG – PGZ
18th of the month: Last names starting with PHA – RIC
19th of the month: Last names starting with RID – SDZ
20th of the month: Last names starting with SEA – STC
21st of the month: Last names starting with STD – TRA
22nd of the month: Last names starting with TRB – WES
23rd of the month: Last names starting with WET – ZZZ
Cash benefits, such as Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF), are issued earlier in the month based on the first letter of your last name.
2nd of the month: Last names starting with A – F
3rd of the month: Last names starting with G – P
4th of the month: Last names starting with Q – Z
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maryland
You can confirm your deposit in a few different ways. A quick balance check will show if your funds have arrived as scheduled. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Maryland.
Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:
Download the Benny app and add your EBT card. The home screen displays your live SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides access to cash-back offers on EBT purchases at stores like Walmart and Costco.
Visit the Maryland ConnectEBT portal. New users must register an account. Once you log in, your Account Summary page shows your current SNAP and Cash balances, along with recent transactions.
Call the 24-hour Maryland EBT customer service line at 1-800-997-2222. After you enter your card number and PIN, an automated system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, from paperwork snags to technical glitches.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your deposit can be paused if your case has administrative or eligibility issues. This happens with missing recertification forms, incomplete semi-annual reports, a missed phone interview, or unverified income. Your case is moved to a “pending” status, and payments will not resume until you provide the missing information and the DHS finishes processing.
Processing Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Delays can also stem from issues within local social services offices. High vacancy rates and workload surges sometimes create processing backlogs. These staffing shortages can lengthen decision times, slowing down the approval and transmission of benefit files and ultimately delaying your deposit.
Statewide or Vendor Technical Problems
Sometimes the delay is due to technical difficulties at a higher level. A statewide EBT processor outage or even planned system maintenance can prevent Maryland’s benefit file from loading to cards. Payments will be postponed until the system is back online and service is restored.
Benefit Sanctions or Holds
For those receiving cash assistance, payments might stop due to a benefit sanction. This can happen if an adult in the household fails to meet program rules, such as work-activity or child-support requirements. The deposit is put on hold until the household cures the sanction.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Any unused EBT benefits from one month will automatically carry over to the next. Your remaining balance stays in your account for future use. This rollover policy applies to both food and cash assistance funds loaded onto the same card.
However, your funds can be permanently removed if your account is inactive. Maryland will expunge your entire EBT balance if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. A single transaction, such as a purchase or balance inquiry, resets this nine-month clock.
The state is required to send a 30-day notice before expunging an inactive balance. Once these benefits are removed, they cannot be put back on your card. An account may also be closed sooner if the state verifies that all household members have passed away.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
It can be stressful when your EBT balance gets low before the end of the month. The good news is you are not without support. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit.
Apply for Emergency SNAP
You may be able to get emergency SNAP, also called expedited service, if your balance is zero. First, check if you qualify. You might be eligible if your household has a gross monthly income under $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less, or if your housing costs are higher than your income. Migrant or seasonal farm-worker households may also qualify for SNAP.
To apply, you only need to submit your name, address, and signature. This can be done through your myMDTHINK account, by fax, or in person at your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). The office must accept your form the same day you submit it.
When you apply, tell the worker you are requesting “expedited SNAP.” If you are found eligible, benefits must be loaded to your card within seven days. Many counties issue them much faster, often within one to three days of applying.
After filing, call the state's Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347. You can confirm the emergency flag is on your case and schedule your interview for the same day.
Ask for a Case Reevaluation
If your income has dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can ask for a case reevaluation before your next recertification date. This could increase your monthly benefit amount.
Start by collecting proof of the changes from the last 30 days. This could include new paystubs, a lay-off letter, higher utility bills, or an updated lease. For elderly or disabled members, medical receipts over $35 also count.
Report the change by signing in to myMDTHINK and selecting “Report a Change.” You can also fax or hand-deliver the DHS Change Report form to your LDSS. Be sure to state that you want an “interim change that increases benefits.”
