Maryland offers several benefits to people with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities, including cash assistance (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid coverage, and state-specific programs like the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP). This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help—with direct links to official resources, agencies, and money tips.
For federal programs like SSI and SSDI, eligibility is based on disability, age, income, assets, and work history. SSI supports children, adults, and seniors who are blind, disabled, or elderly with low income and minimal assets. SSDI supports those with a strong work history (via Social Security tax contributions) and a disability expected to last at least 12 months. Adults with Down Syndrome who became disabled before age 22 may qualify as Disabled Adult Children (DAC) on a parent’s record, even if they never worked. State-specific rules add Maryland Medicaid, ABLE, and other options—read below for details.[4][6][7]
Maryland’s Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides temporary cash benefits (up to $185/month) to low-income, disabled adults without dependent children who are not yet eligible for SSI/SSDI and who have a verified disability. A medical practitioner must confirm your disability, and if your disability is expected to last 12+ months, you must also apply for SSI. You can only receive TDAP for 12 months out of a rolling 36-month period unless you are pursuing SSI. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program offers Medicaid to people with disabilities who are working—income limits were recently removed, making this a strong option for those who can work. Maryland Medicaid Waivers (Home and Community-Based Services, HCBS) may provide additional supports, but these are separate from basic Medicaid.[1][2][3]
Federal benefits (SSI/SSDI):
Maryland state programs:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides cash to low-income people with disabilities, including children and adults with Down Syndrome who meet financial and disability requirements. Benefits are paid monthly and can also help with medical coverage through Medicaid.[6] Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides cash benefits to those who have worked enough to pay into Social Security. In some cases, adults with Down Syndrome may qualify for SSDI based on a parent’s work record, even if they have never worked.[4][7] Work incentives like Ticket to Work and WIPA: Help you explore employment without losing your benefits.[4] ABLE Accounts: Allow tax-advantaged savings for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility.[Internal link to ABLE accounts]
Maryland Medicaid: Covers doctor visits, therapies, and supports for people with Down Syndrome. Apply online at MarylandBenefits.gov. Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Provide extra services like respite care, personal care, and job coaching. These waivers require a separate application and have waitlists. Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Gives temporary cash support to those not yet eligible for SSI/SSDI. Apply at your local Department of Social Services; you can receive up to $185/month, generally for adults without children.[1][3][6] Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: If you are working, EID lets you keep Medicaid even if your income rises. The state removed the income limit in 2024, so more people can qualify. You can also save in an Independence Account, and retirement accounts or a spouse’s resources are not counted.[2] Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS): Offers employment support, independent living services, and benefits counseling to eligible residents with Down Syndrome.[4] Property Tax Credits: Homeowners and renters with low incomes may qualify for additional financial relief from county property taxes.[5]
Maryland residents with Down Syndrome can open an ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) account to save for disability expenses without losing eligibility for Medicaid or SSI. ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit), and earnings grow tax-free.
For SSI, income and assets are limited (e.g., $2,000 for individuals in 2025). SSDI has no asset limit, but there are strict rules about recent work history. Maryland’s EID program no longer has an income or asset limit for working people with disabilities—Medicaid is available regardless of earnings.[2]
If you’re on SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, living situation, or resources. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which may need to be repaid. Maryland DORS and your local Social Security office can help you understand reporting rules and access best practices for avoiding overpayments & reporting changes.
Maryland’s EID program is one of the strongest work incentives in the country: you can work and earn any amount, keep Medicaid, and even save in a special account—no income limit since 2024. This is especially helpful for people with Down Syndrome who want to work part-time or full-time but worry about losing health coverage.[2]
If your SSI, SSDI, or TDAP application is denied—don’t give up. Many people are approved on appeal. Contact the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services, your local Department of Social Services, or legal aid for free help with your appeal and to learn about other Maryland disability programs that may help you while you wait.
Yes, children under 18 with Down Syndrome and limited family income/resources may qualify for SSI. You must apply through Social Security and provide medical proof of disability.[6]
When a child turns 18, Social Security evaluates their eligibility as an adult, not based on parent income. If approved, they can continue to receive SSI, and may also qualify for different services as an adult.[7]
You can appeal. Many denials are overturned on appeal, so don’t give up. Consider contacting a benefits planner or legal aid for help with your appeal and to find other Maryland programs that may help in the meantime.[1][4]
Yes—adults with Down Syndrome can get Medicaid based on income, or via the EID program if working. Maryland has no income limit for EID Medicaid as of 2024, so more people can qualify.[2]
TDAP provides short-term cash benefits (up to $185/month) to low-income, disabled Marylanders without dependent children. It helps while you wait for SSI or SSDI, or during a temporary disability. You can receive TDAP for 12 months out of 36, unless you are pursuing SSI.[1][3][6]
Yes—Maryland’s EID program lets you work and keep Medicaid, even with higher income. Social Security also has work incentives for SSI/SSDI recipients, so you can explore employment without losing all benefits.[2][4]
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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ABLE accounts let Marylanders with Down Syndrome save money for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid. Contribution limits and rules are set by federal law, and Maryland has its own ABLE program.
Start with Social Security for SSI/SSDI. For state programs, go to MarylandBenefits.gov or your local Department of Social Services. For career or benefits counseling, contact Maryland DORS.[1][4]
DORS provides career planning, job training, and independent living services to Marylanders with disabilities, including Down Syndrome. They also offer benefits planning to help you keep benefits while working.[4]
Homeowners and renters with low income may qualify for credits to reduce property taxes. These credits are based on income and not specific to disability, but can help stretch your budget.[5]
