Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in Maryland

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), your ADHD must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• SSI is for people with low income and few assets, including children and adults with disabilities. You must meet strict income and asset limits.
• SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. You need enough work credits to qualify.
• Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits their activities and meets income/asset rules.
• Adults with ADHD may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they cannot work due to their condition and meet the program rules.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability for benefits. Not all ADHD cases qualify.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Maryland’s Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) helps low-income adults with disabilities, including ADHD, who have no dependent children.
• To qualify for TDAP, you must be disabled (verified by a licensed medical practitioner), meet low-income standards (countable income under $185/month), and have assets under $1,500.
• TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months out of every 36 months unless you are applying for SSI.
• You must file for SSI if your disability is expected to last 12 months or more.
• TDAP is for short-term disability or while waiting for SSI approval.
• Other state programs, like Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts, may also be available for people with ADHD.

Source: Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06, London Disability, 2025-11-06, Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06

• Gather medical records showing your ADHD diagnosis and how it limits your daily life.
• Collect proof of income and assets.
• Apply online at MarylandBenefits.gov or in person at your local Department of Social Services.
• For SSI/SSDI, apply at the Social Security Administration website or office.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local health department or Maryland Access Point.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the Maryland ABLE program.

Source: Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06, Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06

• Step 1: Get a medical report from a licensed doctor or psychologist confirming your ADHD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work or do daily activities.
• Step 2: Collect documents showing your income (pay stubs, bank statements) and assets (bank accounts, property).
• Step 3: Apply for TDAP online at MarylandBenefits.gov or in person at your local Department of Social Services. You can also mail, fax, or have someone drop off your application.
• Step 4: If you think you qualify for SSI or SSDI, apply at the Social Security Administration website or office. You will need to provide medical and financial documents.
• Step 5: If you need long-term support, apply for Medicaid waivers through your local health department or Maryland Access Point.
• Step 6: For an ABLE account, apply through the Maryland ABLE program website.
• Step 7: Follow up on your applications and respond to any requests for more information.
• Step 8: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

Source: Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06, Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06, SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have low income and few assets. Includes children and adults with ADHD.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Adults with ADHD may qualify if they cannot work.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset rules. Can be accessed through SSI or Medicaid waivers.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, including ADHD, to save for disability-related expenses.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Short-term cash benefits for low-income adults with disabilities, including ADHD, who have no dependent children. Benefits are limited to 12 months out of 36 unless applying for SSI.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Long-term support services for people with disabilities, including ADHD, to live in the community instead of institutions.
• Maryland ABLE Program: State ABLE accounts for people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses.
• Other State Benefits: Property tax credits, renters' tax credits, and other financial assistance programs may be available.

Source: Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06, Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06

• Maryland offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including ADHD, diagnosed before age 26.
• ABLE accounts let you save up to $100,000 without losing SSI benefits and up to $17,000 per year from earnings.
• Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like education, housing, transportation, and health care.
• Apply through the Maryland ABLE program website.

Source: Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06

• For TDAP, countable income must be under $185/month. Assets must be under $1,500.
• For SSI, income and asset limits are stricter and change yearly. See the SSA website for current limits.
• For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work.
• Not all income and assets count. Some educational grants and job-training stipends do not count as income. Personal items like clothing and a car do not count as assets.

Source: London Disability, 2025-11-06, SSA.gov, 2025-11-06

• You must report changes in income, assets, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you do not report changes or if your situation changes.
• If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back. You can request a waiver if you cannot afford to pay.
• See the guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more details.

Source: Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06

• 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 and SSDI

• Can ADHD qualify for disability benefits in Maryland?

  Yes, ADHD can qualify for disability benefits in Maryland if it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities. You must meet the program rules for SSI, SSDI, or TDAP.

• What is the income limit for TDAP in Maryland?

  To qualify for TDAP in Maryland, your countable income must be under $185 per month. Assets must be under $1,500. Not all income and assets count toward these limits.

• How long does it take to get TDAP benefits in Maryland?

  The review process for TDAP applications in Maryland usually takes about 30 days. You may need to provide more information during this time.

• Can children with ADHD get disability benefits in Maryland?

  Yes, children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their condition severely limits their activities and meets income/asset rules. They must be under 18 and meet the SSA definition of disability.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for ADHD in Maryland?

  SSI is for people with low income and few assets, including children and adults with ADHD. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both require a severe disability.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for ADHD in Maryland?

  Yes, you can work while getting SSI or SSDI, but there are limits on how much you can earn. SSI has strict income limits, while SSDI allows some work.