If you are blind in Maryland, you may qualify for federal and state benefits to help with income, healthcare, and daily living. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for blind Marylanders.
If you are blind, you may qualify for federal disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines blindness as vision of 20/200 or worse in your better eye, even with glasses, or a very limited field of vision. To get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have low income and few assets. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits and a qualifying disability. Both programs cover blindness, but have different rules for income, assets, and work history. Blindness is considered a severe disability, so the rules are often more flexible for blind applicants [7].
In Maryland, blind individuals may qualify for state-specific programs in addition to federal benefits. The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) offers short-term cash help to low-income blind Marylanders who are not eligible for other programs. To qualify, you must have a medical report confirming your disability and meet income limits. Maryland also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, which can help with daily living, transportation, and support. These waivers are available to those who meet both federal and state eligibility rules, including blindness as a qualifying condition [2][4][1].
Maryland offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including blindness. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support. Contributions to ABLE accounts do not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to open one in Maryland [6].
Federal programs like SSI have strict income and asset limits. For SSI, the 2025 limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must have enough work credits. State programs like TDAP have their own income limits, which are updated yearly. Contact your local Department of Social Services for current TDAP limits [6].
If your income, work, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you get more benefits than you are entitled to. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and state programs as soon as possible. If you get an overpayment notice, you may be able to appeal or set up a repayment plan [5].
Free help is available from Social Security, your local Department of Social Services, and benefits counselors. Ask about webinars and guides from the Maryland Department of Health.
Yes, blindness is a qualifying disability for SSI in Maryland. You must have low income and few assets. The rules for blind applicants are more flexible, and you may qualify even if you have higher income or assets than sighted applicants [7].
SSI is for blind people with low income and few assets, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Blindness is considered a severe disability, so the rules are more flexible for blind applicants [7].
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For state benefits like TDAP, apply at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov. For Medicaid waivers, contact the Maryland Department of Health [2][6].
The Community Pathways Waiver is a Medicaid program that helps blind Marylanders get home and community-based services, such as personal care, transportation, and support. The waiver was updated in October 2025 to make services easier to access and more focused on individual needs [1].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you keep benefits while working. These include trial work periods, continued Medicaid coverage, and special rules for blind people. Learn more about work incentives from Social Security or a benefits counselor [5].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and personal support. Maryland offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including blindness [6].
TDAP usually pays up to $185 per month to low-income blind Marylanders. You can get benefits for up to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are applying for SSI. Contact your local Department of Social Services for current limits [6].
Yes, you must report changes in your income, work, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you get more benefits than you are entitled to. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and state programs as soon as possible [5].
Yes, blind homeowners may qualify for property tax credits to reduce their tax bill. Renters may also qualify for credits to offset the cost of property taxes included in their rent. Contact your local Department of Social Services for more information [6].
You can get help from Social Security, your local Department of Social Services, or a benefits counselor. There are also free webinars and guides available from the Maryland Department of Health and other agencies [1][5].
