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Maryland • Chronic Illness
Maryland offers a range of programs and benefits for people living with HIV/AIDS, including cash assistance, health coverage, and work incentives. This guide covers federal and state options, eligibility, application steps, and key questions—helping Marylanders with HIV/AIDS access the support they need.
To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources and a disability (including HIV/AIDS) expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI requires work credits from jobs covered by Social Security and a disability preventing work for 12+ months. Both programs include medical and financial eligibility reviews by the Social Security Administration[4][6].
Maryland's Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) helps low-income disabled adults, including those with HIV/AIDS, who have no dependent children and are awaiting federal disability approval. Eligibility requires proof of disability from a licensed medical practitioner. If your disability is expected to last 12+ months, you must also apply for SSI. You can only receive TDAP for 12 months in a 36-month period unless actively pursuing SSI[1][3][5]. The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program offers Medicaid to working Marylanders with disabilities regardless of income—there is no income limit, and certain assets (like retirement accounts) do not count[2].
Start by gathering medical records and financial documents. For SSI/SSDI, apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For Maryland TDAP, apply in person, by mail, or online through MarylandBenefits.gov. For EID/Medicaid, apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services. Benefits counselors can help with applications and work incentives[1][2][5].
SSI/SSDI: Collect medical evidence of your HIV/AIDS diagnosis and disability. Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office. The process can take several months; check status online or by phone.
TDAP: Bring proof of income, assets, and a completed medical report from your doctor to your local Department of Social Services. You can also apply online via MarylandBenefits.gov or by mail/fax. If your disability is long-term, you must also file for SSI[1][3][5].
Medicaid/EID: Apply for Medicaid through Maryland Health Connection. If you work and have a disability, ask about the EID program for expanded coverage and asset rules. EID has no income limit and allows savings in special accounts[2].
Get Help: Contact a benefits counselor (WIPA or DORS) for help with work incentives and reporting changes[4].
SSI and SSDI are federal programs providing monthly cash payments to people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, who meet medical and financial criteria. SSI is for low-income individuals, while SSDI requires prior work history[4][6]. Both offer Medicaid or Medicare eligibility in most cases.
Medicare covers hospital and medical insurance for those with SSDI after a waiting period, or immediately for those with ESRD or ALS[4]. For a full comparison, see SSI vs SSDI.
Medicaid is available through SSI in most states, but Marylanders may also qualify for Medicaid through the EID program, which rewards work for people with disabilities[2].
Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides up to $185/month in cash benefits to low-income disabled adults without children, including those with HIV/AIDS awaiting SSI approval[1][3][5]. Apply through your local Department of Social Services.
EID (Employed Individuals with Disabilities) is Maryland’s Medicaid buy-in program for working people with disabilities. As of 2024, there’s no income limit, and retirement assets and certain savings accounts don’t count. EID covers Medicaid services, including prescriptions and community-based care, even if you have Medicare[2].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) may also be available for people who need long-term services and supports; see Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) for details.
Maryland’s Department of Disabilities (MDOD) and DORS offer employment support and benefits planning for people with disabilities who want to work[4].
ABLE accounts let Marylanders with disabilities save money without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility (up to $100,000 in ABLE savings won’t count toward SSI’s resource limit). Learn more at ABLE Accounts.
EID Independence Accounts allow working people with disabilities to save money without losing Medicaid coverage—another way Maryland rewards work[2].
SSI has strict income and resource limits (updated annually by SSA). Maryland’s TDAP also has income limits, but the EID program has no income limit for working people with disabilities[2][5].
If you receive SSI, SSDI, TDAP, or Medicaid, you must report income or asset changes promptly to avoid overpayments. See Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for details.
Maryland's EID program rewards people with disabilities who work by letting them keep Medicaid coverage, no matter how much they earn. Since 2024, there is no income limit, and you can even save money in special Independence Accounts without losing Medicaid eligibility—making Maryland a supportive state for people with disabilities who want to work[2].
If you have HIV/AIDS and cannot work, but don't have children and are waiting for SSI approval, TDAP can provide temporary cash assistance (up to $185/month) while you wait for federal benefits. Apply quickly to avoid gaps in support[1][3][5].
No, TDAP is for Marylanders awaiting approval of SSI. If approved for SSI, you will no longer receive TDAP. You also cannot collect TDAP for more than 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are actively pursuing SSI[1][3].
Maryland’s EID program lets you keep Medicaid even when your income increases from work. SSI and SSDI also have special work incentives that allow you to earn more without immediately losing benefits—talk to a benefits counselor to make a plan[2][4].
TDAP provides up to $185 per month for eligible individuals without dependent children. The exact amount depends on your income and living situation[5].
Yes, after a 24-month waiting period from your SSDI entitlement date, you become eligible for Medicare. People with ESRD or ALS qualify immediately[4].
While there is no Maryland program specifically for HIV/AIDS, you may qualify for regular Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, or the EID program if you meet medical eligibility. Prescriptions and hospital care are generally covered[2].
Yes, apply for SSI or SSDI at ssa.gov/benefits/disability/ or call 1-800-772-1213. The process is the same for all states, including Maryland[4].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only. Your eligibility depends on your individual situation. Always verify details with official agencies and consult a benefits counselor for personal advice.
No, Maryland does not have a state short-term disability insurance program for private sector workers. TDAP is available only for those who are disabled and have no dependent children[1][3].
ABLE accounts allow Marylanders with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. They are especially useful for long-term financial planning and independence—see [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for details.
Contact your local Department of Social Services for TDAP, Maryland Health Connection for Medicaid/EID, or the Social Security Administration for SSI/SSDI. Benefits counselors (WIPA and DORS) can help you understand work incentives and avoid overpayments[1][2][4].
If denied, you can appeal within 60 days. Consider getting help from a legal aid organization or benefits counselor. You may be eligible for TDAP while waiting for your appeal to be processed[3].
