Not safe at home
If you are in danger now, call 911
You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline800-799-7233
- 911Emergency
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall 988
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineText 988
If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.
What to do first
- If you are in danger now, call 911.
- Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
- Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
- Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
- When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.
Talk it through
If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
Health coverage
People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.
Source: HealthCare.gov
Help from Maryland
Maryland programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
Maryland Domestic Violence Services
The network connects people affected by domestic violence with local programs and support.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Homeless Solutions
DHCD works with local providers to connect people facing homelessness with shelter and housing services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
Maryland Rental Assistance and Housing Choice Voucher Resources
DHCD provides housing resources and directs residents to local agencies that administer rental subsidies.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maryland Department of Human Services
Temporary Cash Assistance
In Maryland, TANF is called TCA.
TCA gives eligible families with children temporary cash assistance and employment support.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Maryland, SNAP is called Food Supplement Program.
The Food Supplement Program is Maryland's name for SNAP and helps eligible households buy food with an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Maryland Department of Health
Maryland Medical Assistance Program
Medical Assistance provides health coverage to eligible Maryland residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
TheHotline.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Maryland 2-1-1
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988