Heart Disease Benefits in Maryland: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with heart disease, your condition must prevent you from working for at least 12 months and meet Social Security’s definition of disability. SSI is for those with low income and few assets, while SSDI requires a work history. Both programs cover chronic illnesses like heart disease if they severely limit your ability to work. Children with heart disease may also qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria.

• SSI: Must have limited income and resources, be disabled, and meet age or disability requirements.
• SSDI: Must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, have a qualifying disability, and meet work credit rules.
• Children: May qualify if heart disease began before age 22 and meets adult disability standards.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

Sources: Social Security Administration (2025-11-06)

In Maryland, adults with heart disease may qualify for Temporary Disability Assistance (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, often while waiting for federal disability approval. You must verify your disability with a medical report from a licensed practitioner.

Maryland also offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID). If you work for pay and have heart disease, you may qualify for Medicaid even if your income is high. EID does not count a spouse’s resources, retirement accounts, or savings in Independence Accounts against eligibility.

• TDAP: Must be disabled for less than 12 months or awaiting federal benefits.
• EID: Must work for pay; no income limit; covers medical and essential services.

Sources: MD DHS TDAP (2025-11-06), MD Works EID (2025-11-06)

• Check if you meet SSI/SSDI criteria for heart disease.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online, by phone, or in person at Social Security.
• For TDAP, apply at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
• For EID Medicaid, apply through your local Social Services if you work for pay.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Report changes to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Gather documents. Collect medical records (doctor’s report, test results), proof of income, and ID.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI. Go to ssa.gov or call 800-772-1213. Apply as soon as possible; SSDI has a 5-month delay.
• Step 3: Apply for TDAP. Visit your local Department of Social Services, apply by mail/fax, or online at MarylandBenefits.gov. You’ll need a medical report from a licensed practitioner.
• Step 4: Apply for EID Medicaid. If you work for pay, apply through your local Social Services. EID has no income limit and covers Medicaid for workers with disabilities.
• Step 5: Report changes. Notify agencies if your income, work status, or health changes to avoid overpayments.
• Step 6: Follow up. Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Call agencies if you don’t hear back in 2-3 weeks.

Sources: MD DHS TDAP (2025-11-06), MD Works EID (2025-11-06), Social Security (2025-11-06)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash for low-income disabled adults and children. Heart disease qualifies if it prevents work for 12+ months.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash for those with a work history and qualifying disability. Heart disease qualifies if it meets Social Security’s criteria.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC): Adults with heart disease that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits on a parent’s Social Security record.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Provides cash benefits (up to $185/month) to low-income, disabled Marylanders with no dependent children. Benefits last up to 12 months in a 36-month period, often while awaiting federal disability approval. Must verify disability with a medical report.
• Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: Medicaid for workers with disabilities. If you work for pay and have heart disease, you may qualify for Medicaid regardless of income. EID covers medical and essential services, does not count spouse’s resources, retirement accounts, or Independence Accounts savings.
• Medicaid Waivers: May help with long-term care needs for those with heart disease. Learn more about Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)

Sources: MD DHS TDAP (2025-11-06), MD Works EID (2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts let Maryland residents with heart disease save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can save up to $18,000 per year, and savings in Independence Accounts for EID Medicaid do not count against resource limits. Learn more about ABLE Accounts

• SSI: Very low income and resources. Use our SSI Income Estimator
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but must not be doing substantial work.
• TDAP: Low-income, no dependent children.
• EID Medicaid: No income limit if you work for pay.

Report changes to avoid overpayments. Learn more about reporting changes

You must report changes in income, work status, or health to SSI, SSDI, TDAP, and EID Medicaid. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and penalties. Keep records of all changes and notify agencies promptly. Learn more about avoiding overpayments

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 800-772-1213

  TTY: 800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 AM–7 PM, Mon–Fri

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI
• Maryland Department of Human Services
  Phone: 800-332-6347

  Hours: 8 AM–5 PM, Mon–Fri

  Website

  Apply for TDAP, SNAP, Medicaid

• Can I get disability benefits for heart disease in Maryland?

  Yes, if your heart disease prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. Maryland also offers TDAP for short-term needs and EID Medicaid if you work for pay.

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

  SSI and SSDI amounts vary based on income and work history. TDAP provides up to $185 per month. EID Medicaid covers medical costs but not cash benefits.

• Do I need to be unemployed to get disability benefits?

  No. You can work and still get SSI or SSDI if your earnings are below the substantial gainful activity limit. EID Medicaid is for those who work for pay.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for heart disease?

  Apply for SSI/SSDI through Social Security online, by phone, or in person. Apply for TDAP at your local Social Services or online. Apply for EID Medicaid through Social Services if you work for pay.

• What medical proof do I need for disability benefits?

  You need a medical report from a licensed practitioner showing your heart disease and how it limits your ability to work. Social Security may request additional records.

• Can I get Medicaid if I work and have heart disease?

  Yes. Maryland’s EID program lets you get Medicaid if you work for pay, even with high income. Retirement accounts and Independence Accounts savings do not count against eligibility.