Maryland’s SNAP payment error rate has fallen from 35.56% in federal fiscal year 2022 to 13.08% in FFY2025 — a nearly two-thirds reduction and the largest relative improvement of any state in the nation, according to new USDA data.

Did you catch this story from WMDT? Two years after Maryland strengthened its kinship care laws, we’re beginning to see the impact for children and families across the state.

A fresh haircut before a job interview. A suit that helps someone walk in with confidence. A connection to housing, legal support, or employment resources. For many parents, these aren’t just services — they’re stepping stones to stability.

June is National Reunification Month, a time to celebrate family and the work of caregivers, caseworkers, and communities who help children safely return home. Between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025, 474 Maryland youth were reunified with their families.

Behind every application is a person who needs help. Navigators in the Critical Medical Needs Program help Marylanders helps residents access energy assistance, keep their power on, and focus on their recovery.

Our team at the Cecil County Department of Social Services recently partnered with the Maryland Food Bank to provide free food and other essential resources to local residents. Thank you to our Cecil County DSS team and the Maryland Food Bank for helping make this monthly event a success.

During Pride Month, we’re highlighting resources that help connect LGBTQIA+ Marylanders with support and services. - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988helpline.org - Crisis Text Line: www.crisistextline.org

Happy Juneteenth, Maryland. Today, we honor the contributions and achievements of Black Americans and reaffirm our commitment to serving all Marylanders with dignity, respect, and compassion. All Maryland Department of Human Services offices are closed today in observance of the holiday.

If you suspect that a child or adult is experiencing abuse or neglect, please report it to your local Department of Social Services by calling 1-800-91PREVENT (1-800-917-7383) immediately. To learn more about reporting abuse or neglect, visit: dhs.maryland.gov/child-protec...

Between July and December 2025, nearly 97% of SNAP applications were processed on time, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

Honored to receive a Certificate of Recognition from the Pi Upsilon Lambda (ΠΥΛ) Chapter of AΦA Fraternity, Inc., following the PULCF Men's Health Forum.

Maryland moved up in overall child well-being in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Since the pandemic, Maryland children and families have made gains: - Child poverty declined - More parents have secure employment @annieecaseyfdn.bsky.social

Want to help protect medically vulnerable Marylanders from life-threatening utility shut-offs? DHS’ Critical Medical Needs Program is seeking navigators to help Marylanders apply for energy assistance and utility protections for homes that rely on power for life-support equipment.

Have questions about our programs and services? Visit the DHS team at the Government Agency Expo on June 25 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Upcounty Regional Services Center in Germantown.

During National Reunification Month, we recognize the important relationship between biological and resource parents, and thank them for the vital role they play together in ensuring children receive the love and support they need.

Protect your benefits: We will never call or text you to ask for your EBT PIN or Social Security number. As we upgrade our systems, stay alert to scams. If you’re unsure or need to report suspected fraud, call (202) 690-1622 or visit www.usda.gov/oig/hotline.htm.

Huge shoutout to Kollin Murphy from the Washington County Department of Social Services! He won the Mission Advocacy Award at the Horizon Goodwill Awards for his work with Dad's Connection, helping fathers "become the dads they want to become." Thank you for your commitment!

@govwesmoore.bsky.social recently announced 69 new grants totaling $43 million for Community Solar projects. DHS will oversee the distribution of electricity to more than 1,000 additional households receiving energy assistance, helping reduce energy costs for Maryland families.

This month, DHS is celebrating FIA Appreciation Month by recognizing employees who make a difference in the lives of Maryland families.

EBT cards are being upgraded. Make sure your mailing address is up to date in the MD Benefits portal so you don’t miss important mail. Update here: benefits.maryland.gov.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services has kicked off its 44th annual Back-to-School Program to help an estimated 36,000 local students get the supplies they need to succeed. Learn how you can support local students.

Safer Stronger Together recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary and expansion with a summer kickoff in Prince George’s County on District Heights Day!

June is Family Investment Administration (FIA) Appreciation Month at the Maryland Department of Human Services! FIA helps connect Marylanders with resources and opportunities that support family stability, economic security, and long-term independence.

¿Ha verificado recientemente su dirección postal? Las nuevas tarjetas EBT, con mayor seguridad, se enviarán por correo más adelante este verano.

June is National Reunification Month. Throughout the month, we will recognize the children, parents, foster families, kinship caregivers, caseworkers, and community partners who support safe family reunification.

Join the Charles County Department of Social Services at Bond and Beyond this Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., to learn more about local resources, connect with service providers, and discover programs that support children and families.

