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Department of Human Services Launches Website to Support Marylanders Impacted By Ongoing Partial Federal Shutdown

January 23rd, 2019 by WCBC Radio

With the federal government in its fourth week of a partial shutdown, the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to work tirelessly to assist vulnerable residents through this uncertain time. On January 11, DHS announced it would be able to provide February SNAP benefits to recipients in Maryland. Additionally, the department recently launched a website with additional information about benefits to assist citizens. 

 

Referred to as the Food Supplement Program (FSP) in Maryland, there are on average more than 650,000 Marylanders receiving approximately $75 million in FSP assistance each month. The USDA, the federal agency that funds the SNAP/FSP program, directed Maryland and other states to issue February benefits earlier than usual. As a result, Maryland FSP recipients obtained both their January and February benefits on or before January 20.

 

In advance of the federal disbursement, DHS took a number of steps to ensure that its customers were notified and prepared for the change in service delivery. Most recently, the agency launched a comprehensive page on its website to provide information and updates related to the federal shutdown. A list of community food resources by county, frequently asked questions, a copy of the SNAP/FSP customer letter, and phone numbers for each of the local departments of social services are just some of the helpful information DHS provided on its website.

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