Maryland SNAP Updates

SNAP Time Limits for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) Effective November 1, 2025.

What’s changed?

As of November 1, 2025, Maryland SNAP recipients between 18 and 64 years old,   

• may be considered an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD)  
• and may have a time limit for their SNAP benefits, if they do not meet a work requirement or have a documented exemption 

What do you need to know?

ABAWDs are required to report: 

• at least 20 hours a week (or an average of 80 hours a month) of paid employment, volunteering, job training, or enroll in a SNAP Employment and Training Program.  

Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2026, you may receive SNAP benefits for up to 3 months while you search for employment or participate in a work program. After this period, benefits may end unless you meet the work requirements or qualify for an exemption. 

Exemptions

You may be exempt from work reporting requirements if you are: 

• Younger than age 18 or age 65 and older 
• Already Working 
• Living with a child 13 or younger 
• Unable to work due to health reasons, such as mental health and/or physical conditions 
• Attending school, college, or a training program at least half-time. 
• Part of a qualifying Native American Population under the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) 

More Exemptions are listed on the DHS Website. 

You are no longer exempt from work requirements if you are:  

• Experiencing homelessness 
• A Veteran 
• Former Foster Care Youth (24 years old or younger and was in foster care on their 18th birthday) 

What should you do if you receive an ABAWD notice from DHS? 

• If you’re working, report your employment and hours to Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) by calling 1-800-332-6347.  
• if you need assistance finding work, ask DHS about enrolling in an Employment & Training Program.  
• if you have a disability that makes you unable to work, you’ll need to get documentation of a diagnosis from a health care professional and notify DHS. 
   

 How to update Your SNAP Information:  

• Online – https://benefits.maryland.gov/home/#/  
• Call – the DHS Customer Service Call Center: 1-800-332-6347  
• Or visit your local DSS office to report changes in person. 

For more information, visit Maryland Hunger Solution’s website at https://www.mdhungersolutions.org/. 

If you need assistance with SNAP, contact Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552 or email us at SNAPoutreach@mdhungersolutions.org. 

Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) Changes for SNAP Effective November 1, 2025

Changes are coming to how energy-assistance payments affect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) utility deduction known as the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) on November 1, 2025. The SUA is a set amount that helps the Department of Human Services figure out household expenses for utilities like heating, cooling, electricity, gas, water, and trash service. 

Instead of asking everyone to show all their utility bills every month, SNAP uses the SUA as a standard deduction. This makes it easier and faster to determine your benefit amount. 

What’s changed? 

• Households that include an elderly (age 60 +) or disabled member and receive a qualifying energy-assistance payment (Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)) will continue to automatically receive the SUA when they receive the energy payment. 
• If your household does not include an elderly or disabled member, energy assistance will no longer automatically qualify you for the SUA. To get the SUA, you must show proof that you pay your own heating or cooling bills, separate from your rent or mortgage. 
• The rule will apply to new SNAP applications and existing cases at their next redetermination or Maryland Benefit Review Form on or after November 1, 2025.

What does this mean? 

• If your household includes an elderly or disabled member and you receive an energy-assistance payment: your utility deduction under SNAP should continue without added verification. 

• If your household does not include an elderly or disabled member but you receive energy assistance: you must provide proof of separated heating/cooling bills in order to claim the SUA. Without that proof, the SUA may not apply, which could affect the amount of your SNAP benefits. 

• If your household does not receive any energy-assistance payment, you must still show you are responsible for separate heating/cooling utility costs.  

Next steps for SNAP recipients: 

• Make sure your utility and heating/cooling expense information is accurate and up-to-date. You can contact the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) by calling 1-800-332-6347. 

• If your household does not have an elderly or disabled member, gather documentation showing you pay separately for heating or cooling. 

• If you believe your household should qualify for the SUA (especially if you have an elderly or disabled member), contact your local department of social services to verify how the SUA is applied in your case. 

EBT Theft Reimbursement

Marylanders who suspect that they may be a victim of EBT fraud should contact their local Department of Social Services to report suspicious activity, cancel their card, and request a new EBT card. The DHS Call Center Number is 1-800-332-6347. 

How to Apply for Reimbursement  

1. Submit a reimbursement claim by visiting: https://dhs.maryland.gov/ebt-reimbursement/  
2. Call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552 for assistance with submitting your EBT Theft Reimbursement form.  

Protect your EBT Card from Skimming and EBT Theft

To protect your EBT Card, food and cash benefits from EBT skimming and theft, SNAP participants can visit: https://dhs.maryland.gov/prevent-ebt-theft/ to learn more on how to use the ConnectEBT app. 

Civil Rights Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.