Finally, call the Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347 to confirm they received your report. The agency must either increase your benefit or send a written decision that you have the right to appeal.
Line Up No-Cost Groceries
While waiting for your next deposit or a case change, you can find no-cost groceries through statewide food resources. These programs can provide immediate help to put food on the table.
Use the Maryland Hunger Solutions map to see pantries and free-meal sites open near you. It is a good practice to call ahead, ask about any ID requirements, and bring your own bags.
Call the Maryland Food Bank Outreach line at 1-888-808-7327. You can find out when a Mobile Market or Pop-Up Pantry will be in your county and pre-register to get 30–40 pounds of food with no EBT needed.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Maryland helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, giving you peace of mind and better control over your finances.
In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maryland
In Maryland, your EBT deposit date is determined by the first three letters of the head of household's last name. This system applies to both SNAP and cash assistance benefits.
Your SNAP benefits, also known as the Food Supplement Program, are distributed between the 4th and 23rd of each month. Here is the official deposit schedule:
4th of the month: Last names starting with AAA – BAO
5th of the month: Last names starting with BAP – BQZ
6th of the month: Last names starting with BRA – CAQ
7th of the month: Last names starting with CAR – COQ
8th of the month: Last names starting with COR – DIZ
9th of the month: Last names starting with DJA – FIS
10th of the month: Last names starting with FIT – GON
11th of the month: Last names starting with GOO – HAX
12th of the month: Last names starting with HAY – JAB
13th of the month: Last names starting with JAC – KIM
14th of the month: Last names starting with KIN – LOX
15th of the month: Last names starting with LOY – MCO
16th of the month: Last names starting with MCP – NEF
17th of the month: Last names starting with NEG – PGZ
18th of the month: Last names starting with PHA – RIC
19th of the month: Last names starting with RID – SDZ
20th of the month: Last names starting with SEA – STC
21st of the month: Last names starting with STD – TRA
22nd of the month: Last names starting with TRB – WES
23rd of the month: Last names starting with WET – ZZZ
Cash benefits, such as Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF), are issued earlier in the month based on the first letter of your last name.
2nd of the month: Last names starting with A – F
3rd of the month: Last names starting with G – P
4th of the month: Last names starting with Q – Z
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maryland
You can confirm your deposit in a few different ways. A quick balance check will show if your funds have arrived as scheduled. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Maryland.
Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:
Download the Benny app and add your EBT card. The home screen displays your live SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides access to cash-back offers on EBT purchases at stores like Walmart and Costco.
Visit the Maryland ConnectEBT portal. New users must register an account. Once you log in, your Account Summary page shows your current SNAP and Cash balances, along with recent transactions.
Call the 24-hour Maryland EBT customer service line at 1-800-997-2222. After you enter your card number and PIN, an automated system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, from paperwork snags to technical glitches.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your deposit can be paused if your case has administrative or eligibility issues. This happens with missing recertification forms, incomplete semi-annual reports, a missed phone interview, or unverified income. Your case is moved to a “pending” status, and payments will not resume until you provide the missing information and the DHS finishes processing.
Processing Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Delays can also stem from issues within local social services offices. High vacancy rates and workload surges sometimes create processing backlogs. These staffing shortages can lengthen decision times, slowing down the approval and transmission of benefit files and ultimately delaying your deposit.
Statewide or Vendor Technical Problems
Sometimes the delay is due to technical difficulties at a higher level. A statewide EBT processor outage or even planned system maintenance can prevent Maryland’s benefit file from loading to cards. Payments will be postponed until the system is back online and service is restored.
Benefit Sanctions or Holds
For those receiving cash assistance, payments might stop due to a benefit sanction. This can happen if an adult in the household fails to meet program rules, such as work-activity or child-support requirements. The deposit is put on hold until the household cures the sanction.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Any unused EBT benefits from one month will automatically carry over to the next. Your remaining balance stays in your account for future use. This rollover policy applies to both food and cash assistance funds loaded onto the same card.
