Maryland offers federal and state benefits for people with cerebral palsy, including cash assistance, health coverage, and support for independent living. Eligibility and how to apply depend on your age, income, work history, and disability severity. State-specific programs like Medicaid waivers and Maryland ABLE accounts can expand your options.
To get federal disability benefits for cerebral palsy in Maryland, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability: your condition must severely limit your ability to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[6][7]. For SSI, you must also have very low income and few assets. For SSDI, you (or a family member) must have a work history and paid Social Security taxes[4][7]. Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI or, in special cases, benefits on a parent’s record if their disability began before age 22[7]. Federal rules apply to all states, but state supplemental payments and Medicaid programs may add to your federal benefits. For details, see the SSI vs SSDI guide.
Maryland’s Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) offers cash help (about $185/month) to low-income adults with disabilities who have no dependent children while they wait for federal disability approval[1][3][5]. You must verify your disability with a licensed medical provider and apply through your local Department of Social Services[1][3]. You can get TDAP for up to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are also applying for SSI[1][3]. Maryland also has the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program, which lets people with disabilities who work and earn income keep Medicaid even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid—helpful for those with cerebral palsy who can work part-time[2]. For home- and community-based services, check Maryland’s Medicaid Waiver programs—these help with daily living, therapies, and supports so you can live more independently. Income and asset limits for state programs may differ from federal rules, so always check current Maryland regulations.
Step 1: Confirm Your Diagnosis Have your doctor document your cerebral palsy diagnosis and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. This evidence is needed for all disability applications.
Step 2: Prepare Your Information Collect your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, proof of income and resources, and details of your work history. For children, also gather school and therapy records.
Step 3: Apply for Federal Benefits Apply for SSI (for low income/assets) or SSDI (if you have a work history) by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213 or applying online[6]. Children with severe cerebral palsy may also qualify for benefits as a “Disabled Adult Child” if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, and their disability began before age 22[7].
Step 4: Apply for Maryland State Programs
Step 5: Use Work Incentives If you return to work, connect with a benefits counselor through the Maryland Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project (WIPA) to understand how earnings affect your benefits[4].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities (including children) who have limited income and resources[4][5][6]. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to adults who are “insured” through their own (or a family member’s) work history and Social Security taxes[4][6]. Medicare provides health insurance after 24 months of SSDI, and Medicaid can cover additional services. ABLE accounts help you save money without losing benefits. For more, see the SSI vs SSDI and Medicaid vs Medicare guides.
Maryland offers several state-specific programs for people with cerebral palsy:
Maryland also has a statewide benefits portal (Maryland Benefits One) to help you find and apply for food, cash, medical, and energy assistance[5]. Always check with your local Department of Social Services for the most current rules and available funding.
Maryland ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without losing SSI eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free, and funds can be used for disability-related expenses. For details, see our ABLE Accounts guide.
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits, but Maryland’s EID program has no income limit for workers with disabilities[2]. For TDAP, income limits apply; check with your local Department of Social Services for current figures and state-specific rules[3][5]. Medicaid waiver programs may also have their own limits.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and Maryland agencies to avoid overpayments, which you may have to pay back. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for step-by-step help.
Always report changes in your income, living situation, or health to both Social Security and Maryland agencies. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For help avoiding mistakes, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Yes. Children with severe cerebral palsy may qualify for SSI if family income and resources are low. If a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, adult children with a disability that began before age 22 may get benefits on the parent’s record[4][7].
SSI is for people with low income and few assets, while SSDI is for those with a work history. Both require a qualifying disability. Maryland may offer supplemental payments to SSI recipients[4][6]. For details, see [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi).
Yes. Social Security and Maryland’s EID program allow people with disabilities to work and keep some benefits. Work incentives help protect Medicaid and cash benefits as you earn more[2][4].
TDAP gives temporary cash help to low-income adults with disabilities who have no dependent children while waiting for federal disability approval. Apply at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov[1][3].
Maryland’s Medicaid waivers (HCBS) help with therapies, personal care, and supports at home. The EID program lets workers with disabilities keep Medicaid regardless of income[2]. See the [Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)](/guides/medicaid-waivers) guide.
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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Step 6: Appeal if Denied If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Get help from legal aid or a benefits planner.
Step 7: Stay Updated Report changes in income, living situation, or health to the agencies managing your benefits to avoid overpayments or loss of coverage.
Maryland ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing federal and state benefits. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, and health care.
You have the right to appeal. Contact legal aid or a benefits counselor for help. Sometimes, providing more medical information or correcting errors can get you approved.
Yes. Report changes in income, living situation, or health to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits active. See [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting).
Yes. Maryland Access Point, local Departments of Social Services, and benefits counselors can help. Use Maryland Benefits One to find programs and apply online[5].
Yes. The Homeowners’ and Renters’ Tax Credit programs reduce property taxes for eligible low-income residents with disabilities[5].
