Maryland’s Food Stamp Program Schedule for December 2022 and Where to Find SNAP Discounts

Marylanders who need help buying food can apply for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS). Benefits are distributed on the same schedule each month, based on the first three letters of your last name. This is also the case in December 2022.

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SNAP requests can be made online at myDHR or at local departments of social services, who will deliver or send you a SNAP request the same day you request it. You can request it in person, over the phone, by mail, or someone else can get one for you. The office will accept a signed application form the same day you hand it in, even if they cannot interview you that day.

SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income households. Although part of the United States Department of Agriculture, the program is administered at the state level. In Maryland, your SNAP benefits are deposited monthly to the Maryland Independence Card, its version of the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

Maryland Independence Cards can be used at grocery stores and SNAP-approved retailers to purchase the following food items:

• Fruits and vegetables.

• Meat, poultry and fish.

• Dairy products.

• Breads and cereals.

• Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.

• Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household.

Some SNAP recipients can also use the Maryland Independence Card to purchase hot meals at participating establishments, as Maryland is one of the states that participates in SNAP’s restaurant dining program. The RMP allows elderly, homeless, and disabled SNAP recipients to use their SNAP benefits for prepared or hot meals at participating restaurants and delis.

Additionally, the card can be used to make online purchases on food items bearing a “SNAP EBT Eligible” label. Participating stores include Amazon, ShopRite, Walmart, Food Lion, Giant of Maryland, Martin’s, Aldi, Weis and Safeway. Delivery charges and all other associated charges must be paid using an alternate payment method.

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Some of the items you cannot purchase with SNAP benefits include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, drugs, supplements, live animals, pet food, cleaning products, paper and cosmetics.

How to Score EBT Discounts

SNAP benefits in Maryland and elsewhere also come with benefits that go beyond the purchase of food, including discounts on select products and services. Here is a brief overview of the savings possibilities offered by your EBT card:

• Amazon Prime discount: Recipients of SNAP and SNAP EBT Cash benefits (or Medicaid benefits) are eligible for a 50% discount on their Prime memberships. To see if you qualify, visit amazon.com/prime/qualifiify.

• Museum discounts: Those with SNAP benefits can enjoy free or reduced admission to more than 850 museums and arts groups across the United States, including through the Museums for All program. According to the Food Stamps Now website, participating museums in Maryland include the Miller House Museum in Hagerstown, the Jewish Museum of Maryland in Baltimore, the Chesapeake Children’s Museum in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels.

• Agricultural markets: You can also use your SNAP EBT card at participating farmers markets to purchase fresh produce. The USDA Food Nutrition Service provides a monthly list of the names and locations of markets across the country that are currently authorized to accept SNAP benefits.

• Lifeline program: If you are a SNAP beneficiary and your income is below a certain level, you may qualify for free or low-cost landline or cell phone service through the Federal Lifeline program. You can also benefit from discounted Internet service. Check with your provider to see if they offer the program.

Eligibility for the SNAP program in Maryland is determined by household income and other criteria. To be eligible, able-bodied adults between the ages of 16 and 60 must register to work, accept a suitable job offer, and participate in an employment and training program when recommended by the local Department of Social Services .

If your household passes the SNAP eligibility tests, the amount of your monthly benefit will depend on the number of people in your household and the monthly income remaining after subtracting certain expenses.

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SNAP benefits in Maryland are sent from the 4th to the 23rd of the month. Here is the program for December 2022:

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Maryland Food Stamp Program Schedule for December 2022 and Where to Find SNAP Rebates