This is our second post in our ongoing series on government benefits. We hope these posts will help members understand the basics of benefits such as food stamps, SSI, and so on. In this post we talk to Ben about his experience with food stamps.
Q: What are the income requirements?
A: The maximum monthly gross income for 1 person is $1,982. (Source: https://dhs.maryland.gov/documents/Supplemental%20Nutrition%20Assistance%20Program%20(SNAP)/October-2022-Income-Guidelines.pdf)
Q: What is the application process for receiving food stamps?
A: Either go to your local DSS office or go online to https://mymdthink.maryland.gov
Q: How long does it take?
A: It depends. The website says 30 days, but it took me and others I know longer as well. I am still having issues retaining them. They paid me again for 2 months, and then pulled them again.
Q: How important are food stamps to you/what does it mean to you to have food stamps?
A: Food security.
Q: What is the process to complete the redetermination form?
A: If you get it on time, fill it out and either mail it back or fax it back.
Q: How was your experience with that?
A: Mine got messed up because I missed the interview call appointment because the letter with the appointment call came in the mail too late. They did call me, but the number came up on my Google Android Dialer Caller ID as a potential scam call and got sent to voicemail automatically. I dialed it back after checking my voicemail, but didn’t get an answer.
Q: Once you start receiving food stamps, what items can you or cannot purchase?
A: Most cooked foods. I was actually surprised at what I was able to purchase. I went to Royal Farms and found some chilled cooked foods that I was able to purchase, take home, and reheat in the microwave to eat. They had a whole refrigerated section marked “SNAP Accepted” that had everything from chilled subs and sandwiches to chilled Royal Farms fried chicken that you could purchase. You can also purchase groceries online and have them delivered. Instacart has 6 stores-Aldi, Food Lion, Giant, Sprouts, Wegmans, ShopRite, and Price Rite that you can shop via Instacart using your food stamps and have your groceries delivered. Also, Walmart delivers groceries to Baltimore City and takes your Independence (EBT) card number. Just go to https://www.walmart.com on your computer or download Walmart’s app on your smartphone.
