ANNAPOLIS, Md.—Governor Wes Moore today unveiled Maryland’s Unified Benefits Screener, a first-of-its-kind interagency online tool designed to streamline access to critical state benefits. Developed through collaboration between the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, and Information Technology, the screener simplifies the process for Marylanders to determine eligibility for programs like Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women Infants and Children (WIC), Emergency Assistance, and Home Energy Assistance Program (OHEP).
“Our administration is committed to sweating the details of governing and implementing common-sense solutions that make life better for Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “In partnership, we are helping more families access essential services and building a government that serves the people.”
Key Features of the Unified Benefits Screener
The tool was developed with a person-centered and mobile-first design, ensuring accessibility for users across devices, including laptops, library computers, and smartphones.
- Input Required: Users enter basic, non-identifying information such as household size, income, expenses, and disability status.
- Quick Process: Eligibility screening takes approximately five minutes to complete.
- No Documentation Needed: Users are not required to create an account or upload documents to utilize the tool.
The screener identifies potential benefits for individuals or families based on the data provided and encourages them to apply for programs suited to their needs.
A Step Toward Unified Benefit Applications
The Unified Benefits Screener is the first step toward the planned comprehensive benefits application, scheduled for release in 2025. Once launched, the unified system will allow Marylanders to apply for multiple benefits through a single application, reducing the need to navigate separate processes for each program.
“The Unified Benefits Screener is a simple idea—that people shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get the help they need,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. “We are excited about the opportunity for customers to have a more comprehensive understanding of what benefits they are eligible for and readily apply.”
Innovation Through Interagency Collaboration
The screener reflects Maryland’s commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to improve service delivery for residents. Katie Savage, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Information Technology, described the tool as a model for future state-level innovations:
“The Unified Benefits Screener is a testament to statewide partnership, engineering, and human-centered design. It’s a big step forward that will help us serve more Marylanders.”
Over the past year, Maryland has implemented several technological improvements to expand access, optimize enrollment, and enhance the customer experience.
Pat McLoughlin, Executive Director of MD THINK, emphasized the importance of this approach:
“Through strategic collaboration, innovative technology, and a commitment to serving our communities, we are breaking down the barriers to benefit access.”
Supporting Maryland Families
Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary Rafael López highlighted the success of previous collaborative efforts, such as the Maryland SUN Bucks program, which expanded summer nutrition benefits to more than 594,000 children this past summer—a 6.5-fold increase over previous years.
“This work is only the latest in successful state and community-based partnerships we have modeled by intentionally listening to the people we have the honor of serving,” López said.
Looking Ahead
The Unified Benefits Screener reflects the Moore administration’s broader strategy to make state services more accessible, efficient, and impactful for families across Maryland. As the state prepares to launch the unified application system in 2025, Marylanders can look forward to a simplified experience in accessing essential programs and services.
For more information or to access the Unified Benefits Screener, visit the Maryland Department of Human Services website or contact your local service provider.
