People with low vision in Maryland can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. Maryland also offers state-specific programs like Temporary Disability Assistance and Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for low vision residents.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with low vision, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. This means your vision loss must be severe enough to prevent you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSA uses specific medical criteria for vision loss, including visual acuity and field of vision. You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have limited income and resources, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have a qualifying work history. Both programs provide monthly payments and may include Medicaid or Medicare. Work incentives are available if you want to try working while receiving benefits.
Maryland does not have its own state disability cash benefit program, but residents with low vision can access several state-administered programs. The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides short-term cash help to low-income disabled adults without dependent children. To qualify, you must have a medical report from a licensed practitioner and may need to apply for federal disability benefits if your disability is expected to last 12 months or more. TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are pursuing SSI.
Maryland also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can provide supports for people with low vision, such as personal care, assistive technology, and day programs. The Community Pathways Waiver consolidates several waivers and includes self-direction options, allowing participants to choose and manage their own services.
The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program helps people with disabilities keep Medicaid if they work for pay. Maryland recently improved EID by removing income limits and allowing savings in Independence Accounts.
Step 1: Get Medical Documentation
Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 3: Apply for State Programs
Step 4: Explore Work Incentives
Step 5: Report Changes
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Maryland, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Contributions are tax-free, and funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as assistive technology, education, housing, and transportation. The account does not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits, making it a valuable tool for financial independence.
Learn more about ABLE Accounts
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the individual resource limit is $2,000, and the couple limit is $3,000. Income limits vary based on your situation. SSDI has no resource limit, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level to qualify. Maryland’s TDAP program has its own income limits, which are revised periodically. The EID program has no income limit, and retirement accounts and Independence Accounts do not count against the resource limit.
You must report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands and loss of benefits. Report changes to SSA online, by phone, or in person. For state programs, report changes to your local Department of Social Services. Use the SSA online portal or contact your local office for help.
Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes
Contact your local Department of Social Services or the Maryland Department of Disabilities for help with applications and benefits planning.
Yes, low vision can qualify for federal disability benefits if it meets SSA criteria. You must have medical documentation showing your vision loss is severe enough to prevent work and is expected to last at least 12 months. Maryland also offers state programs like TDAP and Medicaid waivers for people with low vision.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, including those with low vision. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly payments and may include Medicaid or Medicare. SSI has strict income and resource limits, while SSDI does not.
Gather medical records, apply for federal benefits at SSA.gov, and apply for state programs at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov. If you work, check if you qualify for the EID program to keep Medicaid.
Maryland offers TDAP for short-term cash help, Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services, the EID program for workers with disabilities, ABLE accounts for savings, and property tax credits for homeowners and renters with disabilities.
Yes, work incentives let you keep benefits while working. The EID program helps workers with disabilities keep Medicaid. You can also save in an ABLE account without losing benefits. Talk to a benefits counselor about your options.
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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The individual resource limit for SSI is $2,000, and the couple limit is $3,000. Income limits vary based on your situation. SSDI has no resource limit, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level to qualify.
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA online, by phone, or in person. For state programs, report changes to your local Department of Social Services. Use the SSA online portal or contact your local office for help.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as assistive technology, education, housing, and transportation. The account does not count against SSI or Medicaid resource limits.
Yes, Maryland offers property tax credits for eligible homeowners and renters with disabilities. The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit and Renters’ Tax Credit can help offset property tax costs based on income and household size.
The Community Pathways Waiver is a Maryland Medicaid waiver that consolidates several waivers and provides home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with low vision. It includes self-direction options, allowing participants to choose and manage their own services.