If you have a feeling that a child or adult is being abused or neglected, please call your local Department of Social Services' abuse & neglect hotline in your area. Or call immediately: - 1-800-91PREVENT (1-800-917-7383) Let’s keep our community safe.

We’re hiring a Senior AI Development Lead. If you’re ready to lead AI work that has a statewide impact, we want to hear from you. This is a full-time contractual position. - $60.85 - $75.08 / hour Apply here: www.jobapscloud.com/MD/sup/bulpr.... Join our team and lead the future of AI!

Happy Global Day of Parents. Parents and caregivers play a deeply important and necessary role in helping children grow, feel safe, and thrive. Today, we recognize their love and dedication, and we remain committed to supporting families with the tools and resources they need.

This week, Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers visited Queen Anne’s County Department of Social Services to meet with staff and learn more about the important work happening in the community every day. Thank you to the team for the warm welcome and continued service to Maryland families.

We’re back with another Meet Team DHS video! For National Foster Care Month, we’re highlighting Tracy Lynn Madera. As a recruitment & retention specialist, Tracy is dedicated to supporting our incredible resource families. Watch the video below to learn about her work!

It takes all of us to Foster Love. This National Foster Care Month, our DHS staff across Maryland want to say thank you to the amazing resource, kinship, and foster families who are opening their homes and hearts to the children in our communities.

Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers visited Cambridge, Maryland, on Wednesday for the SNAP Accuracy Blueprint summit. Maryland is working to reduce its payment error rate, which measures how often SNAP benefits are issued incorrectly.

The Baltimore County Department of Social Services has earned national reaccreditation from Social Current’s Council on Accreditation — continuing nearly 50 years of meeting the highest standards in human services.

This summer, we will be sending you a new, more secure EBT card. Make sure your mailing address is up to date in the benefits portal so you don’t miss important mail. Update here: benefits.maryland.gov.

There are many misconceptions about out-of-home care, but this video clears up three common myths. Watch and get the facts.

Acting Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers recently joined the Frederick County Department of Social Services for its Resource Family Appreciation Event to recognize and thank the foster and resource families.

This Memorial Day, we honor and express our deepest gratitude to those of the U.S. military who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation. In observance of the holiday, all offices will be closed on Monday, May 25.

Thank you for your patience during last weekend’s EBT system upgrade. Cardholders should now create an online account to: - Check benefit balances - Change PINs - Manage card security features

Acting Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers joined the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services for a leadership visit. The visit provided an opportunity to focus on priorities for the year ahead and continue the partnership between PGCDSS and DHS in serving the community.

The Baltimore City Department of Social Services has announced a new partnership with the University of Maryland School of Dentistry to help ensure children and youth in out-of-home care have timely access to high-quality dental services through Pediatric Dentistry Clinics. Learn more:

“Children in foster care are only children.” That’s a myth. Teens make up a significant part of youth in foster care across Maryland. Learn more on our data dashboard: dhs.maryland.gov/data-office/....

We understand this may be a stressful and uncertain time, and we want you to know support is available. If you receive services or benefits through DHS and have questions, concerns, or need assistance, reach out through our customer service form: dhs.maryland.gov/about-dhs/cu...

SUN Bucks is back this summer, Maryland! $120 per child for summer groceries. Find out if you’re eligible: dhs.maryland.gov/sunbucks @marylandconnect.bsky.social #MarylandDHS #SUNBucks2026

Fostering is a journey of mutual impact. Hear one resource parent share the pride, challenges, and rewards of caring for children in foster care this National Foster Care Month.

Maryland EBT services will be unavailable on May 17 from midnight to noon as we complete security improvements. During this time, EBT cards will not work. Please plan to grocery shop or use ATMs before or after the downtime. Learn more: dhs.maryland.gov/ebt-updates/.

Maryland EBT services will be unavailable on May 17 from midnight to noon as we complete security improvements. During this time, EBT cards will not work. Please plan to grocery shop or use ATMs before or after the downtime. Learn more: dhs.maryland.gov/ebt-updates/.

Secretary Stacy L. Rodgers joined the Baltimore City Department of Social Services for a senior leadership retreat. The visit was a meaningful return to BCDSS, where Secretary Rodgers previously served as director.

Food security and economic opportunity go hand in hand. Following discussions at the 2026 SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) Policy Academy Convening, we’re working to make sure Maryland’s E&T program serves as a connector to career development.

During this year’s Youth Shadow Day at the Maryland State House, Delegate Wilson — who grew up in foster care — shared words of encouragement and support with young people currently in foster care.