Maryland Department of Human Services Continues to Provide All Programs and Services to Marylanders While Closing Buildings to the Public in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Residents Can Continue to Access Services Online and via the Call Center. Decision Supports Governor Larry Hogan’s Executive Orders and Reinforces CDC Guidelines to Slow the Spread of Coronavirus
BALTIMORE, MD — To further support Governor Larry Hogan’s unprecedented actions to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland Department of Human Services Secretary, Lourdes R. Padilla, announced that all buildings at each of the 24 local Departments of Social Services (DSS) would be closed to the public, effective at noon today, March 18, 2020.
“Across Maryland, our Department’s leadership team and staff are prepared for, and have put into place, measures to ensure the continuity of services during this period of buildings being closed to the public,” said Secretary Padilla. “We are also committed to protecting the public and our staff as we do our part to help slow the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).”
The Department of Human Services (DHS), through its 24 local Departments of Social Services, assists people in economic need, provides preventive services, and protects vulnerable children and adults in each of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City.
Marylanders can get information, apply for DHS programs and services, and check the status of applications online at www.mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us. Services include emergency food assistance, cash assistance, SNAP food benefits, child support services, and home energy assistance, among others.
Residents may also call the DHS Call Center at 1-800-332-6347 (TTY 1-800-735-2258), available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Medical Assistance and health insurance applications may be submitted at www.marylandhealthconnection.gov.
Additionally, Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS) buildings closed to the public on March 16, in accordance with Mayor Young’s closure of all city government buildings. Montgomery County Department of Social Services buildings, governed by County Executive Marc Elrich, are currently open to the public, but residents are encouraged to use online services to support social distancing.
The list of ongoing state actions is available at governor.maryland.gov/coronavirus. For health resources regarding COVID-19, including case counts and clinician guidance, Marylanders should visit health.maryland.gov/coronavirus.
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CURRENT CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
MARYLAND RESOURCES
Visit: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/ (for the Maryland Dashboard/Casecounts)
- Resources:
UPDATES AND PROCLAMATIONS FROM GOVERNOR LARRY HOGAN
- Press Releases:
- Governor Hogan Announces Maryland’s Official Designation for SBA Economic Injury Loans During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Governor Hogan Enacts Emergency Legislation to Enhance Ongoing Response to COVID-19
- Governor Hogan Announces Further Actions To Slow The Spread of COVID-19, Relaunches ‘Maryland Unites’ Initiative
- Governor Hogan Issues Proclamation to Postpone April 28 Primary, Implement Vote-By-Mail System To Fill 7th Congressional District Seat
- Governor Hogan Orders Closure of Bars and Restaurants, Announces Unprecedented Public Health Surge To Combat COVID-19 Crisis
- Governor Hogan Issues Emergency Order to Close All Maryland Casinos, Racetracks, and Simulcast Betting Facilities to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
- Governor Hogan Enacts Emergency Order to Expand Access to Child Care During COVID-19 State of Emergency
- Watch: Governor Hogan Discusses Maryland’s Coronavirus Response Live on CNN
- Statement From Governor Hogan Regarding Legislative Session
- Watch: Governor Hogan Discusses Maryland’s Coronavirus Response Live on MSNBC
- Maryland Secretary of State, Attorney General Warn of Possible Charity Scams Related to COVID-19
- Governor Hogan Announces Major Actions to Protect Public Health, Limit Spread of COVID-19 Pandemic
- Governor Hogan Statement Regarding First Case of COVID-19 Community Transmission in Maryland
- State Superintendent Salmon Announces Temporary Closure of Maryland Public Schools
- Guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education to School Systems on Out-of-State Travel
- UPDATE: Governor Hogan Announces New Cases of COVID-19 in Maryland, Additional Actions
- Montana Resident Visiting Anne Arundel County Tests Positive for COVID-19
- Governor Hogan Announces Ninth Positive Case of COVID-19 in Maryland, Issues New Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities
- Governor Hogan Appoints Lisa Belcastro to the Maryland General Assembly
NATIONAL RESOURCES
Visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov