If you have cancer in Maryland, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with cancer, you must have a diagnosis that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. This means your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are available. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Children with cancer may also qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria. You must apply through the Social Security Administration to be considered for SSI or SSDI[6][4].
In Maryland, you may qualify for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) if you have cancer and are experiencing a short-term disability or are waiting for federal disability approval. TDAP is for low-income adults with disabilities who do not have dependent children. You must provide a medical report from a licensed practitioner. If your disability is expected to last 12 months or more, you must also apply for SSI. TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are pursuing SSI. Maryland also offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID), which lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working, with no income limit as of 2024[1][2][5].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Maryland, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Earnings in the account are tax-free if used for qualified expenses. This can help cover costs related to cancer treatment and recovery[3].
For SSI, there are strict income and resource limits. For SSDI, your past work history matters more than current income. For TDAP in Maryland, you must be low-income and have no dependent children. For EID Medicaid, there is no income limit as of 2024, and certain assets do not count[1][2][5].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to the agency that pays your benefits. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all communications and changes. Contact a benefits counselor if you are unsure what to report[4].
Contact a benefits counselor through DORS Maryland or Maryland Access Point for free help with applications and work incentives.
Yes, if your cancer is severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state programs like TDAP. You must apply and provide medical proof[6][1].
The amount depends on the program. SSI and SSDI payments vary based on your income and work history. TDAP in Maryland pays up to $185 per month. Medicaid covers health costs, not cash[5][1].
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Maryland’s EID program lets you keep Medicaid while working, with no income limit as of 2024[2][4].
SSI is for people with low income and few assets, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both can help with cancer, but eligibility rules differ[4][6].
Apply for SSI/SSDI through Social Security. For TDAP, apply at your local Department of Social Services or online. For EID Medicaid, apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local DSS[1][2][5].
You need a medical report from a licensed practitioner confirming your cancer diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work. This is required for SSI, SSDI, and TDAP[1][6].
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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Yes, Maryland’s EID program lets people with disabilities, including cancer, keep Medicaid while working. There is no income limit as of 2024, and certain assets do not count[2].
Processing times vary. SSI/SSDI can take several months. TDAP may be faster if you meet all requirements. Keep records and follow up with the agency[5][1].
If your condition improves, you must report changes to the agency. Benefits may stop if you no longer meet the disability criteria. Social Security has rules to help you if you try to work[4].
Yes, children with cancer may qualify for SSI or SSDI if they meet the criteria. Benefits can continue after age 18 if the disability started before age 22[6].
