If you have a mobility impairment in Maryland, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and state cash assistance. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, Maryland programs designed for people with disabilities, and special accounts (ABLE) that let you save without losing benefits.
For federal disability benefits in Maryland, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available if you are disabled, have limited income and resources, and your disability is expected to last at least 12 months. SSDI is for people who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes; your work history, not just your medical needs, determines eligibility[7]. Family members may also qualify for benefits in some cases. Both programs require medical proof of your disability, and SSI has strict income and asset limits, while SSDI does not count household income the same way. Work incentives, like the Ticket to Work program, help you try employment without immediately losing benefits[4].
Maryland offers extra support for people with disabilities. The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides cash benefits—up to $185 per month—for adults with disabilities who have no dependent children, low income, and are either unable to work or waiting for federal disability approval. You must verify your disability with a licensed medical practitioner and can only receive TDAP for 12 months in a 36-month period unless you’re applying for SSI[1][3][5]. Maryland’s Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program provides Medicaid to people with disabilities who work, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid, and lets you save in special Independence Accounts without losing benefits[2]. Homeowners and renters with disabilities and low income may also qualify for property tax credits[5].
To access Maryland disability benefits for mobility impairment, start by applying for SSI/SSDI online at the Social Security Administration (SSA) website or call your local SSA office. For state programs like TDAP, contact your local Maryland Department of Social Services (DSS) office. Use the Maryland Benefits portal to screen for eligibility and find other support programs[1][5]. ABLE accounts can be opened online through a national provider. Contact your local DSS or visit Maryland Access Point for more help[5].
Federal Benefits (SSI/SSDI):
Maryland TDAP:
Maryland EID Program:
Property Tax Credits:
ABLE Accounts:
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash payments if you have a disability, limited income, and resources. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month, but actual amounts depend on your income and living situation. SSI is for those without enough work history for SSDI[7].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Offers monthly benefits to people with disabilities who have worked and paid into Social Security. Benefit amounts depend on your past earnings. You can work part-time and still receive benefits under certain rules[7][8].
Work Incentives: Includes programs like Ticket to Work and continued Medicare/Medicaid while working, helping you transition to employment without losing coverage[4].
Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Offers short-term cash assistance (up to $185/month) to low-income Maryland adults with disabilities and no dependent children, especially those waiting for SSI approval. You must apply through your local DSS and have a licensed medical professional verify your disability. Benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are pursuing SSI[1][3][5].
Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: Medicaid for Marylanders with disabilities who work—even if their income is too high for standard Medicaid. EID has no income limit, does not count a spouse’s assets or retirement accounts, and allows special savings accounts (Independence Accounts). This is a strong incentive for people with disabilities to work without losing essential health coverage[2].
Property Tax Credits: Homeowners and renters with disabilities and low income may get property tax relief through state credits. These programs reduce the amount you pay in property taxes or rent[5].
Maryland Access Point: A single portal (.211md.org) for screening and applying to state health, food, energy, and cash assistance programs for older adults and people with disabilities[5].
ABLE Accounts: While Maryland does not have its own ABLE program, residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts through any state’s program to save for disability expenses without losing federal benefits.
ABLE accounts let Maryland residents with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) for qualified disability expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other federal benefits. Earnings grow tax-free and withdrawals for disability expenses are not taxed. You can open an ABLE account through any state’s program; Maryland does not run its own.
SSI has strict income and asset limits—$2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple (2025). Some income is not counted. SSDI has no asset limit and does not count household income, but your benefit is based on your past earnings. Maryland Medicaid and EID have different rules—EID allows higher incomes and special savings accounts for people with disabilities who work[2][7].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or employment to the SSA and your local DSS. Failing to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. Work with a benefits counselor if you’re unsure how working will affect your benefits (see Ticket to Work and WIPA)[4]. For more, see our guide: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Maryland’s EID Program is a powerful incentive for people with disabilities to work. If you’re employed, you can qualify for Medicaid no matter your income, and you can even save money in special accounts without losing benefits. You also get extra protections: your spouse’s assets, retirement accounts, and Independence Account savings don’t count against Medicaid eligibility[2].
TDAP is a lifeline for Maryland adults with disabilities who have no dependent children and are waiting for SSI approval or experiencing a short-term disability. You must complete a medical report and can only receive benefits for 12 months in a 36-month period, but it’s a crucial stopgap while you’re in the federal disability application process[1][3].
SSI is for people with disabilities, low income, and limited assets, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI has strict income limits; SSDI does not. You may qualify for both, but your SSI payment will be reduced if you get SSDI. Learn more at [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi).
Yes. The EID Program gives Medicaid to Marylanders with disabilities who work, even if their income is too high for regular Medicaid. It also lets you save in special accounts without losing benefits[2].
TDAP provides up to $185 per month to eligible adults with disabilities and no dependent children. Benefits are temporary and are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period, except if you are applying for SSI[1][5].
Maryland offers property tax credits for homeowners and renters with disabilities and low income. These credits can lower your property tax bill or rent payments. Apply through the State Department of Assessments and Taxation for homeowners or during tax season for renters[5].
Contact both SSA (for SSI/SSDI) and your local DSS (for state benefits) to report any changes. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments or loss of benefits. See [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting).
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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For all programs, keep records and report changes in income, living situation, or employment to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free. Open an ABLE account through any state’s ABLE program[ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts).
Use Maryland Benefits (MarylandBenefits.gov) or Maryland Access Point (211md.org) to screen for eligibility and apply to multiple health, food, cash, and energy assistance programs[5].
Maryland’s EID Program, SSI/SSDI work incentives, and Ticket to Work can help you try work without immediately losing benefits. Consult a benefits counselor for personalized planning[2][4].
Local DSS offices, SSA, Maryland Access Point, and benefits counselors (like those at WIPA or DORS) can help you understand and apply for disability benefits in Maryland[4][5].
Appeal the decision with SSA and consider applying for TDAP as a stopgap. TDAP is designed for Marylanders waiting for federal disability approval[1][3].
