Maryland SNAP Income Limits 2026–2027: New Oct. 2026 Amounts

Maryland’s gross income limit for SNAP is 200% of the federal poverty level. That is about $2,660 a month for one person. For a family of four, it is about $5,500 a month.

These limits took effect Oct. 1, 2026, the start of federal fiscal year 2027. Most states cap gross income at 130%. Maryland goes higher through a rule called broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE).

Maryland also reset its SNAP work rules this year. This guide covers the limits, benefit amounts, who qualifies, and how to apply.

Article summary

Gross income limit: 200% of poverty. About $2,660 (1 person) to $5,500 (4 people) a month.
Maximum benefit: $306 for one person. $1,023 for four. Both started Oct. 1, 2026.
Assets: Most Maryland households have no asset limit.
Age 60+ or disability: You have another way to qualify if your income is too high.
Work rules: Maryland restarted its three-year clock on July 1, 2026.
Apply: Use MarylandBenefits.gov or call 1-800-332-6347.

Maryland SNAP income limits for FY 2027

The table below shows limits and maximum benefits from Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027. Gross income is your household’s pay before taxes. Net income is what is left after SNAP deductions.

Household size	Gross limit (200% of poverty)	Net limit (100% of poverty)	Maximum monthly benefit
1	$2,660	$1,330	$306
2	$3,607	$1,804	$562
3	$4,554	$2,277	$808
4	$5,500	$2,750	$1,023
5	$6,447	$3,224	$1,217
6	$7,394	$3,697	$1,463
7	$8,340	$4,170	$1,616
8	$9,287	$4,644	$1,841
Each added person	+$947	+$474	+$225 (sizes 9–17)

Net limits and maximum benefits come from USDA’s FY 2027 chart. Gross limits are 200% of the 2026 federal poverty guidelines, the same basis Maryland uses. DHS may round a figure by a dollar or two.

Why other websites show different numbers

You may see $1,729 or $2,610 for one person on other sites. Here is why.

130% vs. 200%: The federal standard is 130% of poverty ($1,729 for one person). Maryland uses 200%.
Old fiscal year: Limits reset every October. Last year’s gross limit for one person was about $2,610, per the Maryland DHS manual.
Outdated pages: Some sites never updated after October 2025.

For other states, see our SNAP income limits by state page. For all FY 2027 changes, see the SNAP COLA guide.

Who qualifies for SNAP in Maryland

Most households only need to pass the 200% gross income limit. You must also live in Maryland. You must meet citizenship or immigration rules, and work rules if they apply to you.

The 200% rule (BBCE)

Maryland uses broad-based categorical eligibility, or BBCE. If your gross income is under 200% of poverty, you qualify on income. Maryland’s DHS manual says these households face no resource limits. You can have savings and still qualify.

The manual also says categorically eligible households do not have to meet the gross and net income tests. DHS still figures your benefit. If it comes out to $0, you do not get SNAP.

Households that get Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are also categorically eligible.

Households with someone 60 or older or disabled

These households can skip the gross income test. If you are over the 200% limit, you may still qualify under regular federal rules. Then you must meet the net income limit in the table above. You must also meet the asset limit, which is $4,750 in FY 2027.

These households can also deduct medical costs over $35 a month.

How Maryland figures your benefit

The formula is simple: maximum benefit minus 30% of your net income. A family of three with $1,000 in net income gets $808 minus $300. That is $508 a month.

DHS finds net income by taking these deductions from your gross income:

20% of earned income
A standard deduction ($217 for households of 1 to 3 people)
Child care and court-ordered child support
Medical costs over $35 (age 60+ or disabled members)
Housing and utility costs above half your remaining income

Most Marylanders get a $572 standard utility allowance, says Maryland DHS. One- and two-person households get at least $25 a month. Try the Maryland SNAP calculator for your own estimate.

What changed for Maryland SNAP in 2026

A federal law known as H.R. 1 changed SNAP rules in 2025. Maryland has been rolling out those changes. Here are the ones most likely to affect your case.

