Benefits Eligibility Guide
Maryland Government Benefits
Find out which federal and state benefits you qualify for in Maryland. Free, anonymous, and takes about 3 minutes.
Check My Eligibility βMaryland Benefits Programs
Here are the major programs available to Maryland residents.
Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
Medicaid expansion state
Adults: up to 138% FPL
Children: up to 322% FPL
Pregnant: up to 322% FPL
Food Supplement Program (Food Assistance)
Gross income limit: 200% FPL
Net income limit: 100% FPL
Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE)
OHEP (Office of Home Energy Programs) (Energy Assistance)
Income limit: 200% FPL
Helps with heating and cooling costs
Child Care Scholarship Program (CCS) (Childcare)
Income limit: 85% SMI
Subsidized childcare for working families
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) (Cash Assistance)
Lifetime limit: 60 months
Cash assistance for families with children
WIC (Nutrition)
Income limit: 185% FPL
For pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum individuals and children under 5
Maryland Health Connection (ACA)
Marketplace Type: State-Based Exchange
Phone: 1-855-642-8572
Plus: ACA Health Insurance Subsidies, EITC, Child Tax Credit, SSI, SSDI, Pell Grants, VA Benefits, School Meals, Head Start, and more.
Our screener checks 20+ programs at once.
Check Your Eligibility in Maryland
Answer a few questions and see which programs you may qualify for. No account needed.
Start Free Screening βMaryland Benefits Guides
In-depth articles about specific programs in Maryland.
Maryland ACA Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, Subsidies, and How to Enroll
Find out if you qualify for ACA health insurance in Maryland for 2026. Covers income limits, Medicaid thresholds, premium tax credits, Maryland Premium Assistance, and step-by-step enrollment through Maryland Health Connection.
March 30, 2026
How to Apply for Section 8 in Maryland: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to apply for Section 8 housing choice vouchers in Maryland. Covers income limits, eligibility requirements, the application process, waiting lists, and major housing authorities in Baltimore, Prince George's County, and Montgomery County.
March 17, 2026
How to Apply for Medicaid in Maryland: A Complete Guide
Learn how to apply for Medicaid in Maryland, including income limits, eligibility requirements, required documents, and step-by-step application instructions for 2025-2026.
March 6, 2026
Maryland Medicaid Eligibility 2026: Income Limits, How to Apply, and What You Need to Know
Complete guide to Maryland Medicaid eligibility in 2026. Find updated income limits, learn how to apply through Maryland Health Connection, and discover if you qualify for free or low-cost health coverage.
March 2, 2026
Maryland ACA Benefits and Coverage
Learn about Maryland ACA benefits and coverage options through Maryland Health Connection. Find income limits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for health insurance with financial assistance in Maryland.
February 18, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What government benefits am I eligible for in Maryland?
Maryland residents may qualify for programs including Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid), Food Supplement Program (food assistance), LIHEAP energy assistance, childcare subsidies, tax credits like EITC and CTC, and more. Eligibility depends on your household size, income, and other factors. Use our free screener to check all programs at once.
How do I apply for Maryland Medical Assistance in Maryland?
You can apply for Maryland Medical Assistance online at https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov or by calling 1-855-642-8572. Maryland has expanded Medicaid, so adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify.
How do I apply for Food Supplement Program (food stamps) in Maryland?
Apply for Food Supplement Program online at https://benefits.maryland.gov or call 1-800-332-6347. Maryland uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility, so the gross income limit is 200% of the federal poverty level. Net income must be at or below 100% FPL.
