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Maryland • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in Maryland, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs such as Temporary Disability Assistance (TDAP) and Medicaid. These programs can help cover medical costs, living expenses, and support your independence.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. Your kidney disease must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSI is not based on work history. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $967, but Maryland may add a small state supplement[5][6].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people with a qualifying work history and a disability that prevents work for at least 12 months. SSDI payments depend on your past earnings. You may qualify for SSDI if kidney disease prevents you from working[5][6][7].
Medicaid: Federal health coverage for low-income individuals. In Maryland, Medicaid covers dialysis, transplant care, and other kidney disease treatments for eligible residents[2][6].
Medicare: Most people with kidney failure qualify for Medicare after 3 months of dialysis, regardless of age[7].
Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Maryland’s TDAP helps low-income adults with disabilities who do not have dependent children. You must have a short-term disability or be waiting for federal disability approval. TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are applying for SSI[1][3][6].
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: If you work and have kidney disease, EID lets you keep Medicaid even if your income is above normal limits. As of 2024, there is no income cap, and you can save in Independence Accounts without losing benefits[2].
Medicaid Waivers: Maryland offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with kidney disease who need long-term care at home[2].
ABLE Accounts: Maryland residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid[2].
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Step 2: Gather Documents
Step 3: Apply
Step 4: Follow Up
Step 5: Report Changes
Maryland residents with kidney disease can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses. These accounts do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and use funds for qualified expenses like medical care, housing, and transportation[2].
If your income, health, or living situation changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, or your local Department of Social Services as soon as possible[4].
Contact your local Department of Social Services or a benefits counselor for help with applications and eligibility questions.
Yes, if your kidney disease meets SSA’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSI, SSDI, or state programs like TDAP and Medicaid. You must provide medical proof and meet income and resource requirements[5][6][7].
In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $967. Maryland may add a small state supplement. Your actual payment may be lower based on your income and living situation[5][6].
Yes, Social Security has work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. Maryland’s EID program also helps workers with disabilities keep Medicaid even if their income is above normal limits[2][4].
TDAP is Maryland’s short-term disability assistance program for low-income adults with disabilities who do not have dependent children. You must have a short-term disability or be waiting for federal disability approval[1][3][6].
Yes, Medicaid covers dialysis, transplant care, and other kidney disease treatments for eligible Maryland residents. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for long-term care at home[2][6].
Apply for SSI/SSDI through Social Security, TDAP through your local Department of Social Services, and Medicaid through MarylandHealthConnection.gov. Gather medical records and proof of income before applying[1][3][6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Eligibility and benefits may change. Always verify with official sources.
Yes, you can save in an ABLE account without losing SSI or Medicaid. Maryland’s EID program also lets you save in Independence Accounts without losing Medicaid[2].
You must report changes in income to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, or your local Department of Social Services[4].
Yes, children with kidney disease may qualify for SSI if they meet SSA’s definition of disability and their family meets income and resource requirements. Children may also qualify for Medicaid[5][6].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history. Both programs require that your kidney disease meets SSA’s definition of disability[5][6][7].
