Bridging the Divide: How the Unified Benefits Screener Advances Access to Justice
Increasing access to justice for all Marylanders involves more than just making it easier to navigate the court system; it’s about ensuring every Marylander has the opportunity to thrive. For far too long, the path to critical government benefits has been a confusing and complicated maze, creating a significant barrier for those who need help the most. And it is about to get significantly worse and more challenging for Marylanders because of the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill, which places more restrictions and requirements to qualify for life-saving public benefits like SNAP and Medicaid.
Civil legal aid organizations are bracing for increased demand to help Marylanders navigate a complex bureaucratic mess to prevent Marylanders from falling through the cracks.
However, we are hopeful that Maryland might be in better shape due to a technology initiative spearheaded by Governor Wes Moore. Governor Wes Moore’s administration has taken a significant step forward in this effort with the launch of the Unified Benefits Screener, a new, mobile-friendly tool that changes how Marylanders connect with vital resources. This initiative is a significant step towards building a more just and equitable society.
A New Tool for an Old Problem
On December 13, 2024, Governor Wes Moore announced the Unified Benefits Screener, a new mobile-friendly tool designed to streamline benefits access. Developed through a joint effort by the Maryland Departments of Human Services, Health, and Information Technology, this interagency tool allows residents to quickly and easily check their eligibility for critical benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC.
The tool simplifies what was once a complicated process. Instead of requiring extensive documentation or creating an account, users only need to provide basic, non-identifying information like household size, income, and disability status. This person-centered design empowers individuals to identify potential benefits and encourages them to apply. The entire process takes just five minutes and can be completed from a computer or smartphone, making it accessible to a wider population.
The Connection to Access to Justice
The Unified Benefits Screener is a prime example of how technology can be leveraged to address systemic barriers to justice. By simplifying the process of determining eligibility and applying for benefits, the state is removing procedural hurdles that can prevent people from receiving the help they need. Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott highlights this point, noting that people shouldn’t have to “jump through hoops to get the help they need.”
This new tool is a vital step toward a more equitable system. It combats the professional isolation many face by providing a clear, user-friendly pathway to resources. By making these essential services more accessible, the state is helping to stabilize families and communities, which in turn reduces the likelihood of legal issues arising from poverty and lack of resources.
The screener is also a precursor to a larger initiative: a comprehensive, unified benefits application scheduled for release in 2025. This future application will allow Marylanders to apply for all benefits with a single form, further simplifying the process and making it easier to access and manage services.
Given that with the passage of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill, more of the burden and cost of making life saving public benefits, like SNAP and Medicaid, available to Marylanders will fall on states. Investing in technology and systems that simplify the process will hopefully pay dividends in the way Maryland can help its residents during what will be a difficult and confusing time.
Collaboration and Innovation
This successful initiative is a result of strategic collaboration between state agencies and a commitment to human-centered design. It is a model for how technology and interagency cooperation can be used to deliver meaningful results. The program’s success echoes other recent collaborations, such as the Maryland SUN Bucks program, which saw a dramatic increase in nutritional benefits delivered to children.
By focusing on scalable, flexible, and accessible solutions, Maryland is setting a precedent for a government that endeavors to serve its people.