Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income seniors aged 60+ buy the food they need for good health. In Maryland, the program is often referred to as the Food Supplement Program (FSP).

The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) manages the program, and local departments of Social Services run the program through local offices.

Eligibility

Your household must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. If you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive benefits back to the date you submitted your application.

The amount of SNAP benefits you can get is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Maximum Allotment, which is an estimate of how much it costs to buy food to prepare nutritious, low-cost meals for your household. This estimate is changed every year to keep pace with food prices.

Households that consist entirely of elderly or disabled members are not subject to work requirements.

Applying

You can apply for SNAP benefits by one of the four following methods:

COMPLETE ONLINE
- Create a new Maryland Benefits Account OR log-in to your existing account. Once you create your account or log in, follow the prompts to apply for SNAP benefits.
DOWNLOAD APPLICATION & MAIL OR HAND DELIVER COMPLETED APPLICATION
- Download the PDF SNAP application here.
  - Then either:
    - Hand deliver it to the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 301 Bay Street, Unit 5 in Easton, OR
    - Mail it to: Talbot County Department of Social Services, 301 Bay Street, Unit 5 Easton, Maryland 21601
REQUEST AN APPLICATION BE MAILED TO YOU TO COMPLETE
- Contact the Talbot County Department of Social Services at (410) 770-4848 or email talbot.customer@maryland.gov.
PICK UP AN APPLICATION IN-PERSON
- Pick up an application directly from the Talbot County Department of Social Services at 301 Bay Street, Unit 5, in Easton, and
  - Complete it on-site OR
  - Return it later in person or by mail
- No appointment is required to request a blank SNAP application.

Applicants must file an application, be interviewed, and meet all financial and technical eligibility factors prior to issuance of SNAP benefits. In most cases, once you submit your application, you will receive a notice within 30 days confirming whether you are eligible for benefits. Some people who have little or no money may qualify for Expedited SNAP benefits right away. They must have only an interview and an identity verification.

Benefit Distribution

If you are found eligible, you will receive SNAP benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are automatically loaded into your account each month. You can use your EBT card to buy groceries at authorized food stores and retailers.

If you are found eligible, you will receive a notice stating how long you will receive SNAP benefits; this is called your certification period. Before your certification period ends, you will receive another notice that says you must recertify to continue receiving benefits. Your local SNAP office will provide you with information about how to recertify.

Learn what you can and can't purchase using issued SNAP benefits.