Bipolar Disorder Benefits in Maryland

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a mental health condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. For Bipolar Disorder, this means symptoms must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs require medical evidence, such as doctor reports and treatment records, to prove your disability. You can learn more about federal eligibility at the Social Security Administration’s website [citation 7].

• SSI: For people with low income and few assets, including those with Bipolar Disorder.
• SSDI: For those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Both programs require proof that your Bipolar Disorder prevents you from working.
• Children with Bipolar Disorder may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets the criteria.

Maryland offers additional support for people with disabilities, including Bipolar Disorder. The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides cash benefits to low-income individuals with disabilities who do not have dependent children. To qualify, you must have a medical report from a licensed practitioner confirming your disability. TDAP is for short-term disability or while waiting for federal benefits. If your disability is expected to last 12 months or more, you must apply for SSI. TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months in any 36-month period unless you are pursuing SSI [citation 1, 3].

Maryland also has the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program, which allows people with disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage if they work for pay. This program does not have an income limit and allows savings in Independence Accounts that do not count against resource limits [citation 2].

• TDAP: For short-term disability, no dependent children, must apply locally.
• EID: For people with disabilities who work, keeps Medicaid coverage.
• Both programs require medical documentation of Bipolar Disorder.

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or by phone.
• Apply for TDAP at your local Department of Social Services.
• If you work, consider the EID Program for Medicaid.
• Use MarylandBenefits.gov to find and apply for state benefits.

• Step 1: Collect medical documentation, including doctor reports and treatment records for Bipolar Disorder.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration. You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office [citation 6, 9].
• Step 3: If you do not have dependent children and need short-term support, apply for TDAP at your local Department of Social Services. You can apply in person, by mail, or online at MarylandBenefits.gov [citation 1, 3, 5].
• Step 4: If you work or plan to work, apply for the EID Program to keep Medicaid coverage. This can be done through your local Department of Social Services or by contacting Maryland Access Point [citation 2, 5].
• Step 5: Use MarylandBenefits.gov to search for other benefits you may qualify for, such as SNAP or property tax credits [citation 5].
• Step 6: Keep all records and report any changes in your income or health to avoid overpayments [citation 4].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and few assets who are disabled, blind, or over 65. Bipolar Disorder qualifies if it meets Social Security’s disability criteria [citation 6, 7].
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Bipolar Disorder qualifies if it prevents work for at least 12 months [citation 6, 7].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities, often available through SSI or the EID Program [citation 2, 4].

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Provides cash benefits (up to $185 per month) to low-income individuals with disabilities who do not have dependent children. For short-term disability or while waiting for federal benefits. Must apply locally [citation 1, 3, 5, 6].
• Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: Allows people with disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage if they work for pay. No income limit, and savings in Independence Accounts do not count against resource limits. Must apply through local Department of Social Services [citation 2, 5].
• Maryland Access Point: A single portal to search for and apply for state benefits, including food, cash, medical, and energy assistance [citation 5].
• Medicaid Waivers: For people with disabilities who need long-term care services. These waivers can help with home and community-based services [citation 2, 4].

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. The funds in an ABLE account do not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Maryland [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts].

• SSI: Income and resource limits change yearly. For 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943 per month for an individual, with resource limits of $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple [citation 7].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month for most people, $2,700 for those who are blind [citation 7].
• TDAP: Income limits vary by county and are set by local Department of Social Services [citation 1, 3].
• EID: No income limit, but you must work for pay to qualify for Medicaid [citation 2].

It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or health to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to your local Department of Social Services or the Social Security Administration as soon as possible. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_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 and SSDI applications
• Maryland Access Point
  Phone: 211

  Website

  For help finding and applying for benefits

• Can Bipolar Disorder qualify for disability benefits in Maryland?

  Yes, Bipolar Disorder can qualify for SSI, SSDI, and state disability programs if it meets Social Security’s definition of disability. You must provide medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months [citation 7].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI with Bipolar Disorder?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need medical records and proof of income [citation 6, 9].

• What is TDAP and who is eligible?

  TDAP is a state program that provides cash benefits to low-income individuals with disabilities who do not have dependent children. You must have a medical report confirming your disability and apply locally [citation 1, 3, 5].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Maryland?

  Yes, Maryland has work incentives like the EID Program, which allows people with disabilities to keep Medicaid if they work for pay. SSI and SSDI also have work incentives that let you earn some income while keeping benefits [citation 2, 4, 7].

• What medical evidence is needed for disability benefits?

  You need medical records, doctor reports, and treatment records that show your Bipolar Disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months [citation 7].

• How much money can I get from disability benefits in Maryland?

  SSI pays up to $943 per month in 2025, SSDI pays based on your work history, and TDAP pays up to $185 per month. Amounts may vary based on your income and resources [citation 5, 7].