FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 24, 2026 Media Contact: Lilly Price, Press Secretary Email: [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 How Maryland Is Cutting the Time Tax: 500,000 Hours and Counting From a faster benefits application to automated enrollment, Maryland is reducing the time customers spend navigating government and putting more hours back in their day. “I wish the  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2026 Media Contact: Lilly Price, Press Secretary Email: [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Governor Moore Reinforces Commitment to Keep Marylanders Connected to SNAP and Medicaid Amid New Trump Administration Restrictions ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today joined the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) and Maryland Department of Health (MDH) to  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 17, 2026 Media Contact: Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 For the First Time, Half of Maryland’s Youngest Children in Foster Care are Living with Family ANNAPOLIS, MD — In honor of National Kinship Care Month this September, Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) are  Read the Rest…

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  Read the Rest…

August 26, 2026 Governor Moore Featured in New Ad Campaign Urging SUN Bucks Families to Use Their Benefits Before They Expire ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Moore and the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced a new ad campaign encouraging families to utilize their Maryland SUN Bucks benefits before they expire. Last summer, Maryland  Read the Rest…

August 24, 2026 Governor Moore Unveils New Ad Campaign Highlighting New Fraud-Resistant EBT Cardss ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Moore today announced the next phase of the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) campaign to encourage Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders to transition to new, more secure, fraud-resistant “chip-and-tap” cards. “Everywhere we go, we hear from  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: August 7, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Moore-Miller Administration Launches Effort to Connect SNAP Customers to State’s Largest-Ever Workforce Development Network as Trump Administration Cuts Food Assistance ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Moore today announced the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) launched a new interactive tool to connect Supplemental Nutrition  Read the Rest…

July 30, 2026 Baltimore, MD — After 57 years of dedicated service to children, families and vulnerable adults in Baltimore, James (Jim) Becker, Principal Counsel & Division Director for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services’ (BCDSS) Legal Services Division, has retired, effective June 30, 2026. James (Jay) Ruffin has been appointed Acting Principal Counsel.  Read the Rest…

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Moore today highlights new data released by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) that demonstrates the impact of new federal restrictions on Marylanders’ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Following the federal changes that took effect on Nov. 1, 2025, at least 35,861 Marylanders subject to the rules have lost  Read the Rest…

ANNAPOLIS, MD— Governor Moore today announced the statewide rollout of new, highly secure Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards equipped with Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) chip-and-tap technology from the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS). Maryland is now the fourth state in the country to successfully adopt these modern security protocols designed to better protect  Read the Rest…

Maryland’s investment in caseworkers, technology, and better systems has driven historic progress in payment accuracy. New federal penalties threaten to undermine the very improvements that made that progress possible. Last month, I sat in a room filled with frontline Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) caseworkers at a Payment Accuracy Summit, one of four regional training  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: July 2, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Governor Moore Announces Energy Assistance Programs to Lower Utility Bills for 200,000 Maryland Households ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced approximately 200,000 Maryland households will receive increased help with their energy bills this year under a major expansion of the state’s  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: June 29, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Governor Moore Announces Maryland SUN Bucks Launch for 2026 ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Moore today announced the launch of the 2026 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (SEBT) program, building on the historic success of last year’s initiative. Known as Maryland SUN Bucks, this vital  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: June 25, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Maryland Delivers Nation-Leading Turnaround in SNAP Payment Accuracy Since 2022, State Has Cut SNAP Payment Error Rate by Nearly Two-Thirds Baltimore, MD — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Maryland reduced its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment error rate  Read the Rest…

May 14, 2026 Baltimore City DSS, UM School of Dentistry Partner to Brighten Healthy Smiles For Youth in Foster Care Baltimore, MD — The Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS) today announced a new formal partnership with the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UM SOD) to ensure children and youth experiencing out-of-home care  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: May 14, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Maryland’s Transition to More Secure, Easier to Use EBT Cards Starts This Weekend Scheduled system downtime means customers should plan ahead on Sunday, May 17. Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is excited to announce the rollout of new,  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: March 19, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Targeted Outreach Narrows SNAP Enrollment Gap for Maryland SUN Bucks Families A new report highlights how a text campaign connected 2,700 households to food assistance and strengthened efforts to combat childhood poverty. Baltimore, MD — More than 2,700 Maryland households across all 24  Read the Rest…

