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Maryland • Chronic Illness
If you have asthma in Maryland, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. SSI is for people with limited income and assets, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical proof of your disability, such as doctor’s reports and test results. Children with asthma may also qualify if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability[6].
If you are approved for SSI or SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicaid or Medicare, which can help pay for asthma medications and doctor visits[4].
Work incentives are available if you want to try working while receiving benefits. These incentives can help you keep your benefits and health coverage as you transition back to work[4].
In Maryland, people with asthma may qualify for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) if they are low-income, disabled, and have no dependent children. TDAP provides cash benefits for up to 12 months out of a 36-month period, unless you are applying for SSI. To qualify, you must provide a medical report from a licensed practitioner confirming your disability[1][3][5].
Maryland also offers the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program, which allows people with disabilities who work for pay to qualify for Medicaid. This program helps cover medical costs and supports independence for those who want to work[2].
If you are waiting for SSI approval or have a short-term disability, TDAP can help bridge the gap until federal benefits are approved[1][3][5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. In Maryland, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Contributions to ABLE accounts do not count toward the resource limit for SSI or Medicaid[2].
For SSI, the income limit is based on federal guidelines and changes each year. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For TDAP, you must be low-income and have no dependent children. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program[5].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration or your state benefits office. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Always report changes as soon as possible to avoid problems[4].
Contact a benefits counselor or the Maryland Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project (WIPA) for help with the application process and understanding how work affects your benefits[5].
Yes, asthma can qualify as a disability if it is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You will need medical proof from your doctor to show how asthma affects your ability to work[6].
SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and assets. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs can provide monthly payments if your asthma is severe enough to prevent work[6].
Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. For state programs like TDAP, apply through MarylandBenefits.gov or your local Department of Social Services. You will need medical records and proof of income[1][3][5].
Yes, if you have asthma and meet income requirements, you may qualify for Medicaid. Medicaid can help pay for asthma medications, doctor visits, and other medical costs[2][4].
TDAP provides cash benefits to low-income, disabled Marylanders with no dependent children. It is for short-term disability or while waiting for SSI approval. Benefits are limited to 12 months out of 36, unless you are applying for SSI[1][3][5].
Yes, work incentives are available if you want to try working while receiving SSI or SSDI. These incentives can help you keep your benefits and health coverage as you transition back to work[4].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current eligibility rules and application procedures.
The EID Program allows people with disabilities who work for pay to qualify for Medicaid. This program helps cover medical costs and supports independence for those who want to work[2].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration or your state benefits office. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay[4].
Yes, children with asthma may qualify for SSI if their condition meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Children who receive benefits as dependents may continue to receive benefits after age 18 if they have a qualifying disability[6].
You will need medical records, including doctor’s reports, test results, and a statement from your healthcare provider about how asthma affects your ability to work[6].
