Cancer Benefits in Maryland: 2025 Guide

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].

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or by phone.
• For TDAP, apply at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
• For EID Medicaid, apply through the Maryland Health Connection or your local DSS.
• Contact a benefits counselor for help with work incentives and reporting changes.

• Step 1: Get a medical report from your doctor confirming your cancer diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) at the Social Security Administration website or by calling 800-772-1213. You can also apply in person at a local SSA office.
• Step 3: If you need short-term help and do not have dependent children, apply for TDAP at your local Department of Social Services. You can apply in person, by mail, or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
• Step 4: If you are working or want to work, apply for Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID) through Maryland Health Connection or your local DSS.
• Step 5: Report any changes in your income or health to the agencies to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: Contact a benefits counselor for help with work incentives and planning[1][2][4][5].

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and few assets who are disabled, blind, or over 65. Cancer may qualify if it meets the disability criteria.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are now disabled. Cancer may qualify if it meets the disability criteria.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people on SSDI after a waiting period, or for those with certain cancers.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income and resources, including those with cancer[4][6].

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Provides cash benefits (up to $185/month) to low-income adults with disabilities, including cancer, who do not have dependent children. Benefits are for short-term disability or while waiting for federal approval.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID): Allows people with disabilities, including cancer, to keep Medicaid coverage while working. As of 2024, there is no income limit, and retirement accounts and Independence Accounts do not count against resource limits.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help people with disabilities live in the community, including those with cancer. These may cover home care, therapy, and other services[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].

• Maryland Department of Human Services
  Phone: 800-332-6347

  Website

  For TDAP, SNAP, and other state benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 800-772-1213

  TTY: 800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare.
• Maryland Department of Rehabilitative Services (DORS)
  Phone: 410-554-9400

  Website

  For benefits planning and counseling.

• Can I get disability benefits for cancer in Maryland?

  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].

• How much money can I get from disability for cancer?

  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].

• Can I work while getting disability for cancer?

  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].

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for cancer?

  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].

• How do I apply for cancer benefits in Maryland?

  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].

• What medical proof do I need for cancer disability?

  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].