People with epilepsy in Maryland may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP). These programs help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, epilepsy must be severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. For SSI, you must have low income and limited resources. SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits. Children with epilepsy may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability criteria and their family's income is low. Adults with epilepsy that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent's record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. All applicants must provide medical documentation from a licensed provider.
In Maryland, people with epilepsy may qualify for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) if they are low-income, disabled, and have no dependent children. TDAP provides cash benefits for up to 12 months in a 36-month period, unless the applicant is pursuing federal disability benefits. Applicants must have a medical report from a licensed practitioner. Maryland also offers Medicaid through the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program for those who work, with no income limit and expanded asset rules. People with epilepsy may also qualify for Medicaid waivers and other state programs based on income and disability status.
Source: Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06, Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06, SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, Maryland ABLE, 2025-11-06
Source: Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06, MD Works, 2025-11-06, Maryland Access Point, 2025-11-06
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. In Maryland, you can open an ABLE account online. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses. The account does not count against resource limits for SSI and Medicaid.
Source: Maryland ABLE, 2025-11-06
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. SSDI has no income limit but requires enough work credits. Maryland TDAP is for low-income individuals with no dependent children. The EID Program has no income limit and expanded asset rules. Medicaid and Medicaid waivers have income and asset limits that vary by program.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025-11-06, Maryland DHS, 2025-11-06
You must report changes in income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes to your local Department of Social Services or Social Security office as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Contact your local Department of Social Services or call 211 for assistance with applications and eligibility questions.
Yes, epilepsy can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it is severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. You must provide medical documentation from a licensed provider. SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI requires a work history and enough Social Security credits.
TDAP provides cash benefits to low-income, disabled Marylanders with no dependent children for up to 12 months in a 36-month period. Applicants must have a medical report from a licensed practitioner and must be pursuing federal disability benefits if disabled for 12 months or more.
You can apply for Medicaid through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services. If you work for pay, you may qualify for the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program, which provides Medicaid with no income limit and expanded asset rules.
Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with epilepsy. These programs help people live in the community instead of institutions. Contact the Developmental Disabilities Administration or your local DSS for more information.
Yes, there are work incentives that allow people with disabilities to try employment without losing benefits. The EID Program provides Medicaid to people with disabilities who work for pay. Social Security also has work incentives for SSI and SSDI recipients.
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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An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, and other qualified expenses.
You must report changes in income, employment, or medical status to your local Department of Social Services or Social Security office as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications to avoid overpayments.
Maryland offers the Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit, Renters' Tax Credit, and other programs to help with basic living expenses. Contact your local Department of Social Services or Maryland Access Point for more information.
Yes, children with epilepsy may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability criteria and their family's income is low. Adults with epilepsy that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent's record if the parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.
You need a medical report from a licensed practitioner that includes your diagnosis, treatment, and how epilepsy affects your daily life. The report should be recent and detailed to support your application.
