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Maryland • Mental Health
If you have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Maryland, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include cash assistance, health coverage, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs for Maryland residents with OCD.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability. You must have a medical diagnosis and documentation showing your OCD symptoms limit your ability to work, such as difficulty concentrating, completing tasks, or interacting with others. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must also have low income and limited resources. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a work history and enough Social Security credits. Both programs require detailed medical records and may take several months to process[1].
In Maryland, people with OCD may qualify for state disability programs if they do not have dependent children and meet income requirements. The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides cash help for short-term disability or while waiting for federal benefits. To qualify, you must verify your disability with a medical report from a licensed practitioner. TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are applying for SSI. Maryland also offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID), which lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid if they work for pay. The EID program has no income limit and allows savings in special accounts[3].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Maryland, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Funds in an ABLE account do not count toward SSI or Medicaid resource limits. This can help you save for future needs while keeping your benefits[6].
For SSI, the income limit is low and changes yearly. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to work. For TDAP, you must have low income and no dependent children. For EID, there is no income limit, but you must work for pay. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments[2][4].
If your income, living situation, or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to repayment or loss of benefits. Report changes as soon as possible to keep your benefits and avoid problems[5].
Contact your local Department of Social Services or a benefits counselor for help with your application. They can help you fill out forms and gather documents.
Yes, if your OCD is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must provide medical records showing how your symptoms limit your ability to work[2].
SSI is for people with low income and few assets, while SSDI is for those with a qualifying work history. Both require proof of disability and ongoing symptoms[2].
Gather medical records, apply for SSI/SSDI online or at a Social Security office, and apply for state programs like TDAP or EID online or at your local Department of Social Services[4].
Maryland offers TDAP for short-term cash help and EID for Medicaid coverage if you work. Both require medical verification and application through local social services[4].
Yes, Maryland’s EID program lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid if they work. SSI and SSDI also have work incentives that let you try working without losing all benefits[3][2].
The process can take several months. You may be asked for more information or to attend an interview. Keep copies of all documents and follow up regularly[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current information and eligibility requirements.
You can appeal the decision. Seek help from a benefits counselor or legal aid if needed. You may need to provide more medical records or attend a hearing[2].
You do not need a lawyer, but legal aid or a benefits counselor can help you with the process, especially if your application is denied[2].
Yes, you can get help from a benefits counselor, legal aid, or your local Department of Social Services. They can help you fill out forms and gather documents[2].
If your symptoms get worse, you can report the change and may be able to get more benefits. Always report changes in your health to avoid overpayments[5].
