Six New Counties Join Maryland Department of Human Services’ Benefit Navigator Corps Under Maryland Service Year Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2026
Media Contact:
Marty McGowan, Public Affairs Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 667-304-6466
Six New Counties Join Maryland Department of Human Services’ Benefit Navigator Corps Under Maryland Service Year Program
Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced the expansion of its Benefit Navigators Corps as part of the fourth cohort of Gov. Wes Moore’s flagship Maryland Corps and Service Year Option program. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, DHS is scaling the program from 15 Benefits Navigators across four jurisdictions to 40 Navigators deployed across 10 Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) jurisdictions statewide. Eight of these 10 sites are located in jurisdictions serving ENOUGH communities—targeted neighborhoods where the state is partnering with local organizations to address high concentrations of poverty.
The Benefit Navigators Program places Service Year program participants inside local social services offices to provide personalized assistance to Marylanders in economic need. Navigators are trained to work directly with customers to connect them to vital benefits, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, energy assistance, medical assistance, Temporary Cash Assistance, and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
“There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you are making a real difference for your community,” said Hiler Wainwright, who served in the 2025 cohort of the Benefit Navigators Corps before joining DHS as a Family Investment Specialist in the Washington County LDSS office. “Being the first point of contact for families during difficult moments taught me the true value of human services. I am excited to now be part of the team training and working alongside the next class of Benefits Navigators.”
Building on its initial work in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and Washington County, the program will now serve six additional jurisdictions—Allegany, Caroline, Charles, Frederick, Howard, and Queen Anne’s counties. Navigators in these offices will directly support DHS efforts to expand benefits access, connect customers to workforce opportunities, and assist local staff with intake, document processing, and outreach.
“Public service defines the work we do at DHS, and I am proud our Benefits Navigators reflect that tradition of service,” said Maryland Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers. “Expanding this program advances the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to ensuring every family can access food and economic assistance during challenging times. Beyond serving our neighbors, this hands-on experience gives our Navigators a rewarding opportunity to explore career options in human services.”
Navigators at six of the 10 participating locations will receive specialized training to deliver Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services, preparing and filing tax returns for low-to-moderate-income families at no cost. During the Class 3 service term, Navigators successfully filed over 200 returns, unlocking nearly $500,000 in refunds and tax credits directly for local residents.
About the Maryland Department of Human Services:
The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s primary social services provider, serving more than one million Marylanders annually. Through its programs — including food assistance, cash support, child welfare, and energy assistance — DHS works to strengthen Maryland’s families and communities.
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