Maryland Government Benefits
If you live in Maryland, you may qualify for several government assistance programs. Below are the major Maryland benefit programs — covering food assistance, health coverage, children's health insurance, and cash assistance — each with a plain-English guide to who qualifies and how to apply.
Maryland Children's Health Program (CHIP)
Learn about the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP), the state's CHIP, who qualifies, and how to apply for children's health coverage.
Read guide →maryland-medicaid.html
Learn about Maryland Medicaid health coverage, who qualifies for free or low-cost care, and how to apply through the Maryland Department of Health.
Read guide →maryland-snap.html
Learn about Maryland SNAP (food stamps) / Food Supplement Program, who qualifies, and how to apply through the Maryland Department of Human Services.
Read guide →Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF)
Learn about Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF), who qualifies for cash benefits, and how to apply through the Maryland DHS.
Read guide →Not sure which Maryland programs you qualify for?
Many households qualify for more than one program at the same time. Benefit Guardian helps you check eligibility across all of them in a few minutes.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
What benefit programs are available in Maryland?
Maryland residents may qualify for several programs, including Maryland Children's Health Program (CHIP), maryland-medicaid.html, maryland-snap.html, Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance (TANF). Eligibility depends on household size, income, and other factors.
How do I know if I qualify for benefits in Maryland?
Each Maryland program has its own income and eligibility rules. Benefit Guardian lets you check your likely eligibility across all of these programs in a few minutes.
Can I receive more than one Maryland benefit at the same time?
Yes. Many households qualify for more than one program at once — for example, both Medicaid and SNAP. You can apply to each program you may be eligible for.
Are these Maryland benefit programs free to apply for?
Yes. Applying for state and federal benefit programs in Maryland is always free through the official state agencies. Benefit Guardian never charges to check your eligibility.