Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Benefits in Maryland

• ALS is a Compassionate Allowance condition: The Social Security Administration (SSA) fast-tracks ALS applications for SSI and SSDI. If you have ALS, your application will be reviewed quickly and you will likely qualify for benefits.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources. You must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. ALS is considered a qualifying disability.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You must have a qualifying disability and enough work credits. ALS is a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities. ALS recipients may qualify for Medicaid, especially if they receive SSI or meet other criteria.
• Medicare: People with ALS automatically qualify for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI eligibility, but can get it sooner in some cases.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid vs Medicare.

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Maryland offers TDAP for low-income, disabled adults without dependent children who are waiting for federal disability approval or have a short-term disability. TDAP provides cash benefits for up to 12 months in a 36-month period. A licensed medical practitioner must verify your disability.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID Program): If you work for pay and have a disability, you may qualify for Medicaid through the EID program. The program does not count a spouse’s resources, retirement accounts, or money in Independence Accounts against the resource limit.
• Medicaid Waivers: Maryland offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with disabilities, including ALS, to receive care at home or in the community instead of in an institution.
• ABLE Accounts: Maryland residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) and ABLE Accounts.

• Step 1: Gather medical records that confirm your ALS diagnosis.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.
• Step 4: If you need immediate help, apply for TDAP at your local Department of Social Services.
• Step 5: Consider opening an ABLE account for savings.

• Step 1: Get Medical Documentation

  • Collect medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results that confirm your ALS diagnosis.
  • Ask your doctor to complete any required medical reports for disability applications.

• Step 2: Apply for Federal Disability Benefits

  • SSI/SSDI: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. ALS is a Compassionate Allowance, so your application will be fast-tracked.
  • Medicaid: Apply through the Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.

• Step 3: Apply for State Disability Benefits

  • TDAP: Apply at your local Department of Social Services in person, by mail, fax, or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
  • EID Program: If you work for pay, apply for Medicaid through the EID program by contacting your local Department of Social Services.

• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid Waivers

  • Contact the Maryland Department of Disabilities or your local Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities to learn about HCBS waivers for ALS.

• Step 5: Open an ABLE Account

  • Visit the Maryland ABLE Program to open an account and start saving.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly cash payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and have a qualifying disability.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities, including ALS.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that allow people with disabilities to receive care at home or in the community.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid Waivers (HCBS).

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Provides cash benefits to low-income, disabled adults without dependent children while they wait for federal disability approval or have a short-term disability. Benefits are generally up to $185 per month.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID Program): Provides Medicaid to people with disabilities who work for pay. The program does not count a spouse’s resources, retirement accounts, or money in Independence Accounts against the resource limit.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Maryland offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with disabilities, including ALS, to receive care at home or in the community.
• ABLE Accounts: Maryland residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.

Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) and ABLE Accounts.

Maryland residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. ABLE accounts allow you to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility and up to $161,000 without affecting Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.

Learn more about ABLE Accounts.

Income limits for disability benefits vary by program:

| Program | Income Limit | |---------|--------------| | SSI | $943/month (2025) | | SSDI | No strict limit, but must not be doing substantial work | | TDAP | Low-income, no dependent children | | Medicaid | Varies by program | | EID Program | No income limit |

Learn more about SSI Income Estimator.

It is important to report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to the Social Security Administration and your local Department of Social Services as soon as possible.

Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

• Maryland Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-332-6347

  Website

  For TDAP and other state benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare.
• Maryland Department of Disabilities
  Phone: 1-800-492-4674

  TTY: 1-800-332-6347

  Website

  For benefits counseling and Medicaid Waivers.

• Does ALS qualify for expedited disability review?

  Yes, ALS is a Compassionate Allowance condition. The Social Security Administration fast-tracks ALS applications for SSI and SSDI, so you will likely qualify quickly.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for ALS?

  Yes, you can work while receiving SSI or SSDI. There are work incentives that allow you to keep benefits while you try to work. The EID program also provides Medicaid to people with disabilities who work for pay.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Maryland with ALS?

  You can apply for Medicaid through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services. If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid.

• What is the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) in Maryland?

  TDAP provides cash benefits to low-income, disabled adults without dependent children while they wait for federal disability approval or have a short-term disability. Benefits are generally up to $185 per month.

• Can I save money if I have ALS and receive disability benefits?

  Yes, you can open an ABLE account to save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. ABLE accounts allow you to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility.

• What is the EID program in Maryland?

  The EID program provides Medicaid to people with disabilities who work for pay. The program does not count a spouse’s resources, retirement accounts, or money in Independence Accounts against the resource limit.