Maryland SNAP Updates

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

Starting July 1st, Maryland SNAP recipients between 18 and 54 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. 

Learn More about the ABAWD policy and exemptions on the Maryland DHS website: https://dhs.maryland.gov/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program/able-bodied-adults-without-dependents-abawds/ 

What to know:
ABAWDS are required to report:  

  • At least 20 hours a week (or an average of 80 hours a month) of work, volunteering, and/ or job training. 

If you are an ABAWD who does not meet the work requirement and does not have an exemption documented with DHS, you may lose your SNAP benefits after 3 months, within a 3-year period.

You may be exempt from the ABAWD work requirements, if you are… 

  • Taking care of a child younger than age 6 or someone who needs help caring for themselves 
  • Not working because of a physical or mental health reason 
  • Age 24 or younger and in foster care when you were age 18 
  • A veteran 
  • Experiencing homelessness 
  • Living with someone under 18 in your household

More exemptions are listed on the Maryland DHS website : https://dhs.maryland.gov/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program/able-bodied-adults-without-dependents-abawds/  

What you can do:

If you receive an ABAWD notice from DHS and:

  • 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 to notify DHS. 

Make sure your SNAP information is up to date. 

How to Update Your Information:  

For more information or assistance, contact Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552. 

EBT Card Skimming Update 

With the change in federal law, Maryland’s use of federal funds to replace Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits stolen through EBT card skimming between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2024, has ended.

EBT Benefits stolen on or after December 21, 2024, will be replaced with State funds.

Learn more about reimbursement: https://dhs.maryland.gov/ebt-reimbursement/ 

Maryland’s newly approved plan calls for the replacement of stolen SNAP benefits and outlines steps that the department is taking to enhance the security of EBT cards, including: 

  • Establishing system features that allow clients to lock their card when it is not being used; 
  • Implementing systems feature that will text and email a card holder every time their card is used; and 
  • Educating program recipients on how they may protect their cards to prevent fraud. 

Marylanders who suspect that they may be a victim of EBT fraud should contact their local department of social services to report suspicious activity and request a new EBT card. 

How to Apply for Reimbursement 

  • Submit a reimbursement claim on Maryland Benefits.   
  • Call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552 for assistance. 

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.