Special SNAP Services in Maryland

Maryland offers special SNAP services for residents facing unique circumstances. These programs provide expedited aid, disaster relief, and options for purchasing prepared meals or online groceries.

Expedited SNAP (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides food assistance within seven days to households with little or no money. It ensures families do not go without meals while a full SNAP application review is pending.

You may qualify if your household’s gross monthly income is under $150 with cash resources of $100 or less. You might also be eligible if your housing and utility costs exceed your income and resources, or if you are a migrant or seasonal farmworker household.

To apply, file a standard SNAP application online through MyMDTHINK or at a local office. You must tell the worker you need “expedited service.” Only an identity check and a brief interview are required to start. If eligible, benefits are issued within seven days.

Disaster SNAP / SNAP Replacement Benefits

This program helps households replace food lost during a federally declared disaster, like a hurricane or flood. It can also provide temporary D-SNAP aid to households not previously on SNAP if authorized.

Current SNAP households in an affected area can request replacement benefits. Other households may get D-SNAP if their disaster-related expenses and income meet the specific USDA guidelines announced for that event.

Current SNAP users must report food loss to their local office within 10 days. For D-SNAP, Maryland DHS will announce application dates and locations after the Governor and USDA approve the program. Monitor the DHS website for updates.

Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows certain SNAP recipients to buy prepared, hot food at approved restaurants. It serves individuals who may lack kitchens or the physical ability to cook their own meals.

Your household is eligible if it is experiencing homelessness. You also qualify if any member is 60 or older, or if any member is certified as disabled. Eligibility is reviewed at each recertification period.

No separate application is needed. Simply tell your caseworker you wish to enroll. Once approved, you can use your EBT card at participating locations. A list of approved restaurants is available on the DHS program page.

SNAP Online Purchasing

This program allows Maryland SNAP households to buy groceries online from approved retailers. It is designed to help people with limited mobility or transportation access food more easily.

All active SNAP recipients in Maryland are eligible for online purchasing, and no extra enrollment is required. Note that you must use another payment method for any non-food items or delivery fees.

To use this feature, shop on a participating retailer’s website, like Amazon or Walmart. At checkout, select “EBT” and enter your card number and PIN. Find more details on the DHS SNAP page.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Maryland

After your SNAP application is approved, you can start using your benefits. Let's look at what you can purchase and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and use your SNAP benefits. Think of it as a debit card for your food assistance. The card is automatically loaded with your monthly benefit amount.

When you shop at an approved store, you swipe your EBT card at the checkout terminal and enter a private PIN to authorize the purchase. The cost of eligible food items is then deducted from your SNAP account balance.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are designed to help you purchase staple food items for your household. This includes most groceries you would buy to prepare meals at home, such as fresh produce, proteins, and grains, helping to supplement your family's food budget with nutritious options.

While most food items are covered, some are not. You cannot use your EBT card for hot, ready-to-eat foods, alcohol, or non-food products. Below is a general list of what you can and cannot purchase with your benefits.

• Eligible Items: Fruits and vegetables; meat, poultry, and fish; dairy products; breads and cereals; snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages.

• Ineligible Items: Beer, wine, and liquor; tobacco products; vitamins and medicines; hot foods; and non-food items like cleaning supplies, paper products, and pet food.

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

Your EBT card is accepted at most stores that sell food, from large supermarkets to smaller corner stores. Many farmers' markets also welcome SNAP payments for fresh produce. Just look for a sign indicating EBT is accepted before you shop.

You can also use your benefits for online grocery orders from approved retailers like Amazon and Walmart. SNAP funds cover eligible food, but you will need another payment method for delivery fees or other non-food charges.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can stretch your budget further by earning cash back on everyday purchases. Get money back when you buy groceries at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. You can also earn rewards on services including Uber and Lyft, helping your benefits go the extra mile.

Download Benny for free. Connect your EBT card and earn cashback as you shop.