Maryland SNAP Income Limits & Maximum Benefits 2026
To qualify for Maryland SNAP, your household income must fall under federal limits. Maryland uses Broad-Based Categorical Eligibility (BBCE), which raises the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level — more generous than many other states.
Gross Monthly Income Limit (200% FPL)
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,510 | $30,120 |
| 2 | $3,408 | $40,896 |
| 3 | $4,304 | $51,648 |
| 4 | $5,200 | $62,400 |
| 5 | $6,098 | $73,176 |
| 6 | $6,994 | $83,928 |
| 7 | $7,890 | $94,680 |
| 8 | $8,788 | $105,456 |
| Each extra | +$898 | +$10,776 |
Limits are estimates for federal fiscal year 2026 and update each October.
Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
Most households receive less than the maximum. Your benefit is calculated as the maximum minus 30% of your net income (after deductions).
Asset Limits
Thanks to BBCE, Maryland does not apply an asset test for most households. Your savings, checking account, and one vehicle don't count against you. Households with a member age 60+ or disabled may be subject to a $4,500 limit if not categorically eligible.
What Counts as Income
- Wages and self-employment income
- Unemployment, Social Security, SSI, SSDI
- Child support received
- Pension or retirement income
- Cash assistance (TCA)
Deductions That Lower Your Countable Income
- 20% earned income deduction on all wages
- Standard deduction ($204–$311 depending on household size)
- Dependent care costs you actually pay
- Medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled members
- Excess shelter costs (rent, mortgage, utilities) over half of net income
These deductions can move a household that looks over the limit on paper into eligibility — always apply if you're close.
Special Rules
- Elderly or disabled (60+): Higher gross income limit and uncapped medical deduction.
- Students: Most college students are ineligible unless they meet a work or dependent exemption.
- Immigrants: Lawful permanent residents qualify after 5 years; refugees, asylees, and certain other categories qualify immediately.
- Mixed households: Even if some members are ineligible, others can still receive benefits.
Quick Self-Check
If your household earns under the gross monthly limit above and lives in Maryland, you almost certainly qualify for at least the minimum benefit ($23/month for 1–2 people). Apply at myDHR — it takes about 20 minutes.
Calculate Your Benefit (Estimate)
- Add up gross monthly income.
- Subtract 20% of earned income.
- Subtract the standard deduction for your household size.
- Subtract dependent care, medical, and excess shelter costs.
- The result is your net income.
- Multiply net income by 0.30.
- Subtract that from the maximum benefit for your household size.
The number you get is roughly your monthly SNAP benefit. The actual calculation Maryland DHS uses includes a few extra rules, so your final amount may differ by $5–$30.