$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Maryland Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Maryland
SSDI in Maryland - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Maryland - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Maryland?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. Because Maryland expanded Medicaid, many SSDI recipients with low income can also qualify for Medicaid while they wait.
How long does SSDI take in Maryland?
Maryland processes initial claims through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity, which is $1,690 in 2026. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Maryland - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Maryland - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Maryland, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid automatically.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Maryland does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Maryland?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in Maryland Medical Assistance (Medicaid). No separate application is needed.
Does Maryland add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Maryland does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A supplement exists only for people living in a licensed care home or assisted living facility, paid through the local department of social services.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Maryland
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Maryland
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
MARYLAND PROPERTY TAX
$0
Veterans rated 100% permanent and total pay no property tax on their home in Maryland
Maryland DVMF / SDAT, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Maryland offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Maryland fully exempts the home of a veteran rated 100% permanently and totally disabled from property tax, with no income limit, and the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families can help you file. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Maryland
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Maryland
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Maryland?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Where can I get free Medicare counseling in Maryland?
Maryland's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run by the Maryland Department of Aging, offers free unbiased counseling at 1-800-243-3425. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Maryland
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Maryland
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
MARYLAND'S EVALUATION DEADLINE
60 days
Maryland schools must finish the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of your written consent
COMAR 13A.05.01.06, 2026
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Maryland public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Maryland?
Maryland schools must complete the initial evaluation and decide eligibility within 60 calendar days of your written consent, and no later than 90 days from the written referral. The IEP itself must be developed within 30 days of the eligibility decision.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Maryland
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Maryland residents.
Medicaid in Maryland
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Maryland residents.
Maryland Medical Assistance, the state Medicaid program, covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Most enrollees get their care through HealthChoice, the managed care program. Maryland expanded Medicaid, so adults under 65 can qualify based on income alone, up to about 138% of the federal poverty level.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
1.4M+
Marylanders enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP (approximate; per Medicaid.gov)
Medicaid.gov, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Maryland Dept. of Health, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults qualify on income alone, about $1,835 a month for one person in 2026
Maryland Dept. of Health, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults under 65 with income up to about 138% of the federal poverty level (roughly $1,835/mo for one person)
- Children up to about $4,283/mo for one child through the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP)
- Pregnant individuals at higher income limits, regardless of immigration status
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability, and SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply through Maryland Health Connection at marylandhealthconnection.gov, or call 1-855-642-8572. Have proof of income, identity, and Maryland residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. Medicaid and MCHP enrollment is open year-round, not just during open enrollment.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Maryland?
Sometimes. The official name is Medical Assistance, and most people get their care through HealthChoice, the managed care plan. Children may be covered under the Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP). It is all the same Medicaid program.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Can I qualify as an adult with no children in Maryland?
Yes. Because Maryland expanded Medicaid, adults under 65 can qualify on income alone, up to about 138% of the federal poverty level, whether or not they have children.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Maryland (Food Supplement Program)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Maryland (Food Supplement Program)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, called the Food Supplement Program (FSP) in Maryland, helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto the Maryland Independence Card, an EBT card accepted at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~668,000
Marylanders received Food Supplement benefits on average each month in 2025
Maryland DHS, 2025
INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Maryland uses broad-based eligibility to set the gross income limit at 200% of the poverty level, higher than the federal 130%
Maryland DHS, 2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (about $4,442/mo for a household of three)
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Maryland
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through myMDTHINK at mymdthink.maryland.gov, or in person at your local department of social services. A phone interview is required, but it can be done from home. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. myMDTHINK also screens you for cash and medical assistance at the same time.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland sets the gross income limit at 200% of the poverty level, higher than the federal standard, so many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, and childcare are applied.
How long does approval take in Maryland?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. A phone interview is required but can be done from home.
Can I use my card online or at farmers markets?
Yes. The Maryland Independence Card is accepted at most grocery stores and at retailers like Walmart and Amazon for online orders, plus many farmers markets across the state.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Maryland
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Maryland
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Cash Assistance usually qualifies you automatically.