However, your funds can be permanently removed if your account is inactive. Maryland will expunge your entire EBT balance if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. A single transaction, such as a purchase or balance inquiry, resets this nine-month clock.
The state is required to send a 30-day notice before expunging an inactive balance. Once these benefits are removed, they cannot be put back on your card. An account may also be closed sooner if the state verifies that all household members have passed away.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
It can be stressful when your EBT balance gets low before the end of the month. The good news is you are not without support. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit.
Apply for Emergency SNAP
You may be able to get emergency SNAP, also called expedited service, if your balance is zero. First, check if you qualify. You might be eligible if your household has a gross monthly income under $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less, or if your housing costs are higher than your income. Migrant or seasonal farm-worker households may also qualify for SNAP.
To apply, you only need to submit your name, address, and signature. This can be done through your myMDTHINK account, by fax, or in person at your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). The office must accept your form the same day you submit it.
When you apply, tell the worker you are requesting “expedited SNAP.” If you are found eligible, benefits must be loaded to your card within seven days. Many counties issue them much faster, often within one to three days of applying.
After filing, call the state's Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347. You can confirm the emergency flag is on your case and schedule your interview for the same day.
Ask for a Case Reevaluation
If your income has dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can ask for a case reevaluation before your next recertification date. This could increase your monthly benefit amount.
Start by collecting proof of the changes from the last 30 days. This could include new paystubs, a lay-off letter, higher utility bills, or an updated lease. For elderly or disabled members, medical receipts over $35 also count.
Report the change by signing in to myMDTHINK and selecting “Report a Change.” You can also fax or hand-deliver the DHS Change Report form to your LDSS. Be sure to state that you want an “interim change that increases benefits.”
Finally, call the Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347 to confirm they received your report. The agency must either increase your benefit or send a written decision that you have the right to appeal.
Line Up No-Cost Groceries
While waiting for your next deposit or a case change, you can find no-cost groceries through statewide food resources. These programs can provide immediate help to put food on the table.
Use the Maryland Hunger Solutions map to see pantries and free-meal sites open near you. It is a good practice to call ahead, ask about any ID requirements, and bring your own bags.
Call the Maryland Food Bank Outreach line at 1-888-808-7327. You can find out when a Mobile Market or Pop-Up Pantry will be in your county and pre-register to get 30–40 pounds of food with no EBT needed.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Maryland helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, giving you peace of mind and better control over your finances.
In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maryland
In Maryland, your EBT deposit date is determined by the first three letters of the head of household's last name. This system applies to both SNAP and cash assistance benefits.
Your SNAP benefits, also known as the Food Supplement Program, are distributed between the 4th and 23rd of each month. Here is the official deposit schedule:
4th of the month: Last names starting with AAA – BAO
5th of the month: Last names starting with BAP – BQZ
6th of the month: Last names starting with BRA – CAQ
7th of the month: Last names starting with CAR – COQ
8th of the month: Last names starting with COR – DIZ
9th of the month: Last names starting with DJA – FIS
10th of the month: Last names starting with FIT – GON
11th of the month: Last names starting with GOO – HAX
12th of the month: Last names starting with HAY – JAB
13th of the month: Last names starting with JAC – KIM
14th of the month: Last names starting with KIN – LOX
15th of the month: Last names starting with LOY – MCO
16th of the month: Last names starting with MCP – NEF
17th of the month: Last names starting with NEG – PGZ
18th of the month: Last names starting with PHA – RIC
19th of the month: Last names starting with RID – SDZ
20th of the month: Last names starting with SEA – STC
21st of the month: Last names starting with STD – TRA
22nd of the month: Last names starting with TRB – WES
23rd of the month: Last names starting with WET – ZZZ
Cash benefits, such as Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF), are issued earlier in the month based on the first letter of your last name.