Texts are part of the Earned It Campaign – a cross-government initiative to increase economic mobility through increased uptake of state tax credits  – worth up to $4,000 per family Media Contact: March 25, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) will send a  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: March 18, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Governor Moore Announces Additional Reforms to Maryland’s Foster Care System to Better Serve Young People with Complex Needs Annapolis, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced additional reforms to enhance service, oversight, and capacity in Maryland’s foster care system. Through contracts approved during  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: March 13, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Honorees will be recognized during Women’s History Month for leadership across public service, health, science, and advocacy. Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Commission for Women has named eight extraordinary women to the 2026 class of the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame, honoring trailblazers   Read the Rest…

Media Contact: March 3, 2026 Lilly Price, Press Secretary [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Maryland Offers Support as Trump Administration’s New SNAP Work Requirements Begin to Impact Customers this March Residents are urged to review eligibility as expanded federal work requirements will impact up to 80,000 Marylanders. Balitmore, MD — Beginning this month, the first wave of  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Feb 25, 2026 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Baltimore City Department of Social Services Office Opens Inside Baltimore City MVA Branch BALTIMORE, MD (February 25, 2026) — Maryland residents now have a new way to access essential government services in one convenient location. The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) today  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Feb 16, 2026 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Governor Moore Announces Maryland Department of Human Services Leadership Transition Annapolis, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced a leadership transition within the Maryland Department of Human Services. Secretary Rafael López will conclude his tenure as secretary effective Feb. 23. Deputy Secretary Gloria Brown Burnett  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Feb 11, 2026 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Maryland Deploys New Technology to Connect More Children in Foster Care with Family New Partnership Builds on Success of Landmark Kinship Law and the Department of Human Services’ Family Matters Philosophy in Placing Hundreds of Maryland Youth with Kin in 2025 Baltimore, MD — Today,  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Feb 6, 2026 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Assistance Available to Help Marylanders as Bitter Cold Persists Baltimore, MD — Maryland is under an Extreme Cold Warning from Saturday to Sunday in many jurisdictions. As temperatures across the state are forecasted to stay bitterly cold, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Nov 14, 2025 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Maryland Secures AI Grants to Strengthen Delivery of Public Services ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland state agency projects are receiving two grants—totaling more than $2.6 million over two years—that will fund artificial intelligence (AI) projects to remove barriers and help  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Nov 14, 2025 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Governor Moore Announces More Than 220,000 Maryland Benefits Applications Completed Since July Launch ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that Marylanders have completed more than 220,000 applications for critical benefits through the Maryland Benefits One Application, a mobile-friendly tool that helps customers apply  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Nov 14, 2025 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Customers Will Still Receive Help Before Regular Benefits Resume Thanks to Governor Moore’s Emergency Order Annapolis, MD — Today, the Maryland Department of Human Services announced Maryland will issue 100% of federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to customers based on the regular benefits  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Nov 07, 2025 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] The Moore-Miller Administration State Supplemental Benefit Will Help SNAP Customers Buy Food as the Trump Shutdown Drags On Annapolis, MD — Today, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that, as a result of Governor Moore’s November 3 emergency order, Maryland SNAP customers can  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: October 22, 2025 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Maryland Department of Human Services Moves To Secure Vital Benefits and Safeguard Taxpayer Dollars Annapolis, MD —The Board of Public Works today approved a contract from the Maryland Department of Human Services to protect Marylanders from the growing threat of benefit theft. The move makes  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: October 22, 2025 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Trump Administration Shutdown Will Impact Marylanders’ Benefits Annapolis, MD — The continued Trump Administration shutdown threatens vital benefits for Maryland children and families. SNAP benefits are available through October 31, 2025. If the shutdown does not end by the end of this month and the  Read the Rest…

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, known as Maryland SUN Bucks, served a record 604,869 students between June and August 2025—18,000 more than at the end of August 2024. The $72.5 million in SUN Bucks benefits administered marks the largest investment in combating childhood hunger during  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: September 3, 2025 Lilly Price Press Secretary [email protected] Award recognizes Stocksdale’s leadership in providing safety net services for approximately one in three city residents each year Baltimore, MD — The Daily Record has named Baltimore City Department of Social Services Director Brandi Stocksdale as one of Maryland’s 2025 Most Admired CEOs. Most Admired  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2025 Media Contact: Lillian Price, Press Secretary Email: [email protected] Phone: 443-965-1265 Maryland SUN Bucks Return for Summer 2025 BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) announces the return of the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, known as Maryland SUN Bucks, from June through August 2025. Maryland SUN  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: May 16, 2025 Contact: Lillian Price Press Secretary Maryland Department of Human Services [email protected] Maryland Department of Human Services, Allegany County Department of Social Services, offers support following flash flooding in Western Maryland Baltimore, MD — In response to severe flash flooding that impacted Western Maryland on May 13, the Maryland Department of  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: March 7, 2025 Contact: Lillian Price Press Secretary Maryland Department of Human Services [email protected] DHS Launches New Interactive Data Dashboards to Enhance Transparency and Accountability for Services to Children and Families Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) launched live, interactive data dashboards on March 7 as part of its  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: January 24, 2025 Lilly Price [email protected] Maryland Department of Human Services Announces Creation of Data Office Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) announces the creation of the DHS Data Office. This office is designed to modernize the agency’s data collection and public reporting across its various programs and divisions.  Read the Rest…

