Depression Benefits in Maryland: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), your depression must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
• SSI is for people with low income and few assets, regardless of work history.
• SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history and enough Social Security credits.
• Both programs require medical documentation from a licensed provider.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses specific criteria to determine if depression is a qualifying disability.
• You may also qualify for Medicaid if your income is low, even if you don’t get SSI or SSDI.
• For more details, see the SSA’s disability qualifications page.

Citations: [6]

• In Maryland, the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) is available for people with short-term disabilities, including depression, who have no dependent children.
• TDAP is for those who are not eligible for other assistance programs and need help while waiting for federal disability approval.
• To qualify, you must verify your disability with a medical report from a licensed provider.
• TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months in any 36-month period unless you are applying for SSI.
• The maximum TDAP benefit is generally $185 per month.
• TDAP is administered locally by the Department of Social Services.
• For more details, see the Maryland Department of Human Services TDAP page.

Citations: [1][2][3][5]

• Gather medical records showing your depression diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov or by calling 800-772-1213.
• For TDAP, apply at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
• For Medicaid, apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.
• Keep copies of all documents and follow up on your applications.

Citations: [1][5][6]

• Step 1: Get a medical report from your doctor or mental health provider confirming your depression diagnosis and its impact on your daily life and ability to work.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI:
  • Go to ssa.gov/apply and start your application.
  • You’ll need to provide personal, financial, and medical information.
  • Print or save your re-entry number to continue your application later.
  • Complete the application within 60 days for SSI or six months for SSDI.
• Step 3: Apply for TDAP:
  • Visit your local Department of Social Services in person, or apply online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
  • Submit your medical report and other required documents.
  • TDAP is for those with no dependent children and who are not eligible for other assistance.
• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid:
  • Go to Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.
  • Provide proof of income, residency, and disability.
• Step 5: Follow up on all applications and respond to any requests for more information.
• Step 6: If denied, you have the right to appeal.

Citations: [1][5][6]

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with low income and few assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI benefit is $967 per month, but Maryland may add a small state supplement.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a qualifying work history and enough Social Security credits. The amount depends on your past earnings.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities. You may qualify even if you don’t get SSI or SSDI.
• SNAP: Food assistance for low-income households.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.

Citations: [4][6]

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Provides up to $185 per month to individuals with a short-term disability, including depression, who have no dependent children. TDAP is for those who are not eligible for other assistance and need help while waiting for federal disability approval.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and Community-Based Services for people with disabilities who need support to live in the community.
• Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit: Credits against property taxes for eligible homeowners with low income.
• Renters’ Tax Credit: Property tax credits for eligible renters.
• SNAP: Food assistance for low-income households.
• Maryland Benefits One: A portal to search for and apply for multiple benefits programs.

Citations: [1][2][3][5]

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits.
• You can use ABLE funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and health care.
• To open an ABLE account in Maryland, visit the Maryland ABLE website.

Citations: [internal_link_ABLE_Accounts]

• SSI: In 2025, the maximum federal SSI benefit is $967 per month. Maryland may add a small state supplement. Income and asset limits apply.
• SSDI: No income or asset limits, but you must have a qualifying work history.
• TDAP: Maximum benefit is generally $185 per month. Income and asset limits apply.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program and household size.

Citations: [4][5]

• If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment.
• Report any changes in income, living situation, or disability status to the agency that pays your benefits.
• For SSI and SSDI, report changes online or by calling the Social Security Administration.
• For TDAP and Medicaid, report changes to your local Department of Social Services.
• For more details, see the guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.

Citations: [internal_link_Avoiding_Overpayments_Reporting_Changes]

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

  TTY: 1-800-492-0618

  Email: null

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: null

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare.
• Maryland Access Point
  Phone: 211

  TTY: null

  Email: null

  Hours: 24/7

  Website

  For help finding and applying for benefits.

• Can depression qualify for disability benefits in Maryland?

  Yes, if your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or TDAP. You’ll need medical documentation from a licensed provider.

• How much money can I get from TDAP in Maryland?

  TDAP generally provides up to $185 per month to individuals with a short-term disability, including depression, who have no dependent children.

• Do I need to be working to get SSDI for depression?

  No, but you must have a qualifying work history and enough Social Security credits. SSDI is not based on current income or assets.

• Can I get both SSI and SSDI for depression?

  Yes, it’s possible to qualify for both SSI and SSDI if you meet the eligibility requirements for each program. If you get SSDI, your SSI benefit may be reduced.

• How do I apply for TDAP in Maryland?

  You can apply for TDAP at your local Department of Social Services in person, by mail, fax, or online at MarylandBenefits.gov. You’ll need to submit a medical report from a licensed provider.

• What medical documentation do I need for disability benefits?

  You need a medical report from a licensed provider confirming your depression diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work and perform daily activities.

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI for depression?