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Got an Independence Card (Maryland EBT card)? We’ve found some incredible ways that you can save money and get free stuff!
then You’re missing out if you think that food stamps card is just for food! Your Maryland food stamps card can do some fantastic things in Maryland, including granting you discounted admission to Chesapeake Children’s Museum, the Maritime Museum and so much more!
7 Things You Need to Know about Maryland EBT
I’ve been researching food stamps topics for years and I’ve discovered that most people don’t know these five things about Maryland EBT.
- You can apply for Maryland EBT online on the government website. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply for food benefits.
- Know what you can buy. You can buy seeds and produce-bearing plants with your Maryland food stamps card! You can also buy certain gift baskets and birthday cakes.
- Shop smart. You may be able to get more food for your money at farmer’s markets and You-Pick Strawberry Fields!
- You may be eligible for more food stamps than you are getting. Many people are getting less than they should because they don’t get credit for all their deductions.
- You may be able to get cash back from your food stamps card legally by using rewarded shopping apps. One of our readers earned an additional $437.84 in cash just by shopping with her food stamps card!
- You can use your Maryland EBT card in other states! Not only can you shop in other states, you can also get museum admission discounts in other states! We’ve got a full list of discounts in every state.
- You can shop at a lot of places! Did you know that Costco, farmer’s markets and even you-pick strawberry fields can accept EBT benefits? Some retailers even give you discounts or free stuff if you shop there with your food stamps card! Here’s what we know.
Independence Card Discounts
No matter where you live in Maryland, you may be eligible for these incredible freebies and deals.
50% off Amazon Prime
Amazon
$5 Internet
Internet is available at low-cost from providers like Comcast, CenturyLink, AT&T and more! These low income Internet services start at just $5 per month!
Capital Bikeshare memberships are $5 per YEAR for low income individuals who work, attend school or live in Montgomery County, Maryland! Details here.
FREE Cell Phones & Service
Free smartphones and free monthly cell phone service are available FREE for individuals and families who receive Maryland food stamps benefits. Find out who offers free phones and service in your area.
FREE Computers
If you have an Independence Card, you may also be eligible for a free computer from one of these agencies!
YMCA Discounts
YMCA organizations typically offer discounts for low income individuals and families. If you qualify for Maryland food stamps, then you may qualify for a discounted YMCA membership! Contact your local YMCA for details.
Other Discounts
If you’ve got EBT in Maryland, you may also qualify for this!
- Homebuyer assistance programs
- Legal aid
- Property tax exemptions
- Student loan assistance ($0 per month payments!)
- Summer meals (free for kids ages 18 and under!)
- Tax filing assistance
- Utility assistance(help paying electric bills, free weatherization assistance and more!)
- Pet care assistance (veterinary care grants, free pet food, free boarding and more!)
Independence Card = Museum Discounts
If you’ve got Maryland EBT, you can get some incredible museum discounts! These are some of our favorite discounts and deals.
For your convenience, we’ve organized our free and discounted museum admission list alphabetically by city. The museums with green titles are Museums for All participants. These venues accept EBT cards from all 50 states, so you don’t have to be a Maryland resident to get these great deals!
You cannot pay for admission with your Independence Card. You will show the Maryland food stamps card to receive the discount but you will need to pay the remaining admission price, if any, in cash or with a credit/debit card.
Annapolis
Chesapeake Children’s Museum – $1 per person
Although Chesapeake Children’s Museum participates in the Museums for All program, they don’t provide any information about it on their website. I’m currently waiting for a reply from the museum but I know their admission can’t exceed $3 per person for EBT cardholders. It’s part of the Museums for All rules. 🙂
However, CCM offers a generous free admission program. For example, in June 2016 anyone can get free admission if they bring 3 empty Styrofoam egg containers per person (or a ream of copy paper for two people).
Hammond-Harwood House – FREE
Constructed in 1774, this house claims to have the most beautiful doorway in all of Colonial America. It is a National Historic Landmark and includes a collection of John Shaw furniture and Charles Wilson Peale paintings. The free admission includes a guided tour of the house.
Baltimore
American Visionary Art Museum – FREE
This is the national museum for intuitive, self-taught artistry. The artists create art from all sorts of materials, including recycled materials, such as toothpicks and toothbrushes. The museum includes over 4,000 pieces in the permanent collection and spans three buildings in a 1.1 acre campus called the Wonderland.
