Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in Maryland

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with PTSD, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months.
• SSI is for people with low income and few assets. SSDI is for those who have paid enough Social Security taxes.
• You must provide medical evidence from a licensed professional showing your PTSD symptoms and how they limit your daily life.
• Both programs require you to report changes in income, living situation, or health.
• Work incentives allow some people to try working without losing all benefits.

Source: Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-06)

• In Maryland, the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) helps low-income adults with disabilities, including PTSD, who have no dependent children.
• To qualify for TDAP, you must be disabled (verified by a medical professional), meet low-income standards, and have assets under $1,500.
• TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless you are applying for SSI.
• Maryland Medicaid covers mental health services for people with disabilities, including therapy and medication.
• The Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid if they work for pay.

Source: Maryland Department of Human Services (accessed 2025-11-06), Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06), MDWorks (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records showing your PTSD diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Collect proof of income and assets.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or by phone.
• Apply for TDAP at your local Department of Social Services or online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
• For Medicaid, apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local DSS office.
• Report any changes in your situation to keep benefits active.

• Step 1: Get Medical Documentation

  • Visit a licensed mental health professional to get a diagnosis and a report detailing your PTSD symptoms and limitations.
  • Ask your provider to complete any required forms for SSI/SSDI or TDAP.

• Step 2: Collect Financial Information

  • Gather recent pay stubs, bank statements, and proof of any other income or assets.
  • Make sure you know your household size and income.

• Step 3: Apply for Federal Benefits

  • Go to SSA.gov and create an account.
  • Fill out the SSI or SSDI application online, or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
  • Submit all required documents.

• Step 4: Apply for State Benefits

  • Visit your local Department of Social Services office to apply for TDAP in person, or apply online at MarylandBenefits.gov.
  • For Medicaid, apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local DSS office.

• Step 5: Follow Up and Report Changes

  • Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
  • Respond to any requests for more information.
  • Report changes in income, assets, or health to avoid overpayments.

• Step 6: Seek Help if Needed

  • Contact a benefits counselor or advocate if you need help with the process.
  • Use resources like Maryland Access Point for guidance.

Source: Maryland Department of Human Services (accessed 2025-11-06), (accessed 2025-11-06), (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with disabilities and low income. PTSD must be severe enough to prevent work for at least 12 months.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have paid enough Social Security taxes. PTSD must be severe enough to prevent work for at least 12 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income. Covers mental health services.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months.

Source: Social Security Administration (accessed 2025-11-06), Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP): Short-term cash help for low-income adults with disabilities, including PTSD, who have no dependent children. Benefits are limited to 12 months in a 36-month period unless applying for SSI.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income. Covers mental health services, therapy, and medication.
• Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program: Lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid if they work for pay. Income limits have been removed as of 2024.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Extra support for people with disabilities to live in the community, including therapy and personal care.

Source: Maryland Department of Human Services (accessed 2025-11-06), Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06), MDWorks (accessed 2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Maryland offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including PTSD. You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses like therapy, education, and housing.

Source: Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)

• TDAP: Countable income must be under $185 per month. Assets must be under $1,500.
• SSI: Income and asset limits apply. Some income, like job training stipends, may not count.
• SSDI: No income limit, but you must have paid enough Social Security taxes.
• Medicaid: Income and asset limits apply. The EID Program has no income limit as of 2024.

Source: Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06), MDWorks (accessed 2025-11-06)

You must report changes in income, assets, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes as soon as possible to keep your benefits active.

Source: Maryland Department of Human Services (accessed 2025-11-06), Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Maryland Department of Human Services
  Phone: 1-800-332-6347

  Website

  For TDAP, SNAP, and other state benefits
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare
• Maryland Access Point
  Phone: 2-1-1

  Website

  For help finding and applying for benefits

• Can I get disability benefits for PTSD in Maryland?

  Yes, you can qualify for SSI, SSDI, or TDAP if your PTSD is severe enough to prevent work for at least 12 months. You need medical documentation and must meet income and asset limits.

• How do I apply for disability benefits for PTSD in Maryland?

  Gather medical records, apply for SSI/SSDI online or by phone, and apply for TDAP at your local Department of Social Services or online. For Medicaid, apply through Maryland Health Connection.

• What is the income limit for TDAP in Maryland?

  For TDAP, your countable income must be under $185 per month, and your assets must be under $1,500. Some income and assets do not count.

• Can I work and still get disability benefits for PTSD in Maryland?

  Yes, work incentives let you try working without losing all benefits. The EID Program lets you keep Medicaid if you work for pay.

• How long does it take to get TDAP benefits in Maryland?

  The review process for TDAP usually takes about 30 days after you apply at your local Department of Social Services.

• What medical evidence do I need for PTSD disability benefits?

  You need a diagnosis and a report from a licensed mental health professional showing your PTSD symptoms and how they limit your daily life.

• Can I get Medicaid if I have PTSD in Maryland?