Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is a system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card, used in the United States. In Maryland, these EBT cards are primarily provided to individuals participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. However, beyond facilitating grocery purchases, Maryland EBT cardholders have access to a range of discounts and freebies that can assist low-income families to stretch their budgets further and enjoy educational and cultural experiences.
These discounts are made possible through partnerships between state agencies and private organizations. They include reduced admission to museums, science centers, and aquariums, as well as discounts on utilities and communication services. The goal is to support those on a limited income by offering opportunities for educational enrichment and access to essential services. It’s important for Maryland EBT recipients to be aware of these additional benefits, as they can significantly improve their quality of life and increase access to valuable resources.
Entertainment and Museums
Museums: Maryland EBT cardholders may be eligible for free or reduced-price admission to various museums throughout the state.
- Baltimore Children’s Museum: $2 per person
- Maryland Science Center: 50% off general admission
| Museum Name | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum | 213 North Talbot Street, St. Michaels, Maryland 21663 | 410-745-2916 |
| Chesapeake Children’s Museum | 25 Silopanna Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21403 | 410-990-1993 |
| Historic St. Mary’s City | 18751 Hogaboom Ln, St. Marys City, Maryland 20686 USA | (240) 895-4990 |
| Jewish Museum of Maryland | 15 Lloyd Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202 | 410-732-6400 |
| Miller House Museum | 135 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 | 301-797-8782 |
Entertainment: Discount programs may also cover other recreational facilities and events.
- Maryland Zoo: $10 admission per person
- Adventure Park USA: 20% discount on attractions
Public Transportation
Maryland offers discounted fares for EBT cardholders on public transport systems to help ease travel costs.
- MTA Maryland: Reduced fare program enables cardholders to purchase a monthly pass at a discounted rate.
- BaltimoreLink: Single-trip fares may be available at half the regular price for cardholders.
Educational Programs
EBT discounts extend to educational initiatives designed to assist with continuing education and development.
- Project JumpStart: Offers financial aid for career-building courses.
- Maryland Libraries: Provides access to free computer classes and job assistance programs.
Farmers’ Markets Discounts
Maryland’s EBT program encourages healthy eating by offering discounts at participating farmers’ markets across the state. EBT cardholders can take advantage of the Maryland Market Money program which provides a dollar-for-dollar match for purchases made with SNAP benefits at select markets, effectively doubling their buying power for fresh, local produce.
- Example of Savings:
| Amount Spent Using EBT | Bonus Maryland Market Money Received |
|---|---|
| $5 | $5 |
| $10 | $10 |
| $15 | $15 |
Internet and Utility Services
EBT cardholders in Maryland may also be eligible for discounted internet and utility services. This benefit aims to help low-income families stay connected and manage household needs.
- Discounted Internet Service: Qualifying households can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service.
- Reduced Utility Rates: Specific utility companies provide reduced rates or special energy assistance programs for eligible EBT cardholders to help lower the cost of their monthly bills.
Discounted Cell Phone Services
Below is a table of cell phone providers participating in the Lifeline program in Maryland, along with their contact numbers.
| Company Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| American Assistance | 866-966-2628 |
| Access Wireless | 866-594-3644 |
| Assist Wireless | 855-392-7747 |
| Assurance Wireless | 888-898-4888 |
| Boomerang Wireless | 866-488-8719 |
| CellSpan | 844-235-7726 |
| Life Wireless | 888-543-3620 |
| Q Link Wireless | 855-754-6543 |
| Safelink Wireless | 800-723-3546 |
| Sage Telecom | 888-449-4940 |
| StandUP Wireless | 800-544-4441 |
| Tag Mobile | 866-959-4918 |
| TerraCom Wireless | 877-351-4747 |
| Tempo Telecom, LLC | 877-822-8501 |
| True Wireless | 877-412-1919 |
| US Connect | 855-567-8953 |
Discounted Home Phone Services
| Company Name | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Armstrong Telephone Company | 724-283-0925 |
Amazon Prime Discount for EBT Cardholders
If you possess a Maryland Independence Card, you are eligible for a special discount on Amazon Prime through the EBT Discount program, offering substantial savings on the usual membership fees.
Reduced Membership Costs
The standard rate for Amazon Prime is typically $14.99 monthly. However, for EBT cardholders, this membership is available at a discounted rate of $6.99 per month—representing a savings of over 50%.
Online Grocery Purchasing Benefits
As part of the USDA pilot program, Amazon is an approved vendor for online food stamp transactions, facilitating grocery deliveries in select regions of the U.S. This makes it easier for EBT cardholders to utilize their benefits for online grocery shopping through Amazon Pantry.
Key Benefits of Amazon Prime
Expedited and Free Delivery
- Amazon Prime offers free, swift shipping on a vast selection of over 50 million items.
- In certain urban areas, members can benefit from free Same-Day Delivery on more than a million products and free two-hour delivery on daily essentials and groceries via Prime Now.
Entertainment Options
- Streaming of TV Shows and Movies: Enjoy instant access to thousands of movies and TV shows without additional charges. Compatible devices include select Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, as well as mobile devices like iPhones and Android tablets.
Additional Prime Advantages
- Grocery Delivery: Use your EBT card to order groceries through Amazon Pantry in eligible states.
- Music: Access over two million songs and numerous playlists without ads.
- Reading Material: Unlimited reading from a diverse library of books and magazines.
- Audible Original Series: Unlimited listening to original audio programs from Audible.
- Twitch Prime: Receive free game content monthly, exclusive discounts, and more.
- Photo Storage: Enjoy free, unlimited photo storage to keep all your memories in one place.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Maryland Food Stamps and EBT.