Maryland Launches Unified Benefits Request to Streamline Access to vital Services
Annapolis, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced the launch of Maryland Benefits One application, a groundbreaking mobile-kind tool designed to simplify adn expedite access to essential state benefits for eligible Marylanders.This innovative platform allows residents to apply for a comprehensive suite of services, including Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, WIC programming, and energy assistance, all through a single, user-friendly application accessible via computer or smartphone.
“This is a notable stride in our commitment to ensuring Marylanders can readily access the fundamental services they need,” stated Governor Moore. “The One Application consolidates applications for food, cash, and emergency assistance into one convenient, accessible hub. at a time when federal support for veterans, seniors, disabled residents, and working families is being scaled back, Maryland is demonstrating a more effective approach.”
The newly streamlined application is integrated into Maryland Benefits,the state’s online platform for accessing benefits. Previously known as MD THINK, the Maryland Benefits platform represents a concerted, collaborative effort by the Maryland Departments of Data Technology, Health, and Human Services. This initiative aims to stabilize benefits access through crucial technical enhancements, increased oversight, expenditure accountability, more transparent budget reporting, and improved inter-agency cooperation.
“The Maryland Department of Information Technology is leveraging its resources and expertise to bolster and expand the Maryland Benefits platform,” said Maryland Department of Information technology Secretary Katie Savage. “We are embracing new technologies like automation and artificial intelligence,and crucially,identifying opportunities to better serve Marylanders,such as this One Application. Working alongside our sister agencies,we are meticulously addressing the technical details to deliver human-centered,cost-effective government services.”
as the state’s largest IT asset, Maryland Benefits has undergone significant improvements to enhance its efficiency, accessibility, and security, better serving the 1.3 million Marylanders who rely on it. These upgrades also significantly improve convenience, eliminating the need for residents to travel between state offices or endure lengthy waits for separate applications. The One Application is designed to be completed in approximately 28 minutes.
“Across the state,we’ve heard our constituents clearly: applying for benefits should not be this difficult,” emphasized Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López. “Marylanders deserve world-class customer service. The ability to access essential help via a mobile phone is critical for families. We must continue to act with urgency, innovating with our colleagues on behalf of the people we serve.”
The introduction of Maryland benefits marks a new era for the platform, which recently transitioned operational obligation from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Information Technology. Maryland Benefits is actively working to enhance its technology, achieve greater operational and financial efficiencies by optimizing data utilization, leveraging cloud and enterprise software, and capitalizing on economies of scale.
