Chronic Pain Benefits in Maryland: How to Apply & Get Help

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), your chronic pain must be expected to last at least 12 months and prevent you from doing substantial work.
• SSI is for people with low income and few assets. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, treatment, and how chronic pain limits your daily activities.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from doing any job, not just your past job.
• Children with chronic pain may also qualify for benefits if their condition meets SSA rules.
• Work incentives allow you to keep some benefits while you try to work, even if you earn some income.

Sources: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

• In Maryland, you may qualify for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) if you have chronic pain, low income, and no dependent children.
• TDAP provides cash benefits for up to 12 months out of every 36 months, unless you are applying for federal SSI.
• You must have a licensed medical provider complete a medical report to prove your disability.
• If your chronic pain is expected to last 12 months or more, you must also apply for SSI.
• Maryland also offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID) if you work for pay and have chronic pain.
• EID lets you keep Medicaid even if your income rises, and you can save money in special accounts without losing benefits.
• Other state programs may help with property taxes, rent, and energy bills if you have low income.

Sources: MD DHS TDAP (accessed 2025-11-06), MD EID Program (accessed 2025-11-06), MD Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records that show your chronic pain diagnosis and how it limits your work.
• Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person.
• Apply for state benefits (TDAP, EID) through your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
• If you work, ask about Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID).
• Contact a benefits counselor for help with your application.

• Step 1: Get medical records from your doctor. These should include your diagnosis, treatment history, and how chronic pain affects your daily life and ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for federal disability benefits (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 SSA office.
• Step 3: Apply for state benefits. For TDAP, apply at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov. For EID (Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities), apply through your local DSS office.
• Step 4: Submit all required forms and medical reports. For TDAP, a licensed medical provider must complete a medical report.
• Step 5: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Ask for help from a benefits counselor or legal aid.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income, work status, or health to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: If you work, ask about work incentives and how they affect your benefits.

Sources: SSA Apply for Disability, MD DHS TDAP (accessed 2025-11-06), MD Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and few assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. Chronic pain must last at least 12 months.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Chronic pain must prevent you from doing substantial work.
• Work Incentives: Special rules let you keep some benefits while you try to work, even if you earn some income.

Sources: SSA Disability Benefits (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Provides cash benefits (up to $185/month) to low-income Marylanders with chronic pain who have no dependent children. Benefits last up to 12 months out of every 36 months.
• Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID): Lets people with chronic pain keep Medicaid if they work for pay. Income limits are higher, and you can save money in special accounts.
• Medicaid Waivers: May help with home and community-based services if you qualify.
• Property Tax Credit: Helps homeowners with chronic pain if property taxes are high compared to income.
• Renters' Tax Credit: Helps renters with chronic pain if rent is high compared to income.

Sources: MD DHS TDAP (accessed 2025-11-06), MD EID Program (accessed 2025-11-06), MD Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)

• ABLE accounts let people with chronic pain save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account.
• Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other qualified expenses.
• Maryland residents can open an ABLE account through the state program.

Sources: MD ABLE Accounts (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI: Income limits change each year. In 2025, the limit is about $943/month for an individual.
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not be doing substantial work.
• TDAP: Must have low income and no dependent children.
• EID: No income limit for Medicaid if you work and have chronic pain.

Sources: SSA SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-06), MD DHS TDAP (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Report any changes in income, work status, or health to avoid overpayments.
• If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back.
• Report changes as soon as possible to avoid penalties.
• Keep records of all income and benefits.

Sources: MD DHS Overpayments (accessed 2025-11-06), SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Maryland Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-332-6347

  Website

  For TDAP, EID, and other state benefits
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and federal disability benefits

• Can chronic pain qualify as a disability in Maryland?

  Yes, chronic pain can qualify as a disability if it is expected to last at least 12 months and prevents you from doing substantial work. You must provide medical proof to support your claim.

• What medical proof do I need for disability benefits?

  You need medical records from a licensed provider that show your diagnosis, treatment, and how chronic pain limits your daily activities and ability to work.

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

  SSI pays about $943/month in 2025. TDAP pays up to $185/month. SSDI payments vary based on your work history. Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities covers health care costs.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits?

  Yes, work incentives let you keep some benefits while you try to work. Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities lets you keep Medicaid if you work for pay.

• Do I need to apply for SSI if I get TDAP?

  If your chronic pain is expected to last 12 months or more, you must apply for SSI while getting TDAP. TDAP is only for short-term help or while you wait for SSI approval.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in Maryland?

  Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. Apply for TDAP and EID through your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?