The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income households across the United States. SNAP (commonly referred to as food stamps) is administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services, with benefits being issued monthly via the Maryland Independence Card, the state’s version of the EBT card.

                By                    Josephine Nesbit

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According to the Maryland DHS, the Independence Card can only be used to purchase food (as well as plants and seeds to grow food) for your household at SNAP-approved grocery stores and retailers. 

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SNAP eligibility is determined by household income and other criteria. Able-bodied adults between 16 and 60 years of age must register for work, accept an offer of suitable work and take part in an employment and training program when referred to one by the local department of social services. 

If your household passes SNAP eligibility tests, your monthly benefit amount will depend on the number of people in your household and how much monthly income is left after certain expenses are subtracted.

To apply for Maryland SNAP, you can fill out an application online at myDHR. You can also ask your local agency for a SNAP application in person, over the phone, by mail or someone else may get one for you. You can download a SNAP application to fill out, as well.

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SNAP benefits in Maryland are sent out from the 4th to the 23rd of the month. The day your benefits are available on your Independence Card is based on the first three letters of your last name.

Here is the September 2022 deposit schedule for the Maryland Independence Card.

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