2nd of the month: Last names starting with A – F
3rd of the month: Last names starting with G – P
4th of the month: Last names starting with Q – Z
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maryland
You can confirm your deposit in a few different ways. A quick balance check will show if your funds have arrived as scheduled. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Maryland.
Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:
Download the Benny app and add your EBT card. The home screen displays your live SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides access to cash-back offers on EBT purchases at stores like Walmart and Costco.
Visit the Maryland ConnectEBT portal. New users must register an account. Once you log in, your Account Summary page shows your current SNAP and Cash balances, along with recent transactions.
Call the 24-hour Maryland EBT customer service line at 1-800-997-2222. After you enter your card number and PIN, an automated system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, from paperwork snags to technical glitches.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your deposit can be paused if your case has administrative or eligibility issues. This happens with missing recertification forms, incomplete semi-annual reports, a missed phone interview, or unverified income. Your case is moved to a “pending” status, and payments will not resume until you provide the missing information and the DHS finishes processing.
Processing Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Delays can also stem from issues within local social services offices. High vacancy rates and workload surges sometimes create processing backlogs. These staffing shortages can lengthen decision times, slowing down the approval and transmission of benefit files and ultimately delaying your deposit.
Statewide or Vendor Technical Problems
Sometimes the delay is due to technical difficulties at a higher level. A statewide EBT processor outage or even planned system maintenance can prevent Maryland’s benefit file from loading to cards. Payments will be postponed until the system is back online and service is restored.
Benefit Sanctions or Holds
For those receiving cash assistance, payments might stop due to a benefit sanction. This can happen if an adult in the household fails to meet program rules, such as work-activity or child-support requirements. The deposit is put on hold until the household cures the sanction.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Any unused EBT benefits from one month will automatically carry over to the next. Your remaining balance stays in your account for future use. This rollover policy applies to both food and cash assistance funds loaded onto the same card.
However, your funds can be permanently removed if your account is inactive. Maryland will expunge your entire EBT balance if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. A single transaction, such as a purchase or balance inquiry, resets this nine-month clock.
The state is required to send a 30-day notice before expunging an inactive balance. Once these benefits are removed, they cannot be put back on your card. An account may also be closed sooner if the state verifies that all household members have passed away.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
It can be stressful when your EBT balance gets low before the end of the month. The good news is you are not without support. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit.
Apply for Emergency SNAP
You may be able to get emergency SNAP, also called expedited service, if your balance is zero. First, check if you qualify. You might be eligible if your household has a gross monthly income under $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less, or if your housing costs are higher than your income. Migrant or seasonal farm-worker households may also qualify for SNAP.
To apply, you only need to submit your name, address, and signature. This can be done through your myMDTHINK account, by fax, or in person at your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). The office must accept your form the same day you submit it.
When you apply, tell the worker you are requesting “expedited SNAP.” If you are found eligible, benefits must be loaded to your card within seven days. Many counties issue them much faster, often within one to three days of applying.
After filing, call the state's Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347. You can confirm the emergency flag is on your case and schedule your interview for the same day.
Ask for a Case Reevaluation
If your income has dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can ask for a case reevaluation before your next recertification date. This could increase your monthly benefit amount.
Start by collecting proof of the changes from the last 30 days. This could include new paystubs, a lay-off letter, higher utility bills, or an updated lease. For elderly or disabled members, medical receipts over $35 also count.
Report the change by signing in to myMDTHINK and selecting “Report a Change.” You can also fax or hand-deliver the DHS Change Report form to your LDSS. Be sure to state that you want an “interim change that increases benefits.”
Finally, call the Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347 to confirm they received your report. The agency must either increase your benefit or send a written decision that you have the right to appeal.
Line Up No-Cost Groceries
While waiting for your next deposit or a case change, you can find no-cost groceries through statewide food resources. These programs can provide immediate help to put food on the table.
Use the Maryland Hunger Solutions map to see pantries and free-meal sites open near you. It is a good practice to call ahead, ask about any ID requirements, and bring your own bags.
