Benefits for Families and Children

The Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) gives free health coverage to kids. This is for families who do not make enough money to buy their own health insurance, but make too much money to get Medicaid.

The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) offers many programs and services. They help disabled family members be part of the community, go to school, and find jobs.

Get cash when you need it from the Emergency Assistance for Families with Children (EAFC) program. You can use it to pay rent or utilities, or for other family emergencies.

The Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program gives money to families with kids who need temporary help. It also helps them get ready to be independent through work.

If you qualify, the EITC will either reduce or eliminate the amount of the state and local income tax that you owe.

The Child Care Scholarship Program helps families pay for child care and early education.

Children whose families have low income or are experiencing homelessness can get free Prekindergarten. Pre-K offers children important skills to be ready for school.

If you are pregnant, a new mother, or have a child under five, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can help. This program offers nutrition advice, breastfeeding support, and healthy foods.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income households buy healthy food.

Eligible students (ages 5-18) can get money for food during the summer when school is out.

Learn about adoption and being a guardian. You may be eligible to receive certain benefits to assist in supporting a child.

Read what it takes to become a resource parent, and make a positive difference in a child's life.

These services are in place to make sure children do not live in unsafe places. They also support parents and caretakers in taking care of their kids.

Child support is money paid by one parent to the other, or to a legal guardian, to support a child. The Maryland Child Support Administration (CSA) works with both parents to help children grow and thrive.

A parent may not be ready to raise a child or start a family for various reasons. The Maryland Safe Haven Law allows them to surrender an infant without fear of arrest or prosecution.