Maryland residents with dyslexia or other learning disabilities can access state and federal benefits, including SSI, SSDI, ABLE accounts, and the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP). This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, income limits, and state-specific options for cash and medical assistance.
To qualify for federal SSI or SSDI, you or your child must have a severe learning disability (like dyslexia) that significantly limits learning, speaking, reading, writing, or thinking skills for at least one year or results in death. SSI is income-based, while SSDI is based on your work credits. State-specific programs, like TDAP, may have their own rules for learning disabilities, but SSI/SSDI rules are national. SSI covers children and adults; SSDI is for adults with work history. If your disability started before age 22, you may qualify as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[4][6].
Maryland’s TDAP is for low-income, disabled adults (no dependent children) with a short-term or pending long-term disability. Your doctor must confirm the disability, including learning disabilities like dyslexia. Adults must be pursuing SSI if disabled for 12+ months. Benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you’re pursuing SSI. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program gives extra Medicaid to working people with disabilities, including learning disabilities, and has no income limit as of 2024. ABLE accounts are also available to save money without penalty[1][2][3].
To apply for Maryland disability benefits:
For SSI/SSDI:
For TDAP:
For EID:
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides monthly cash assistance to children and adults with severe disabilities and limited income. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) offers monthly payments to adults with a work history who become disabled. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration and have complex medical criteria[4][5][6].
ABLE accounts are national savings accounts for people with disabilities (including learning disabilities) that do not count against resource limits for most benefit programs.
Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) gives short-term cash help (up to $185/month) to low-income Maryland adults without children and with a documented disability, including learning disabilities[1][3][5]. TDAP is only available while you await federal disability approval or for short-term needs—benefits are limited. Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program offers extra Medicaid benefits to working Marylanders with disabilities, with especially generous rules starting in 2024[2]. Maryland Medicaid also covers children with severe learning disabilities through various waiver and state plan options.
ABLE accounts help Marylanders with dyslexia and other disabilities save money for education, housing, and other qualified expenses without losing access to SSI, Medicaid, or other state benefits. Earnings on these accounts are tax-free, and contributions are not tax-deductible in Maryland. For more, see Maryland ABLE.gov.
SSI and TDAP have strict income limits—benefits are designed for low-income individuals. However, the Maryland EID program does not count retirement accounts or your spouse’s income/resources, and there is no income limit as of 2024[2]. Always report income changes to Social Security or your caseworker.
If you receive too much in benefits (an overpayment), you must repay the excess. Avoid overpayments by reporting changes in income, employment, or household immediately. Maryland benefits planners and Social Security work incentives can help you work and keep your benefits.[4]
If you have questions or need help applying, contact your local Department of Social Services, Maryland DORS, or the Social Security Administration. Benefits planners can help you navigate work and benefits rules.
Yes, but only if the dyslexia is severe enough to significantly limit learning, speaking, reading, writing, or thinking for at least one year. Medical documentation and, for SSDI, a work history are required[4][6].
TDAP typically pays up to $185 per month for eligible adults with no dependent children and a verified disability[5].
Yes, you can work and receive SSI/SSDI in Maryland, with special work incentives to protect your benefits. The EID program even gives extra Medicaid to working people with disabilities[2][4].
Children with severe learning disabilities may qualify for SSI. Maryland Medicaid also covers children with disabilities, but TDAP is for adults only[5].
Apply at your local Department of Social Services, online at MarylandBenefits.gov, or by mail/fax. A doctor must verify your disability[1][3][5].
EID gives extra Medicaid benefits to Marylanders with disabilities who work, with no income limit as of 2024 and protections for savings and retirement accounts[2].
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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For ABLE Accounts: Visit Maryland ABLE.gov, register, and follow the instructions to deposit and manage funds.
You can save money in an ABLE account without losing benefits. Funds can be used for education, housing, and more, making it easier to afford supports and services.
It can take several months, sometimes longer if you need to appeal a denial. Apply as soon as possible and follow up on requests for information[5].
You can appeal. Many people are denied at first but win on appeal. Get help from a benefits planner or legal aid if needed.
Contact your local Department of Social Services, the Maryland Department of Human Services, or a benefits planner for assistance with SSI, SSDI, TDAP, and Medicaid[1][3][5].
