Maryland offers a range of benefits for people with Spina Bifida including cash assistance, Medicaid, and work incentives. Programs like TDAP, Medicaid waivers, and the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) Program can help with medical costs, community living, and employment support. Understanding your federal and state options can make a big difference in accessing the care and resources you need.
At the federal level, people with disabilities—including those with Spina Bifida—can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they have worked enough years and paid into Social Security. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), available if you have limited income and resources, supports those who haven’t worked much or paid into Social Security but are disabled, blind, or over 65[4][5]. For SSI, your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[5]. SSDI is linked to your earnings record, but SSI is a needs-based federal program for those with severe disabilities and low income[4]. Children with Spina Bifida might also qualify under a parent’s Social Security record, especially as adults if their disability began before age 22[6].
Maryland’s Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides cash assistance up to $185 per month for low-income adults (with no dependent children) who are disabled, including those with Spina Bifida[1][3][5]. Proof of disability from a licensed medical provider is required[1][3]. TDAP is mainly for those waiting for federal benefits (like SSI or SSDI) or with short-term needs. You can only receive TDAP for 12 months out of 36 unless actively pursuing SSI[1]. The state’s Medicaid and EID programs help with medical costs and community living for people with disabilities who are working[2]. EID rules have improved: income limits were removed, and retirement and Independence Accounts do not count against asset limits[2].
To apply for Maryland disability benefits, start with the federal SSI or SSDI programs by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visiting their website[5]. For state help like TDAP, go to your local Department of Social Services or use MarylandBenefits.gov[1]. For Medicaid and employment supports, check the Maryland Department of Health and the EID Program[2]. Use benefits counseling services in Maryland (like WIPA or DORS) for help with work incentives and reporting[4].
The main federal programs for people with Spina Bifida are SSI (monthly cash support for those with low income/resources) and SSDI (monthly payments if you’ve paid into Social Security and can no longer work)[4][5]. Both require proving your disability with medical evidence. The federal Ticket to Work Program and work incentives help you explore employment without losing benefits[4]. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for more details.
Maryland offers several state-specific supports: TDAP (Temporary Disability Assistance Program) provides up to $185/month for eligible adults with Spina Bifida and no dependent children[1][3][5]. Medicaid covers medical and community-based services—apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local department of health. EID (Employed Individuals with Disabilities Program) offers Medicaid to people with disabilities who work, with no income limit and flexible asset rules[2]. HCBS Waivers provide additional in-home and community supports for eligible individuals with Spina Bifida—contact the Developmental Disabilities Administration for details. DORS and WIPA provide benefits counseling and employment planning[4]. ABLE accounts help people with disabilities save for the future without losing eligibility for Medicaid or SSI[2].
Maryland ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities (including Spina Bifida) to save up to $18,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified expenses like housing, transportation, and healthcare. Maryland’s EID program also lets participants save in Independence Accounts, not counted against Medicaid limits[2].
SSI has federal income and asset limits, but Maryland’s EID program for working people with disabilities has no income limit as of 2024[2]. TDAP requires low income and no dependent children; amounts may change, so check with your local Department of Social Services for current figures[1][3]. SSDI eligibility is based on work credits, not income[4][5].
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in your income, resources, or living situation to Social Security, Medicaid, and TDAP as soon as possible to avoid overpayments. The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) can help you understand reporting requirements and work incentives[4]. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more.
Maryland’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers offer extra support for people with Spina Bifida who need help living at home and participating in the community. These waivers can cover personal care, respite, therapies, and more. Contact the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration to learn more and check eligibility.
Maryland’s Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) and the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program provide free, expert help with benefits planning, especially if you want to work or are already working. Use these services to avoid mistakes and maximize your benefits.
Maryland ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing your SSI and Medicaid. In 2025, you can save up to $18,000 a year, and the money in the account doesn’t count as a resource for public benefits.
TDAP is for people waiting on SSI or with short-term need; you should not receive both at the same time. If you get SSI, you are not eligible for TDAP. If you are denied SSI, TDAP can help while you appeal[1][3].
Maryland Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, therapy, and supportive services. The EID Program extends Medicaid to working people with disabilities, even if their income is higher than usual limits. HCBS waivers may offer extra in-home and community support[2].
Working may affect SSI, but federal work incentives and Maryland’s EID Program help you keep Medicaid and some cash benefits. Use benefits counseling to plan for your unique situation[2][4].
You can open a Maryland ABLE account online. These accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. There are yearly contribution limits and rules on how you can spend the money.
Children with Spina Bifida may qualify for SSI based on family income and resources. If a parent receives SSDI, the child may get benefits as a dependent. After age 18, eligibility may continue if the disability began before 22 and other requirements are met[6].
Contact the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) or join the Maryland Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Project (WIPA) for free counseling on benefits and work incentives[4].
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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TDAP is usually a short-term benefit (up to 12 months out of 36). Reapply as instructed by your local Department of Social Services. If you are pursuing SSI, keep your application active[1][3].
Contact the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration. They oversee waiver programs for in-home and community-based support services for eligible individuals.
Yes, many people with disabilities have both. Medicaid can help with Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs. The EID Program is especially useful if you are working and have higher income[2].
You can appeal the decision. While you appeal, you may qualify for Maryland TDAP if you have no dependent children and meet income and disability rules. Consider getting help from a legal aid organization or benefits counselor[1][3][4].