Call the Maryland Food Bank Outreach line at 1-888-808-7327. You can find out when a Mobile Market or Pop-Up Pantry will be in your county and pre-register to get 30–40 pounds of food with no EBT needed.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Maryland helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, giving you peace of mind and better control over your finances.
In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maryland
In Maryland, your EBT deposit date is determined by the first three letters of the head of household's last name. This system applies to both SNAP and cash assistance benefits.
Your SNAP benefits, also known as the Food Supplement Program, are distributed between the 4th and 23rd of each month. Here is the official deposit schedule:
4th of the month: Last names starting with AAA – BAO
5th of the month: Last names starting with BAP – BQZ
6th of the month: Last names starting with BRA – CAQ
7th of the month: Last names starting with CAR – COQ
8th of the month: Last names starting with COR – DIZ
9th of the month: Last names starting with DJA – FIS
10th of the month: Last names starting with FIT – GON
11th of the month: Last names starting with GOO – HAX
12th of the month: Last names starting with HAY – JAB
13th of the month: Last names starting with JAC – KIM
14th of the month: Last names starting with KIN – LOX
15th of the month: Last names starting with LOY – MCO
16th of the month: Last names starting with MCP – NEF
17th of the month: Last names starting with NEG – PGZ
18th of the month: Last names starting with PHA – RIC
19th of the month: Last names starting with RID – SDZ
20th of the month: Last names starting with SEA – STC
21st of the month: Last names starting with STD – TRA
22nd of the month: Last names starting with TRB – WES
23rd of the month: Last names starting with WET – ZZZ
Cash benefits, such as Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF), are issued earlier in the month based on the first letter of your last name.
2nd of the month: Last names starting with A – F
3rd of the month: Last names starting with G – P
4th of the month: Last names starting with Q – Z
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maryland
You can confirm your deposit in a few different ways. A quick balance check will show if your funds have arrived as scheduled. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Maryland.
Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:
Download the Benny app and add your EBT card. The home screen displays your live SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides access to cash-back offers on EBT purchases at stores like Walmart and Costco.
Visit the Maryland ConnectEBT portal. New users must register an account. Once you log in, your Account Summary page shows your current SNAP and Cash balances, along with recent transactions.
Call the 24-hour Maryland EBT customer service line at 1-800-997-2222. After you enter your card number and PIN, an automated system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, from paperwork snags to technical glitches.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your deposit can be paused if your case has administrative or eligibility issues. This happens with missing recertification forms, incomplete semi-annual reports, a missed phone interview, or unverified income. Your case is moved to a “pending” status, and payments will not resume until you provide the missing information and the DHS finishes processing.
Processing Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Delays can also stem from issues within local social services offices. High vacancy rates and workload surges sometimes create processing backlogs. These staffing shortages can lengthen decision times, slowing down the approval and transmission of benefit files and ultimately delaying your deposit.
Statewide or Vendor Technical Problems
Sometimes the delay is due to technical difficulties at a higher level. A statewide EBT processor outage or even planned system maintenance can prevent Maryland’s benefit file from loading to cards. Payments will be postponed until the system is back online and service is restored.
Benefit Sanctions or Holds
For those receiving cash assistance, payments might stop due to a benefit sanction. This can happen if an adult in the household fails to meet program rules, such as work-activity or child-support requirements. The deposit is put on hold until the household cures the sanction.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Any unused EBT benefits from one month will automatically carry over to the next. Your remaining balance stays in your account for future use. This rollover policy applies to both food and cash assistance funds loaded onto the same card.
However, your funds can be permanently removed if your account is inactive. Maryland will expunge your entire EBT balance if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. A single transaction, such as a purchase or balance inquiry, resets this nine-month clock.