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level can qualify
USDA / Maryland Dept. of Health
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Cash Assistance automatically meets WIC's income test
Maryland Dept. of Health
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or Temporary Cash Assistance are automatically income-eligible
- Maryland residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call your local Maryland WIC office or 1-800-242-4942 to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Maryland residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or Temporary Cash Assistance enrollment. If approved, you receive your Maryland eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Maryland's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limit is 185% of the poverty level, higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in Maryland (Office of Home Energy Programs)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in Maryland (Office of Home Energy Programs)
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Maryland's Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and electric bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. It runs the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) for heating bills and the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) for electric bills. The program is federally funded and administered by the Maryland Department of Human Services.
INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level can qualify for heating, electric, and crisis help
Maryland DHS OHEP, 2025
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Maryland DHS OHEP
HELP WITH PAST BILLS
Up to $2,000
Arrearage grants can wipe out past-due electric bills once every few years for eligible households
Maryland DHS OHEP, 2025
Who qualifies
- Maryland households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance, or SSI are automatically income-eligible
How to apply
Apply online through myMDTHINK at mymdthink.maryland.gov, or through your local OHEP intake office. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Funds are limited, so apply early in the program year. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for energy assistance?
Maryland uses a 200% federal poverty level income limit, higher than many states. If you receive SNAP, Temporary Cash Assistance, or SSI, you automatically meet the income test.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. Payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your local OHEP office can confirm how the benefit applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Coverage in Maryland (Maryland Health Connection)
Subsidized health insurance through Maryland’s own marketplace, with extra state help.
ACA Coverage in Maryland (Maryland Health Connection)
Subsidized health insurance through Maryland’s own marketplace, with extra state help.
Maryland runs its own health insurance marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, instead of using HealthCare.gov. Federal tax credits lower your monthly premium, and Maryland adds its own state premium assistance on top. Because Maryland expanded Medicaid, the marketplace is mainly for people who earn too much for Medicaid but still want affordable coverage.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
255K+
Marylanders enrolled in a marketplace plan during the 2026 open enrollment period
Maryland Health Connection, 2026
EXTRA STATE HELP
177K+ get it
Marylanders receive state premium assistance on top of federal tax credits
Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for the year ahead. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
Maryland Health Connection
Who qualifies
- Marylanders without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning too much for Medicaid but wanting subsidized coverage
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Maryland
How to apply
Apply online at Maryland Health Connection, or call 1-855-642-8572. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Do I use HealthCare.gov in Maryland?
No. Maryland runs its own marketplace, Maryland Health Connection, at marylandhealthconnection.gov. Marylanders enroll there, not on the federal HealthCare.gov site.
What extra help does Maryland offer?
Maryland adds state premium assistance on top of federal tax credits. For 2026 it was expanded to enrollees of all ages with income up to 400% of the poverty level, and more than 177,000 Marylanders receive it.
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You generally have 60 days from the event.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Maryland (Temporary Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Maryland (Temporary Cash Assistance)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is Maryland's version of TANF. It provides monthly cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto the Maryland Independence Card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) and comes with a federal 60-month lifetime limit and a work requirement through the Family Investment Program.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$753
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income in 2025 (this is the benefit paid, not the income limit)
Maryland DHS, 2025
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults. Maryland does not add a shorter state limit
Maryland DHS, 2025
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
Below the grant level
To qualify, a family’s countable income after disregards must fall below the payment level for its size
Maryland DHS, 2025
Who qualifies
- Maryland residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (countable income must fall below the grant level for the family size)
- Adults must participate in the Family Investment Program work activities unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through myMDTHINK at mymdthink.maryland.gov, or in person at your local department of social services. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through myMDTHINK also screens you for the Food Supplement Program and Medical Assistance. If approved, benefits are loaded onto the Maryland Independence Card.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Temporary Cash Assistance pay in Maryland?
The maximum grant for a family of three with no countable income is $753 a month in 2025. The exact amount depends on your family size and any countable income, which is subtracted from the maximum.
What's the difference between Temporary Cash Assistance and TANF?
