Income Guidelines for Food Stamps in Frederick, Maryland
In Frederick, Maryland, low-income residents may apply to the Maryland Food Stamp Program in person at the Frederick County Department of Social Services, or online with Maryland SAIL (Service Access and Information Link). If your household meets the income requirements, you receive a preloaded EBT debit card, which can be swiped at participating stores and farmer's markets for groceries, seeds and food-bearing plants.
Gross Income
If you're applying for the Frederick Food Stamp Program, your household's combined monthly gross income determines your eligibility. Households are eligible if they make less than 130 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), although homes with a disabled or elderly member over age 60 are exempt. A list of the FPL's maximum income levels by size of family is available (see Resources).
Net Income
If your household's gross income meets the eligibility requirement, all Frederick households, including those with an elderly or disabled member over age 60, must then meet a combined net income limit that doesn't exceed 100 percent of the FPL. Your net income is calculated by subtracting allowable deductions from your gross income, such as 20 percent of your earnings, housing and child-care costs and legally mandated child support payments. If an elderly or disabled family member is present, medical costs that exceed $35 a month may be deducted. A list of maximum net income levels is available (see Resources).
Assets and Resources
In addition to income, the Frederick County Department of Social Services also looks at your household's countable assets, which include any money in savings or checking accounts that can be used to purchase groceries. Households may not have more than $3,000 in savings if a disabled or elderly member over age 60 is present, and not more than $2,000 for all other households.
Categorical Eligibility
If you or a member of your household receives Temporary Cash Assistance or another form of public assistance, you may be categorically eligible for Food Stamp Program benefits. Homeless and elderly individuals on a fixed income may also be automatically approved, although an application is still required.
Online Prescreening
If you're unsure about your household's income eligibility for food assistance, you can take an online prescreening questionnaire. Unlike other states, Maryland allows both an online prescreening test and application submission, which saves you time. A link to the online eligibility screener and online application is available (see Resources).
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