If you have a spinal cord injury in Maryland, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include cash assistance, health coverage, and support for work and independence. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a spinal cord injury that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you need low income and few assets. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked enough to earn Social Security credits. Both programs require medical proof of disability. Children with spinal cord injury may also qualify for benefits if they meet the criteria.
Source: SSA.gov (accessed 2025-11-06)
In Maryland, you may qualify for Temporary Disability Assistance (TDAP) if you have a spinal cord injury and are waiting for federal benefits or have a short-term disability. TDAP is for adults without dependent children. You must verify your disability with a medical report from a licensed practitioner. TDAP benefits are limited to 12 months out of every 36 months unless you are applying for SSI.
Maryland also offers Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (EID), which lets you keep Medicaid if you work for pay. There is no income limit, and you can save money in Independence Accounts without losing benefits.
Source: Maryland DHS (accessed 2025-11-06), MDWorks (accessed 2025-11-06)
Start with the Maryland Benefits One portal for all programs.
Source: Maryland DHS (accessed 2025-11-06), SSA.gov (accessed 2025-11-06), MarylandBenefits.gov (accessed 2025-11-06)
Source: SSA.gov (accessed 2025-11-06)
Source: Maryland DHS (accessed 2025-11-06), MDWorks (accessed 2025-11-06), Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)
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. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits.
Source: Maryland ABLE (accessed 2025-11-06)
Federal SSI has strict income and asset limits. SSDI has no income limit but requires work credits. Maryland’s TDAP is for low-income individuals. The EID program has no income limit for Medicaid eligibility if you work. Property tax credits have income limits based on household size and gross income.
Source: SSA.gov (accessed 2025-11-06), Maryland Access Point (accessed 2025-11-06)
If you get too much money from a benefit program, you may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For state programs, contact your local Department of Social Services.
Source: SSA.gov (accessed 2025-11-06), Maryland DHS (accessed 2025-11-06)
Contact your local Department of Social Services or call Maryland Access Point at 211 for help with applications and eligibility questions.
SSI is for people with low income and few assets who are disabled, blind, or age 65+. SSDI is for those who have worked enough to earn Social Security credits. Both provide monthly payments for people with disabilities.
Yes, Maryland’s EID program lets you keep Medicaid if you work for pay. There is no income limit, and you can save money in Independence Accounts without losing benefits.
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.
TDAP is a state program that provides cash benefits to low-income, disabled Marylanders without dependent children. Benefits are limited to 12 months out of 36 unless you are applying for SSI.
The EID program provides Medicaid to people with disabilities who work for pay. There is no income limit, and you can save in Independence Accounts without losing benefits.
Yes, you may qualify for Medicaid if you have a spinal cord injury and meet income and disability requirements. Medicaid covers medical services and long-term care.
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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Medicaid Waivers provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities. They help with long-term care and support services.
You can open an ABLE account through the Maryland ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, education, and transportation.
Property tax credits help homeowners and renters with disabilities offset property taxes. Income limits apply based on household size and gross income.
Report the overpayment to the agency that paid you. You may have to pay it back. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments.