They are the same thing. Temporary Cash Assistance is simply Maryland's name for the federal TANF program, run by Maryland DHS.
Can I receive Temporary Cash Assistance and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. TCA recipients are generally categorically eligible for the Food Supplement Program and Medicaid. Applying at myMDTHINK screens you for all three at once.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Maryland (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Maryland (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. Maryland is one of the states that adds its own EITC on top of the federal one, so many Maryland workers get money back from both the IRS and the state.
FEDERAL, WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
MARYLAND ADDS
45% more
Maryland pays a refundable state EITC worth 45% of your federal credit if you have qualifying children
Comptroller of Maryland, 2025
NO KIDS?
100% state match
Workers without children can claim a Maryland credit equal to the full federal childless credit
Comptroller of Maryland, 2025
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers, or in Maryland, certain ITIN filers may also claim the state credit
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file, and Maryland's credit is claimed on your state return. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers, who can help you claim both the federal and Maryland credits at once.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller federal credit, and Maryland matches 100% of that childless credit at the state level.
Does Maryland have its own state EITC?
Yes. Maryland offers a refundable state EITC worth 45% of the federal credit for filers with qualifying children, plus a nonrefundable credit worth 50%. Workers without children get 100% of the federal childless credit.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Maryland
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Maryland
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Maryland families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable. Maryland also has its own state Child Tax Credit of up to $500 per child for lower-income families with young or disabled children.
FEDERAL, WORTH UP TO
$2,200
The federal Child Tax Credit per qualifying child under 17 in 2026
IRS, 2026
REFUNDABLE PORTION
$1,700
Up to $1,700 per child comes back as a refund even if you owe no federal tax
IRS, 2026
MARYLAND ADDS
$500 per child
Maryland pays a state credit of $500 per child under 6, or disabled and under 17, for lower-income families
Comptroller of Maryland, 2025
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number for the federal credit
- For the Maryland credit, families with federal adjusted gross income under $15,000 and a child under 6, or disabled and under 17
- Part of the federal credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full federal credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the federal Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return, and Maryland's credit on your state return. You can claim both even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through the right forms, including Schedule 8812 for the federal credit.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
For the federal credit, yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
Does Maryland have a state Child Tax Credit?
Yes. Maryland offers a refundable state credit of $500 per qualifying child under 6, or disabled and under 17, for taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income under $15,000, phasing out by $24,000.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the federal Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to claim it on Schedule 8812.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Maryland (Child Care Scholarship)
Subsidized child care for working Maryland families.
Child Care Assistance in Maryland (Child Care Scholarship)
Subsidized child care for working Maryland families.
Maryland's Child Care Scholarship (CCS) Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). The program pays providers directly, with most families paying little to nothing.
INCOME LIMIT
75% of state median
Families enter the program at or below 75% of the state median income and can keep coverage up to 85%
Maryland State Dept. of Education, 2026
FAMILY COPAY
As low as $0
Copays are on a sliding scale, and many families pay nothing at all
Maryland State Dept. of Education, 2026
WAITLIST ACTIVE
Since May 1, 2025
New non-priority applications go on a wait list; priority groups still enroll. Apply early
Maryland State Dept. of Education, 2026
Who qualifies
- Maryland residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households at or below 75% of the state median income to enter the program
- Priority families such as those on Temporary Cash Assistance or SSI can still enroll despite the waitlist
How to apply
Apply online through the Maryland Child Care Scholarship portal, linked from the MSDE early childhood site, or contact the Child Care Scholarship Central office. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. A statewide enrollment freeze has been in effect since May 1, 2025, so non-priority applications join a waitlist, and priority families still enroll directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider approved for the Child Care Scholarship, including licensed centers and registered family child care homes.
Is there a waitlist for the Child Care Scholarship in Maryland?
Yes. A statewide enrollment freeze began May 1, 2025, so new non-priority applications join a waitlist. Priority groups, including families on Temporary Cash Assistance or SSI and siblings of current recipients, can still enroll directly.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale copay applies based on your income and family size. Many families pay nothing, and families on Temporary Cash Assistance or SSI have a $0 copay.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