The state is required to send a 30-day notice before expunging an inactive balance. Once these benefits are removed, they cannot be put back on your card. An account may also be closed sooner if the state verifies that all household members have passed away.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
It can be stressful when your EBT balance gets low before the end of the month. The good news is you are not without support. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit.
Apply for Emergency SNAP
You may be able to get emergency SNAP, also called expedited service, if your balance is zero. First, check if you qualify. You might be eligible if your household has a gross monthly income under $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less, or if your housing costs are higher than your income. Migrant or seasonal farm-worker households may also qualify for SNAP.
To apply, you only need to submit your name, address, and signature. This can be done through your myMDTHINK account, by fax, or in person at your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). The office must accept your form the same day you submit it.
When you apply, tell the worker you are requesting “expedited SNAP.” If you are found eligible, benefits must be loaded to your card within seven days. Many counties issue them much faster, often within one to three days of applying.
After filing, call the state's Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347. You can confirm the emergency flag is on your case and schedule your interview for the same day.
Ask for a Case Reevaluation
If your income has dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can ask for a case reevaluation before your next recertification date. This could increase your monthly benefit amount.
Start by collecting proof of the changes from the last 30 days. This could include new paystubs, a lay-off letter, higher utility bills, or an updated lease. For elderly or disabled members, medical receipts over $35 also count.
Report the change by signing in to myMDTHINK and selecting “Report a Change.” You can also fax or hand-deliver the DHS Change Report form to your LDSS. Be sure to state that you want an “interim change that increases benefits.”
Finally, call the Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347 to confirm they received your report. The agency must either increase your benefit or send a written decision that you have the right to appeal.
Line Up No-Cost Groceries
While waiting for your next deposit or a case change, you can find no-cost groceries through statewide food resources. These programs can provide immediate help to put food on the table.
Use the Maryland Hunger Solutions map to see pantries and free-meal sites open near you. It is a good practice to call ahead, ask about any ID requirements, and bring your own bags.
Call the Maryland Food Bank Outreach line at 1-888-808-7327. You can find out when a Mobile Market or Pop-Up Pantry will be in your county and pre-register to get 30–40 pounds of food with no EBT needed.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
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Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Maryland helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, giving you peace of mind and better control over your finances.
In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maryland
In Maryland, your EBT deposit date is determined by the first three letters of the head of household's last name. This system applies to both SNAP and cash assistance benefits.
Your SNAP benefits, also known as the Food Supplement Program, are distributed between the 4th and 23rd of each month. Here is the official deposit schedule:
4th of the month: Last names starting with AAA – BAO
5th of the month: Last names starting with BAP – BQZ
6th of the month: Last names starting with BRA – CAQ
7th of the month: Last names starting with CAR – COQ
8th of the month: Last names starting with COR – DIZ
9th of the month: Last names starting with DJA – FIS
10th of the month: Last names starting with FIT – GON
11th of the month: Last names starting with GOO – HAX
12th of the month: Last names starting with HAY – JAB
13th of the month: Last names starting with JAC – KIM
14th of the month: Last names starting with KIN – LOX
15th of the month: Last names starting with LOY – MCO
16th of the month: Last names starting with MCP – NEF
17th of the month: Last names starting with NEG – PGZ
18th of the month: Last names starting with PHA – RIC
19th of the month: Last names starting with RID – SDZ
20th of the month: Last names starting with SEA – STC
21st of the month: Last names starting with STD – TRA
22nd of the month: Last names starting with TRB – WES
23rd of the month: Last names starting with WET – ZZZ
Cash benefits, such as Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF), are issued earlier in the month based on the first letter of your last name.
2nd of the month: Last names starting with A – F
3rd of the month: Last names starting with G – P
4th of the month: Last names starting with Q – Z
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maryland
You can confirm your deposit in a few different ways. A quick balance check will show if your funds have arrived as scheduled. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Maryland.
Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:
Download the Benny app and add your EBT card. The home screen displays your live SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides access to cash-back offers on EBT purchases at stores like Walmart and Costco.