Work rules and the July 1, 2026 reset

Adults 18 to 64 without a child under 14 must meet work rules. You need 20 hours a week of work, volunteering, or job training. You can also earn at least $217.50 a week. Veterans, people who are homeless, and former foster youth are no longer exempt.

If you do not meet the rules, you get only three months of SNAP. On July 1, 2026, Maryland restarted its three-year clock. The new window runs from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029. People who lost benefits earlier can reapply for a new three-month period, says Maryland DHS.

You are excused if you:

Are under 18 or over 64
Care for a child under 14
Get disability benefits or Temporary Cash Assistance
Get or applied for unemployment benefits
Are in a drug or alcohol treatment program
Care for someone who cannot care for themselves
Are medically unfit for work, shown on DHS Form 500

Other changes

Immigration status: Refugees and asylees now need a green card to get SNAP. Green card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants, and some Pacific island citizens can still qualify.
Utility costs: Households with no member 60+ or disabled must show a recent utility bill to get the utility allowance.
Senior minimum benefit: Starting Oct. 1, households with someone 60 or older get at least $50 a month, DHS announced.

Source for work, immigration, and utility rules: Maryland DHS on H.R. 1.

How to apply for SNAP in Maryland

You can apply online, by phone, or in person. It is free. Maryland’s online portal is MarylandBenefits.gov. Older portal names like myDHR no longer apply.

Go to MarylandBenefits.gov. Or visit your local department of social services. You can also call 1-800-332-6347.
Fill out the application. List everyone in your home, your income, and your housing costs.
Upload proof. This can include ID, pay stubs, rent, and utility bills.
Complete your interview. A DHS caseworker will contact you.
Get your decision. If you qualify, your EBT card arrives by mail.

DHS has 30 days to process most applications. Households with very little money may get faster service. Need more help? See our Maryland SNAP application guide.

When benefits arrive

Maryland deposits SNAP once a month, from the 4th to the 23rd. Your date depends on the first three letters of your last name. It stays the same each month. Check your date with your local office or the DHS EBT guide.

For a lost card, balance check, or PIN problem, call the Maryland EBT line at 1-800-997-2222. It runs 24 hours a day.

Maryland SNAP FAQs

Here are quick answers to common questions. All figures are for FY 2027, which runs from Oct. 1, 2026 to Sept. 30, 2027.

What is the SNAP income limit in Maryland in 2026?

Maryland’s gross income limit is 200% of poverty. That is about $2,660 a month for one person and $5,500 for four. These limits began Oct. 1, 2026.

Does Maryland have an asset limit for SNAP?

Most households have no asset limit. If your household has someone 60 or older or disabled and you are over the income limit, the asset limit is $4,750.

How much SNAP can I get in Maryland?

The maximum is $306 for one person and $1,023 for four. Your benefit is that maximum minus 30% of your net income. One- and two-person households get at least $25.

When do Maryland SNAP benefits arrive?

Maryland issues SNAP between the 4th and 23rd of each month. Your date depends on the first three letters of your last name. It stays the same every month.

What should I do if I lose my EBT card?

Call the Maryland EBT line at 1-800-997-2222. It is open 24 hours a day. Report a lost or stolen card right away to protect your balance.

Do work requirements apply to me?

Maybe. Adults 18 to 64 without a child under 14 must work, volunteer, or train 20 hours a week unless excused. Maryland restarted its three-year clock on July 1, 2026.

Conclusion

Maryland’s SNAP gross income limit is 200% of poverty. In FY 2027, that is about $2,660 a month for one person and $5,500 for four. Most households have no asset limit. Maximum benefits run from $306 for one person to $1,023 for four.

Find your household size in the table. Then use our Maryland SNAP calculator to estimate your benefit. If you are close to the limit, apply anyway. DHS makes the final decision. Start at MarylandBenefits.gov or call 1-800-332-6347.

Last updated Oct. 3, 2026. Limits change each October, so check back.