Baltimore Museum of Industry – FREE
The Baltimore Museum of Industry celebrates Maryland’s industrial legacy and engages visitors in the stories of the laborers who built the city. The museum is located in a 1860s oyster cannery on the waterfront. It’s completely free with your EBT card!
B&O Railroad Museum – $3 per person
“The museum possesses the oldest, most historic and comprehensive railroad collections in the world,” according to their website. The museum is located on the 40 acre historic site that has been recognized as “the birthplace of American railroading.”
According to the representative I spoke with, the museum offers train rides, kids activities and more. And four people can enter for just $3 each, with an EBT card.
Jewish Museum of Maryland – $1 per person
As America’s leading museum of regional Jewish history and culture, the Museum provides precious insights into Jewish traditions and community. The campus includes the history Lloyd Street and B’nai Israel Synagogues. A gallery, library, shop and program areas are also available.
Maryland Center for History & Culture – FREE
Explore the history of Maryland across 23,000 square feet of gallery space. The museum has a 350,000 object collection that includes Native American artifacts dating back to 5,000 BC and more!
Natural History Society of Maryland – $3 or less per person
The Natural History Society of Maryland’s building features over 200,000 natural history specimens and artifacts. The collection dates back to 1800s and includes minerals, fossils, flora, fauna and Maryland artifacts.
Star Spangled Banner Flag House – $3 per person
Experience the creation of the American Flag at this historic home. It was once the home and business place of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the flag that Frances Scott Key wrote about in the national anthem.
Coltons Point
St. Clements Island Museum – FREE
This museum showcases the story of Maryland’s founding colonists, who sailed across the Atlantic in two small wooden ships. They landed on St. Clement’s Island in March 1634. According to this press release, the museum itself is free but the water taxi is $3.
Damascus
Stop Drop & Play Children’s Museum – $3 per person or less
This museum typically charges $7 per child for admission. However, as a Museums for All partner, they charge $3 or less per person for families with EBT cards.
Edgewater
Historic London Town & Gardens – $3 or less per person
Explore the 23 acre park that explores the history, archaeology and horticulture of South River in Edgewater. There are beautiful gardens to explore, exciting things to learn and interactive adventures for children as well.
Hagerstown
Miller House Museum – FREE
Discover history at this 1825 townhouse and genealogy library! The exhibits here showcase 1800s life in Washington County, Maryland. There are decorative arts, tall case clocks, a military collection, Civil War collection and more. Tours are typically $5 for self-guided or $10 for guided, but Museums for All partners must charge EBT cardholders $3 or less.
Hollywood
Historic Sotterley – Donations Only
With 20 authentic structures spread over 94 acres, Historic Sotterley provides a stunning backdrop for a hands-on day of discovery. Sotterley brings stories of slavery and reconciliation to life. Along with preserving the past, they also engage in sustainable farming and donate most of the food to food pantries!
Lexington Park
The Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Visitor Center – $3 or less per person
The PRNAM hosts artifacts, simulators, films, books, and more. They also have 22 one-of-a-kind aircraft!
Piney Park
Piney Point Lighthouse Museum & Historic Park – $3 per person
Explore the oldest lighthouse on the Potomac, admire historic boats, stroll along the beach and enjoy six acres of picturesque park and pier. You can even see a WWII U-1105 Black Panther German Submarine! All this is just $3 with your EBT card.
Sandy Spring
Sandy Spring Museum – Free
This museum focuses on community-driven cultural arts and educational programs. They have ever-changing exhibitions as well as a family-friendly WondeRoom that provides experiential, hands-on activities for the whole family.
Solomons
Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center – $3 or less per person
The sculpture garden follows a 1/4 mile walking path and includes over 30 works on loan from the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art. As of February 2021, admission for everyone is on a “pay as you can” basis, but they do belong to the Museums For All site, with all admissions being $3 or less per person, with EBT card.
St. Mary’s City
Historic St. Mary’s City – $3 per person or less
Visit Maryland’s first colonial settlement and capital! This settlement has been converted into a large state-run outdoor living history museum. The admission rate is $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-18. Children under age 6 are free.
St. Michaels
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum – $3 per person
This world-class maritime museum is visited by more than 70,000 guests every year. The museum includes a fleet of historic boats, 12 buildings and 18 beautiful waterfront acres along the river and harbor area. Boat rides, hands-on educational programs, festivals and interactive exhibits are all offered here but some programs may have an additional price.