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener, a joint initiative between the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, and Information Technology to streamline benefit access. The new screener—the state’s first interagency online tool developed with a person-centered and mobile-first design—allows Marylanders to quickly and easily check their eligibility for Medicaid,  Read the Rest…

Maryland SUN Bucks represents the state’s largest investment in ending childhood hunger during the summer. SUN Bucks ensures that our children remain healthy as they learn and grow. We are proud to have launched such a comprehensive, inter-agency effort aimed at ensuring no child in Maryland ever goes hungry. Read Governor Wes Moore’s Press Release  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Lilly Price [email protected] (443) 965-1265 Maryland Increases Food Benefit for Older Adults Baltimore — Beginning October 1, Maryland will increase the minimum monthly grocery-buying benefit for eligible Marylanders aged 60 and older to $50. This change comes as part of Senate Bill 35 of 2024, which lowered the eligibility age from 62 to  Read the Rest…

Internship Opportunities Make a Difference Where It Truly Matters! Are you a passionate graduate or law student eager to make a real impact? Apply now to the Department of Human Services for an internship with our Government Affairs or Public Policy divisions. As an intern, you’ll ….. Engage in Meaningful Work: Dive into meaningful projects  Read the Rest…

October, 2024 Media Contact: Lilly Price [email protected] Charles County Department of Social Services Launches Clifford House of Hope: A New Resource for Out-of-Home Care Charles County, MD – The Charles County Department of Social Services (CCDSS) proudly announces the Clifford House of Hope, a visitation community for families receiving services to develop essential life skills  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2024 Media Contact: Brittany Marshall [email protected] ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of Maryland SUN Bucks, a new program to help families buy groceries for eligible school-aged children during the summer months. Building on the state’s existing Summer Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program, Maryland SUN  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 2024 Media Contact: Brian Schleter [email protected] BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), the state’s primary social services provider, is relocating its statewide administrative offices from 311 West Saratoga Street, to a modern space that will allow the department to better serve Marylanders. Our new office address  Read the Rest…

July 1, 2024 Media Contact: Brian Schleter [email protected] Maryland Department of Human Services Unveils New Logo BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) is excited to unveil a new logo effective July 1, 2024. This logo closely aligns with Maryland state branding across other state of Maryland agencies. Primary Logo Secondary Logo  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 2024 Media Contact: Brian Schleter [email protected] EASTON, MD — May is National Foster Care Month, and the Talbot County Department of Social Services is raising awareness about the need for caring individuals and families to provide affirming care to a growing number of youth placed in out-of-home care, or foster  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 16, 2024 Media Contact: Brian Schleter (he/him) [email protected] EASTON, MD — Each May, during national Foster Care Awareness month, we recognize the unwavering contributions of resource families in Talbot County who open their hearts and homes to children who have experienced abuse and neglect. The Talbot County Department of Social Services  Read the Rest…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 9, 2024 Media Contact: Brian Schleter, Acting Director [email protected] Maryland Department of Human Services Celebrates the Signing of New Laws That Advance the Well-Being of Children, Adults, and Families ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Rafael López and department leaders joined Governor Wes Moore, Maryland Senate President  Read the Rest…

