If you received a notice that your SNAP benefits are ending or have already ended, you are not alone — and this article is written specifically for you. Roughly 35,000 Maryland households lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as federal policy changes took effect, eliminating a flexibility provision that had allowed some states to extend food assistance to households with incomes slightly above the standard federal cutoff. Understanding exactly what changed, why it happened, and what options may still be available to you is the most useful place to start.

Data Snapshot

According to USDA Food and Nutrition Service data (https://www.fns.usda.gov/pd/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-data), Maryland served approximately 700,000 SNAP participants per month in recent reporting periods, with an average monthly benefit of roughly $187 per person nationally. The federal poverty level (FPL) thresholds that govern SNAP eligibility are updated annually by HHS; the standard gross income limit for most SNAP households is 130% of FPL, while net income must fall at or below 100% of FPL. States that used broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) were previously permitted to raise the gross income threshold to as high as 200% of FPL in some cases — a flexibility that federal changes have now curtailed. The loss of BBCE-based enrollment accounts for the bulk of the 35,000 Maryland cases affected.

What Changed and Why

For years, many states — including Maryland — used a policy tool called broad-based categorical eligibility to extend SNAP access to households that earned slightly more than the standard federal income threshold but still struggled to afford food. Under BBCE, if a household received even a small non-cash benefit from a TANF-funded program (like a brochure or a referral to services), they could be deemed categorically eligible for SNAP without going through the full income and asset test.

Federal regulatory changes have significantly tightened the rules around which TANF-funded services actually count for categorical eligibility purposes. The result: households that qualified under the broader BBCE standard no longer meet the stricter federal definition, and their cases are being closed.

This is a federal-level change, not something Maryland's state government chose to do on its own. That distinction matters because it affects where you direct questions and appeals.

Who Is Most Likely Affected

Households with Gross Income Between 130% and 200% of FPL

If your household's gross monthly income was above 130% of the federal poverty level but you were enrolled in SNAP through Maryland's categorical eligibility rules, your case is among those most likely to have been closed. The standard federal gross income limit — 130% of FPL — now applies more strictly.

Households with Assets Above Federal Limits

BBCE also waived asset tests for many households. Under the stricter rules, households with countable resources (like savings accounts) above $2,750 — or $4,250 if at least one member is elderly or disabled — may no longer qualify, even if their income is within range.

Working Families Just Above the Threshold

Working families with modest earnings who were previously helped by the higher income ceiling are disproportionately represented in the 35,000 affected cases. If you work and your income fluctuates month to month, it's worth checking your current gross income against the 130% FPL threshold for your household size.

Your Right to Appeal: Don't Miss the Deadline

If you received a notice that your SNAP benefits are being terminated and you believe the decision was made in error, you have the right to request a fair hearing. In Maryland, you generally have 90 days from the date on your termination notice to file an appeal. If you request a hearing before your benefits end, you may be able to continue receiving benefits during the appeal process — this is called "aid pending."

To request a fair hearing in Maryland, contact the Maryland Department of Human Services or call the number listed on your termination notice. Do not wait. The deadline is firm.

What to Do Right Now: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Step 1: Read Your Termination Notice Carefully Your notice will explain the specific reason your case was closed. Keep this document. It tells you the effective date, the reason for closure, and your appeal rights.

Step 2: Check Your Current Income Against the 130% FPL Threshold If your household's gross monthly income has dropped since you were last certified — due to job loss, reduced hours, or other changes — you may now meet the standard federal income threshold and could reapply. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income.

Step 3: Gather Your Documents Before Reapplying If you plan to reapply for SNAP, having these documents ready will speed up the process: - Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, passport) - Proof of Maryland residency (utility bill, lease agreement) - Social Security numbers for all household members - Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, employer letters, benefit award letters) - Proof of expenses that may be deductible (rent/mortgage, utilities, childcare, medical costs for elderly or disabled members) - Bank statements if asset verification is required

Step 4: Apply or Reapply Through myMDTHINK Maryland processes SNAP applications through the myMDTHINK Consumer Portal at https://mymdthink.maryland.gov. You can apply online, by mail, or in person at your local Department of Social Services office. After submitting, you should receive an interview appointment — typically within 30 days for standard applications, or within 7 days if you are in immediate need and may qualify for expedited SNAP.

Step 5: Explore Other Food Assistance Options Losing SNAP does not mean losing all food support. Other programs that may be available to you include:

  • Maryland Food Bank network: Operates food pantries across the state. Find locations at mdfoodbank.org.
  • WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children): If your household includes a pregnant person, a new mother, an infant, or a child under 5, WIC may be available regardless of SNAP status. Income limits are generally at or below 185% of FPL.
  • School Meals Programs: Children in households that previously received SNAP may still qualify for free or reduced-price school meals — contact your child's school directly.
  • Local emergency food pantries: Many operate without income verification and can provide immediate food support while you navigate the application process.
  • 2-1-1 Maryland: Calling or texting 211 connects you to a local specialist who can identify food, utility, and housing resources in your area.

If You Still Receive SNAP: What to Watch For

If your benefits were not affected by this round of changes, stay attentive to your recertification date. Recertification periods vary — most households recertify every 6 to 12 months. Missing your recertification deadline can result in an interruption of benefits even if you remain eligible. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income and may change at recertification based on updated income information.

A Note on Dignity and Next Steps

Losing food assistance is stressful, and it can feel disorienting when the reason is a federal policy change rather than anything you did wrong. The programs described here exist because food security is recognized as a basic need — not a luxury. Reaching out for help, whether to appeal a decision, reapply, or find a local food pantry, is a practical and reasonable step.

Program eligibility and availability vary by state. Not affiliated with any government agency.

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People Also Ask

Q: Can I reapply for SNAP immediately after losing benefits due to the federal changes? A: Yes. If your household's income or circumstances have changed — or if you believe you still meet the standard 130% FPL gross income threshold — you may reapply at any time. Maryland processes applications through the myMDTHINK portal. Expedited SNAP may be available within 7 days if your household has very little income or resources.

Q: What is the income limit for SNAP in Maryland after these changes? A: For most households, the gross monthly income limit is now 130% of the federal poverty level, and net income must be at or below 100% of FPL. Exact dollar thresholds change annually with FPL updates. Households with an elderly or disabled member have different net income rules. Check current thresholds at fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility.

Q: How do I appeal a SNAP termination in Maryland? A: Request a fair hearing within 90 days of the date on your termination notice. Contact the Maryland Department of Human Services or call the number on your notice. If you request the hearing before your benefits end, you may be able to continue receiving benefits during the appeal — this is called "aid pending" and is worth asking about specifically.

Q: Does losing SNAP affect my children's eligibility for free school meals? A: Possibly. Children in SNAP households are typically automatically eligible for free school meals. After losing SNAP, your children may still qualify based on household income — contact your child's school or district to submit a new meal application. Income thresholds for free meals are generally at or below 130% of FPL.

Q: Are there food assistance programs with higher income limits than SNAP? A: WIC serves households up to 185% of FPL and is available to pregnant individuals, new mothers, infants, and children under 5. Many local food pantries and food banks have no income verification requirement at all. Calling 211 in Maryland can connect you to programs in your specific area that may be available regardless of SNAP status.

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Last reviewed: October 2026