Did You Lose Your SNAP Benefits? You May Be Eligible Again

On July 1, 2026, Maryland officially restarted its three-year clock for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements. This creates an important opportunity for some customers to regain benefits, especially those who lost them previously due to the expanded work requirements under the federal legislation H.R. 1.

These individuals, known as “Time-Limited Participants” (formerly Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents or ABAWDS), can now apply to receive a brand-new, three-month period of SNAP benefits, as long as they qualify for the program.

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What This Means for Maryland SNAP Customers

If you lost your SNAP benefits because you didn’t meet the work requirements, you might be able to get them back by reapplying.

As of July 1, 2026, any eligible SNAP applicant can get three months of SNAP benefits as long as they qualify.

It does not matter if:

  • You already used up your previous three months of benefits.
  • Your benefits were stopped in the past because you did not meet work requirements.
  • You are still not meeting work requirements.

Find out if you are eligible to apply for SNAP benefits on the SNAP Eligibility Rules webpage.

Meeting Work Requirements to Maintain Benefits Long Term

Time-Limited Participants can receive SNAP benefits for up to three months during this new three-year window (July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029) without needing to meet work requirements.

To keep getting SNAP benefits for more than three months, you must participate in approved work activities. You need to average at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours a month).

You can meet the work requirement by:

  • Working, including paid employment or self-employment. You can work fewer than 20 hours a week as long as you earn at least $217.50 per week.
  • Volunteering with a nonprofit organization either in person or virtually.
  • Participating in a job training program, such as the Maryland SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) programs.
  • Combining any of these activities.

Employment and job training resources for SNAP customers can be found on the DHS’ H.R. 1 webpage.

Do You Qualify for an Exemption

Many people are exempt from these work rules and can continue receiving SNAP benefits long term. If any of the scenarios below apply to you, tell your case manager right away. You will need to provide documentation, such as a statement from your medical provider.

You may qualify for an exemption if:

  • You are younger than 18 or are 65 or older.
  • You live in a household with a child younger than 14.
  • You have a disability and receive benefits like Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Temporary Disability Assistance Program payments, veteran’s disability benefits, or worker’s compensation.
  • You have a physical or mental health condition that stops you from working at least 20 hours a week.
  • You care for someone of any age who cannot care for themselves because of a disability, illness, or medical condition.
  • You are pregnant.
  • You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
  • You receive Temporary Cash Assistance and are meeting its work requirements.
  • You receive or have applied for unemployment compensation.

Next Steps to Apply for SNAP Benefits

If you want to apply or reapply for SNAP benefits, report a change, or claim an exemption from the work requirements, you have several options:

  • Online: Visit benefits.maryland.gov to apply online.
  • By Phone: Call the DHS Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-332-6347 (TTY: 1-800-735-2258).
  • In Person: Visit your local Department of Social Services (LDSS).
  • Get help from an organization in your community: Find a Community-Based Organization in your area that can help you apply.