Touted as a simpler way to apply for assistance, Maryland Benefits is “a single, accessible one-stop shop” that replaces the need to fill out multiple forms, according to a statement from the governor's office. It stands to make applying easier for residents in need of help with food, cash and energy.
People who use the tool can fill out a single application for multiple benefits via such programs as Medicaid; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); and Women, Infants, Children (WIC) programming.
“Today, we take a big step forward in our work to ensure that Marylanders can access the basic services they need,” said Gov. Wes Moore in the statement. “At a time when the federal government is walking back support for veterans, seniors, disabled residents, and working families, Maryland is proving there’s a better way.”
Maryland Benefits used to be called MD THINK. This new push involved work from the state’s Information Technology, Health and Human Services departments.
“The Maryland Department of Information Technology is using its resources and expertise to support and expand the Maryland Benefits platform, expand new forms of technology such as automation and artificial intelligence, and, most importantly, identify cross-cutting opportunities to better serve Marylanders, such as One Application,” said Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage in the statement.
According to the statement, Maryland Benefits — described as the state’s “largest IT asset” — serves 1.3 million residents. An application takes roughly 28 minutes to complete.
The launch of this new tool also signals the transfer of operator responsibility for Maryland Benefits to the Information Technology Department from the Human Services Department.
