Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services – Annapolis, MD

Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services

About the Agency

The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services (DSS) in Annapolis serves as a critical safety net for residents, providing a wide range of assistance programs designed to protect vulnerable children and adults while promoting family stability and self-sufficiency. Operating under the Maryland Department of Human Services, this agency administers state and federal programs tailored to meet the specific needs of the local community. The Annapolis office acts as a primary hub for accessing essential benefits, child welfare services, and adult protective interventions.

Key Services and Programs

• Family Investment Administration (FIA): This division helps eligible residents obtain economic support. Services include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food security, Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) for families with dependent children, and Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) for disabled adults without children.
• Child Support Administration: The agency locates non-custodial parents, establishes paternity, enforces support orders, and collects payments to ensure children receive financial support.
• Child Protective Services (CPS): A dedicated unit investigates reports of child abuse and neglect, providing intervention services to ensure the safety and well-being of minors in the county.
• Adult Services: Includes Adult Protective Services (APS) for vulnerable adults facing neglect or exploitation, In-Home Aide Services (IHAS), and the Social Services to Adults (SSTA) program.
• Energy Assistance: Through the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP), the agency assists low-income households with heating and electric bills to prevent utility shut-offs.

Visit Information

The Annapolis office is located on West Street, a central corridor in the city. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entry. While walk-ins are accepted for certain emergency services, appointments are strongly recommended to reduce wait times, especially for complex case management. Applications for many programs, such as SNAP and Medicaid, can also be managed online via the myMDTHINK portal.