Social Services – Assistance Programs /Family Services
Social Services – Assistance Programs /Family Services
1. Can I visit my local department of social services office?
All local department of social service (LDSS) offices were closed to the public effective noon Wednesday March 18th, 2020. The LDSS offices still have dedicated staff working diligently to process cases and address customers’ concerns. Most LDSS offices have secured lockboxes available for customers to drop off documentation and or applications.
If the LDSS can verify your identity and the information you provided is not questionable, SNAP benefits may be provided without an interview. You will have 90 days to submit all required documents. We are conducting interviews by telephone when possible for Cash programs until further notice. You can contact your LDSS by calling the DHS Call Center at 1-800-332-6347.
2. How do I apply for food, cash, medical, energy and emergency assistance?
For quicker processing, customers are strongly encouraged to submit food, cash, energy, emergency, and aged/blind/disabled medical assistance applications online via either the Department of Human Services (DHS) website (http://dhs.maryland.gov/ or myDHR portal) (https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home
Medical Assistance applications for Families, Children and Pregnant Women should be submitted by visiting the Maryland Health Connection website at https://www.marylandhealthconnection.gov
For streamlined processing, Long Term Care Medical Assistance customers are strongly encouraged to submit applications, redetermination applications, and verifications via the E&E System Consumer portal: https://mymdthink.maryland.gov
Long Term Care Medical Assistance applications can be downloaded and mailed to your LDSS.(https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/longtermcare/SiteAssets/SitePages/Long%20Term%20Care%20Forms/LTC%20Application%20FINAL%207-1-11%20-2_508v5%20(1).pdf)
Streamlined SSI recipient Long Term Care Medical Assistance Redetermination applications, can be downloaded and mailed to your LDSS.(https://mmcp.health.maryland.gov/longtermcare/SiteAssets/SitePages/Long…%20Forms/SSI%20Streamlined%20Application%20Final%20Version_form-508v4.final_accessible%20(1)%20(1).pdf347) to request a paper application be mailed to your address. Please note the processing of paper applications may be delayed.
3. How can I check the status of the application or obtain case information?
You can check the status of your food, cash, energy, emergency, and aged/blind/ disabled medical assistance applications submitted online on the myDHR website at: (https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home)
You can check the status of your Long- Term Care Medical Assistance application or redetermination application submitted online on the E&E System Consumer portal: https://mymdthink.maryland.gov
4. How can I check the balance of my EBT card?
Customers can call the Maryland EBT Customer Call Center at 1-800-997-2222 to obtain their benefit balance, and perform other activities (i.e. review transactions, confirm benefit issuance and order a new card) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customers can also visit the Maryland EBT website at: (www.connectebt.com)
5. What should I do if I submitted an application, but I didn’t submit or upload my income, shelter, or other required verifications?
If you submitted an application, and were unable to submit the requested verifications, we encourage you to upload outstanding verifications online as an interim change on the myDHR website (https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home)
6. How can I appeal a decision made on my case?
Please contact the DHS Call Center at 1-800-332-6347 to initiate an appeal claim. You can also seek assistance with completing a request for a fair hearing form.
7. Do you know someone who would like to apply for food or cash public assistance benefits, but does not have access to a computer or a smartphone?
Please share with them the number to these community-based organizations that can assist them by telephone.
AGENCY PHONE NUMBER REFERRAL SOURCES
Maryland Benefits Center-Benefits Data Trust (BDT) 833-373-5867 Statewide Referrals
Maryland Hunger Solutions (MHS) 866-821-5552 Statewide Referrals
Life Styles of Southern Maryland 866-293-0623 Southern Maryland Referrals
Community Outreach and Development 855-253-1007 Prince George’s county and surrounding area.
8. When will I receive my food and cash benefits?
Benefits are issued by the last name. There have been no changes to this process.
Food Program (SNAP): Issuance date the 4th thru 23rd based on the customer’s last name. You can confirm your issuance date by visiting:
(http://dhs.maryland.gov/food-supplement-program/food-supplement-benefit…)
Cash programs:
A-F - Issuance date the 2nd, G-P - Issuance date the 3rd, Q-Z - Issuance date the 4th
9. What do I do if I did not get my EBT Card?
If this is your first time applying for a program that will require an EBT card, the initial EBT card will be mailed to you. If you have had an EBT card in the past, but have had a break in coverage, your previous card may be reused. However, if you ever had an EBT card regardless of how long ago it was, and you no longer have that card, you must call the Maryland EBT Customer Call Center at 1-800-997-2222 to order a new card. Once a card is ordered, it will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
10. I have reasons to believe a child is being neglected/abused, who should I call?
The 24-hour Child Protective Services numbers are 301 699-8605 and 301 909-2450.
11. Where can I find information on Eviction Prevention?
If you are facing eviction or foreclosure, you can call the Department of Social Services Homelessness Prevention Program at 301-909-6362. This program provides:
• Screening of applicants to determine eligibility
• Interviewing and assessment
• Counseling, information and referral
• Landlord and tenant mediation
• Follow-up and linkages to other available resources
• On-going community outreach and training through the Community Outreach Program (COP)
12. My electricity has been turned off, and I need financial assistance to pay my bill, who can I contact?
You may contact The Office of Home Energy Programs, at the Maryland Department of Human Resources, at 1-800-352-1446 or visit its website (https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/) You may also call the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services at 301-909-6330.