Media Contact:
Lilly Price
lillian.price@maryland.gov
(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 60 while increasing Maryland’s contribution to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Eligible households currently receive a minimum of $23 per month in SNAP benefits, the federal minimum. Maryland’s additional support ensures older adults receive at least $50 per month.
Since 2023, households that include an individual who is at least 62 years old have received a minimum of $40 through state supplements. The increase, along with expanded age eligibility, is expected to benefit nearly 30,800 households across the state.
“Older adults often live on fixed incomes to meet their basic needs,” said Rafael López, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS). “We are grateful for the strong partnership with our state legislators to ensure Marylanders have access to food and resources necessary to live with increased dignity and security. Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, especially elders who have spent their lives contributing to our communities.”
We are committed to providing older adults with the benefits they deserve. This also represents an added $9 million in grocery-buying benefits for Marylanders to spend in their local communities.
Customers affected by this adjustment were notified in early September. The increased benefit will be reflected on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards starting October 1.
