Governor Moore Announces More Than 220,000 Maryland Benefits Applications Completed Since July Launch

Governor Wes Moore announced that more than 220,000 applications for critical public benefits have been completed through the Maryland Benefits One Application since its launch in July, marking a significant expansion in access to essential services for residents across the state.

The Maryland Benefits One Application is a mobile-friendly, centralized online platform that allows Marylanders to apply for multiple programs through a single application. Eligible residents can seek assistance for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programming, and energy assistance using a computer or smartphone.

According to Gov. Moore, the initiative represents a shift in how government delivers services. He said the One Application replaces a fragmented system that often required families to navigate multiple offices and extensive paperwork with a streamlined, one-stop process designed to better serve residents.

State officials said the tool was developed in response to years of feedback from residents who described the benefits application process as burdensome and inefficient. Created through a cross-agency partnership and supported by Code for America, the One Application eliminates long paper forms, multiple submissions, and the need for in-person visits for many applicants.

Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López noted that the platform is helping families more easily access assistance for basic needs such as food, housing utilities, and other supports during challenging times.

Data from the state shows that in the three months following the launch, the average number of online applications submitted each month increased by nearly 40%. During that period, approximately 111,000 new enrollees received SNAP benefits after applying through the One Application. The state also reported that more than 56,000 Marylanders completed applications during the Trump Administration’s federal government shutdown.

Maryland Department of Information Technology Secretary Katie Savage said the One Application is part of a broader effort to modernize state services, adding that additional tools are planned to further reduce delays and improve access to benefits.

The initiative brought together the Maryland Departments of Information Technology, Health, and Human Services, along with Maryland Benefits and Code for America, to streamline social services delivery while strengthening oversight, accountability, and inter-agency coordination. State officials said the platform also supports the Moore-Miller Administration’s priority of ending child poverty by expanding access to economic supports for families.

Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani said the tool improves access to quality, affordable health care by making it easier for families to enroll in coverage and related services, including primary and mental health care.

State officials reported that applicants can apply for multiple benefits in an average of 27 minutes, a process that previously could take hours or days.

Patrick McLoughlin, executive director of Maryland Benefits, said the agency is focused on maintaining an intuitive, mobile-first experience to ensure residents can quickly access needed services. Code for America Chief Executive Officer Amanda Renteria said the initiative demonstrates how technology and a human-centered approach can transform how residents connect to food assistance, health care, and other benefits.

Marylanders seeking assistance are encouraged to visit MarylandBenefits.gov to apply.