Visit the Maryland ConnectEBT portal. New users must register an account. Once you log in, your Account Summary page shows your current SNAP and Cash balances, along with recent transactions.
Call the 24-hour Maryland EBT customer service line at 1-800-997-2222. After you enter your card number and PIN, an automated system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, from paperwork snags to technical glitches.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Your deposit can be paused if your case has administrative or eligibility issues. This happens with missing recertification forms, incomplete semi-annual reports, a missed phone interview, or unverified income. Your case is moved to a “pending” status, and payments will not resume until you provide the missing information and the DHS finishes processing.
Processing Backlogs and Staffing Shortages
Delays can also stem from issues within local social services offices. High vacancy rates and workload surges sometimes create processing backlogs. These staffing shortages can lengthen decision times, slowing down the approval and transmission of benefit files and ultimately delaying your deposit.
Statewide or Vendor Technical Problems
Sometimes the delay is due to technical difficulties at a higher level. A statewide EBT processor outage or even planned system maintenance can prevent Maryland’s benefit file from loading to cards. Payments will be postponed until the system is back online and service is restored.
Benefit Sanctions or Holds
For those receiving cash assistance, payments might stop due to a benefit sanction. This can happen if an adult in the household fails to meet program rules, such as work-activity or child-support requirements. The deposit is put on hold until the household cures the sanction.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Any unused EBT benefits from one month will automatically carry over to the next. Your remaining balance stays in your account for future use. This rollover policy applies to both food and cash assistance funds loaded onto the same card.
However, your funds can be permanently removed if your account is inactive. Maryland will expunge your entire EBT balance if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. A single transaction, such as a purchase or balance inquiry, resets this nine-month clock.
The state is required to send a 30-day notice before expunging an inactive balance. Once these benefits are removed, they cannot be put back on your card. An account may also be closed sooner if the state verifies that all household members have passed away.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
It can be stressful when your EBT balance gets low before the end of the month. The good news is you are not without support. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit.
Apply for Emergency SNAP
You may be able to get emergency SNAP, also called expedited service, if your balance is zero. First, check if you qualify. You might be eligible if your household has a gross monthly income under $150 and liquid resources of $100 or less, or if your housing costs are higher than your income. Migrant or seasonal farm-worker households may also qualify for SNAP.
To apply, you only need to submit your name, address, and signature. This can be done through your myMDTHINK account, by fax, or in person at your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). The office must accept your form the same day you submit it.
When you apply, tell the worker you are requesting “expedited SNAP.” If you are found eligible, benefits must be loaded to your card within seven days. Many counties issue them much faster, often within one to three days of applying.
After filing, call the state's Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347. You can confirm the emergency flag is on your case and schedule your interview for the same day.
Ask for a Case Reevaluation
If your income has dropped or your expenses have gone up, you can ask for a case reevaluation before your next recertification date. This could increase your monthly benefit amount.
Start by collecting proof of the changes from the last 30 days. This could include new paystubs, a lay-off letter, higher utility bills, or an updated lease. For elderly or disabled members, medical receipts over $35 also count.
Report the change by signing in to myMDTHINK and selecting “Report a Change.” You can also fax or hand-deliver the DHS Change Report form to your LDSS. Be sure to state that you want an “interim change that increases benefits.”
Finally, call the Express Service Center at 1-800-332-6347 to confirm they received your report. The agency must either increase your benefit or send a written decision that you have the right to appeal.
Line Up No-Cost Groceries
While waiting for your next deposit or a case change, you can find no-cost groceries through statewide food resources. These programs can provide immediate help to put food on the table.
Use the Maryland Hunger Solutions map to see pantries and free-meal sites open near you. It is a good practice to call ahead, ask about any ID requirements, and bring your own bags.
Call the Maryland Food Bank Outreach line at 1-888-808-7327. You can find out when a Mobile Market or Pop-Up Pantry will be in your county and pre-register to get 30–40 pounds of food with no EBT needed.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