April 25, 2024 Media Contact: Brian Schleter, Acting Director [email protected] Youth will receive new luggage to transport personal belongings when entering care or moving locations BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) joined with Gov. Wes Moore and Maryland General Assembly leaders for the signing into law of HB542/SB668, which affirms the  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Brian Schleter, Acting Director [email protected] (EASTON, MD – April 5, 2024) Talbot County Department of Social Services recently held an in-person training for resource parents on car seat safety and infant massage. The training was provided by Rachael Crawford, RN, Maternal Child Health at the Talbot County Health Department, and Stephanie Blades, RN,  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Brian Schleter, Acting Director [email protected] Amber Washington, Deputy Director [email protected] Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Human Services is pleased to announce the selection of Ariana Kelly as the new Executive Director of the Maryland Commission for Women (MCW). Ariana’s passion for social justice and advocacy for women’s rights make her the  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Brian Schleter [email protected] Calvert County Officials Sign An Agreement To Enhance The Protection, Safety and Well-being of Children PRINCE FREDERICK, MD (Nov. 28, 2023) — Calvert County officials from multiple child-serving agencies gathered today to sign and effectuate a legal agreement that established a coordinated process for responding to reported incidents of child  Read the Rest…

Media Contact: Brian Schleter [email protected] EASTON, MD, (NOVEMBER 17, 2023) — The Talbot County Department of Social Services (TCDSS) recently held a Thanks for Giving appreciation event and training for 20 foster and adoptive parents and staff. The event was held in conjunction with National Adoption Month being recognized in November. This year’s event combined  Read the Rest…

October 2, 2023 The Department of Human Services (DHS) Draft Social Services Block Grant Report for the period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024, is now available for review and comments at the DHS website, www.dhs.maryland.gov. Beginning in October 2023, Maryland anticipates receiving from the federal government approximately $29 million in Social Services  Read the Rest…

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressmen, Dutch Ruppersberger (Md.-2), John Sarbanes (Md.-3), Kweisi Mfume (Md.-7), Jamie Raskin(Md.-8) David Trone (Md.-6), and Glenn Ivey (Md.-4) welcomed Kevin M. Atticks, Maryland Secretary of Agriculture and Rafael López, Maryland Secretary of Human Services to the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday to discuss federal  Read the Rest…

June 17, 2023 Media Contact: Brian Schleter [email protected] ANNAPOLIS, MD— The State of Maryland today is encouraging Marylanders to take precautionary action to protect their identity in the wake of a wide-reaching cyber attack. Along with an undetermined number of organizations across the nation, the Maryland Department of Human Services was affected by the MOVEit  Read the Rest…

Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health and the Department of Human Services held a bi-lingual press conference in English and Spanish to remind Marylanders Medicaid renewal is no longer automatic and provide information on how to prevent any unnecessary loss of insurance coverage. Medicaid enrollees can renew their coverage after receiving notices from  Read the Rest…

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced the expansion of Maryland’s plan to replace food and cash assistance funds stolen from Electronic Benefits Transfer cards. SB2/HB50, passed by the Maryland General Assembly and signed into law on Monday, allows EBT cardholders to reclaim benefits stolen as far back as January 1, 2021. “By signing  Read the Rest…

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced two Maryland Department of Agriculture initiatives to establish new market connections between farmers, watermen, and Maryland food banks. Funding for both the federal Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program and Maryland Food and Agricultural Program will help provide Marylanders in need with fresh local food.

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced Electronic Benefits Transfer reimbursements for fraud victims. Since beginning outreach to eligible individuals last week, the Maryland Department of Human Services has approved nearly 1,300 claims totaling $761,584 in reimbursed benefits. “My administration is using a direct and swift approach to reimburse people whose food and cash  Read the Rest…

February 27, 2023 Media Contact: Brian Schleter [email protected] Maryland Department of Human Services Receives Federal Approval For Comprehensive Plan to Reimburse SNAP Benefits Fraud Victims Maryland is first state in the nation to submit and receive approval for reimbursement plan to help victims of electronic benefits transfer fraud BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of  Read the Rest…

On Jan. 12, the Moore transition team announced two key appointments: Dr. Laura Herrera Scott, who is Puerto Rican, as secretary of health and Rafael López, who is first-generation Mexican American, as secretary of human services.

January 14, 2023 Media Contact: Katherine Morris [email protected] Maryland Honored with WebAward for Department of Human Services’ Outstanding Achievement in Web Development Agency’s Website Provides Marylanders With a Convenient and User-Friendly Hub of Information Regarding Services and Programs BALTIMORE, MD — The Maryland Department of Human Services announced today that its website was awarded the  Read the Rest…

“Today I am proud to announce new appointments to our cabinet: Sec. Health Dr. Laura Herrera Scott Sec. Labor Portia Wu Sec. Human Services Rafael López Sec. General Services Atif Chaudhry Sec. Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods Sec. Juvenile Services Vincent Schiraldi I promised we would create an Administration that looks like the State of Maryland.  Read the Rest…