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The Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) is warning residents that the continued Trump Administration shutdown threatens vital benefits for Maryland’s older adults and families. Compounding this crisis, federal changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could simultaneously cut essential food assistance by introducing work requirements for Marylanders age 55-64, an age group that was previously exempt.
Currently, 680,000 Marylanders rely on SNAP benefits each month, including nearly 270,000 children and 121,615 adults age 62 and older. Many of these adults are retiring after a lifetime of work and paying taxes and are now on a limited fixed income. The loss of food benefits will strain their already limited resources for covering essentials like food, housing, and health care costs. Additionally, lack of access to nutritious food and resulting food insecurity directly lead to poor health outcomes.
SNAP benefits are only available through October 31, 2025. Unless the shutdown ends or the Trump Administration taps into existing contingency funding by October 31st, SNAP benefits will be paused, and no new funds will be deposited on EBT cards starting November 1st. While new applications will be processed, benefits will not be provided if the administration does not release funds.
We know the stress and uncertainty of the federal shutdown is taking a toll on families, and we want to make Marylanders aware of available resources:
Help for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
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Contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) at 1-844-MAP-LINK (1-844-627-5465).
- Trained MAP counselors can help you understand your options and connect you to local resources, including food banks, utility assistance, and nutritious meal programs like congregate dining at senior centers and home-delivered meals.
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Visit marylandaccesspoint.211md.org for a searchable list of community resources.
General Food Assistance and Support
Mental Health Resources
About the Maryland Department of Aging: The mission of the Maryland Department of Aging is to prepare for the state's growing population of older adults by developing innovative approaches to aging, advancing multisector collaborations, and providing equitable access to resources. Guided by a vision to transform systems so all older adults can lead healthy, financially secure, socially connected, and purposeful lives, the Department works to modernize infrastructure, protect the rights of older adults, and reframe the narrative around aging. Visit aging.maryland.gov to learn more.
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