About BCDSS

Dear Baltimore City Residents: Thank you for taking time to visit the Baltimore City Department of Social Services webpage. We hope you find this website helpful and informative. Our government agency assists people in need by administering a wide range of public assistance programs. Primarily, we help low-income people as well as families and children in crises. We help low-income city residents access food stamps, medical assistance and temporary cash assistance. And, we help them pay their heating bills when they lack the income to pay it themselves. In addition, we investigate allegations of child/adult abuse and neglect. Too often, the silent victims of family violence and volatile family dynamics are children. When necessary, we remove children from their families – either temporarily or for the long term – when the children are not being properly cared for by their families. The Baltimore City Department of Social Services is the local office of the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS). As always, we stand ready to answer questions and provide guidance and direction on how to access the services and programs we offer. If there are ever ways that we can be helpful – to you, a family member or a friend – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. A list of important telephone numbers for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services can be found here. Sincerely, Director