Learn About Disability Programs in Maryland

Overview of Maryland Disability Programs

Maryland offers several programs designed to support people living with disabilities. These programs vary in who they serve, what they provide, and how they work. Understanding the landscape of disability support in Maryland is an important first step for anyone seeking information about available options.

The state administers programs through different agencies, each with specific focus areas. The Department of Human Services handles some income support programs. The Department of Health manages Medicaid and healthcare-related benefits. The Division of Rehabilitation Services focuses on employment support. Other programs fall under the Department of Disabilities, which coordinates services across the state.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 American Community Survey, approximately 14.4% of Maryland residents report having a disability. This represents hundreds of thousands of people across the state living with various conditions—from mobility disabilities to mental health conditions to developmental disabilities.

Programs in Maryland include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Maryland's Medicaid program (called HealthChoice), work incentive programs, vocational rehabilitation, housing assistance, and programs for people with developmental disabilities. Some programs focus on income support. Others concentrate on healthcare access. Still others emphasize employment and skill-building.

This guide outlines what these programs do, how they differ from one another, and where to find more information. The guide does not determine whether someone meets the requirements for any program—that determination happens through official government channels.

Practical Takeaway: Start by identifying which area of support matters most to you: income, healthcare, employment, housing, or services for developmental disabilities. This will help narrow down which programs are worth learning more about.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Two federal programs serve people with disabilities in Maryland: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While both are administered by the Social Security Administration, they operate differently and serve different populations.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on work history. Workers who have paid Social Security taxes and become unable to work due to a medical condition may receive SSDI. The program recognizes that people become disabled at different life stages. SSDI does not depend on financial need—someone with substantial savings could still receive SSDI if they meet the work history and medical requirements.

The amount of an SSDI payment varies based on the worker's earnings record. According to the Social Security Administration, the average SSDI payment in 2024 is approximately $1,550 per month for a disabled worker. However, individual payments range widely depending on past earnings.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program. It serves people with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSI also serves blind individuals and people over age 65 with limited income. As of 2024, the federal SSI payment maximum is $943 per month for an individual, though Maryland may provide a state supplement in some cases. SSI payments are lower than SSDI payments because SSI is designed as a safety net rather than a replacement for past earnings.

Both programs have medical requirements. A person must have a condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The condition must prevent substantial work activity. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of conditions that typically meet this standard, though other conditions may also qualify if they limit functioning severely enough.

In Maryland, approximately 170,000 people received SSDI in 2023, and approximately 120,000 received SSI, according to Social Security Administration data. Many people receive both programs or transition between them.

Practical Takeaway: Consider your work history when thinking about these programs. If you worked and paid Social Security taxes before becoming unable to work, SSDI may be relevant. If you have limited work history or limited resources, SSI information may be more useful to explore.

Maryland's Healthcare Programs: HealthChoice Medicaid

Healthcare access is often a critical concern for people with disabilities. Maryland's Medicaid program, called HealthChoice, provides health insurance to low-income individuals, including many people with disabilities. Understanding how HealthChoice works and what it covers can help people make informed decisions about their healthcare options.

HealthChoice covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications, mental health services, and other medical needs. The program operates through managed care organizations, meaning members choose a primary care doctor and receive coordinated care through that doctor's network. Maryland has multiple HealthChoice plans, and members can select among them based on their needs and preferences.

HealthChoice covers certain services particularly relevant to people with disabilities. Mental health and substance use treatment are included benefits. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services are covered. Home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities are available through HealthChoice waivers, which allow people to receive services in their homes and communities rather than institutional settings.

In Maryland, approximately 850,000 people receive HealthChoice coverage, according to the Department of Human Services. This includes children, pregnant people, parents, and adults with disabilities. Many people with disabilities receive HealthChoice because their income or resources are low enough to meet the program's standards.

HealthChoice also coordinates with work incentive programs. People receiving SSDI can maintain Medicaid coverage for some time after returning to work, which removes a significant barrier to employment for many people. This continuation of healthcare coverage is important because it allows people to work without losing medical insurance.

Someone interested in learning about HealthChoice should know that the program has income limits, which vary by age and household composition. Someone with questions about whether they might be within income limits can contact the Department of Human Services or local health department for information.

Practical Takeaway: If you are uninsured or worried about affording healthcare, exploring what HealthChoice offers is worth your time. Healthcare access can make a major difference in managing a disability and maintaining employment.

Employment Support and Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Many people with disabilities want to work or continue working. Maryland offers several programs specifically designed to help people with disabilities pursue employment. These programs range from skills training to job placement support to ongoing workplace coaching.

The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) is the primary state agency providing vocational rehabilitation services. DORS works with people with disabilities to develop employment goals and connect them with training, education, assistive technology, and job placement support. DORS serves people with physical disabilities, sensory disabilities, mental health conditions, intellectual disabilities, and other disabling conditions.

DORS provides a range of services. These include vocational evaluation (assessment of work skills and abilities), training in specific job skills, assistance with postsecondary education, assistive technology provision, job placement support, and ongoing support after employment begins. DORS may help someone learn to use technology that enables work or modify a workplace to accommodate a disability. The agency served approximately 14,000 people statewide in recent years.

Beyond DORS, several other employment-focused programs exist in Maryland. Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) provides free information about how work affects Social Security benefits. Project WORK offers similar services but focuses on Medicare. The Ticket to Work program, a federal program, allows people receiving SSDI or SSI to work while reducing the risk of losing benefits.

Customized employment is another approach available through some Maryland providers. Rather than fitting a person into an existing job, customized employment works backward from the person's strengths, interests, and skills to discover or create a job that matches. This approach has shown success for people with significant disabilities who might otherwise struggle in traditional job markets.

For people already working, the Maryland Office of Disability Employment Policy coordinates services and can provide information about accommodations, workplace supports, and other resources that help workers with disabilities keep their jobs.

One important fact: work incentive programs exist specifically because working can affect disability benefits. These programs explain how work affects benefits so people can make informed decisions. Someone earning income may still receive partial benefits, depending on how much they earn and which program they receive.

Practical Takeaway: If employment is a goal, contacting DORS or a local WIPA project can provide information about what support might be available. Employment is possible for many people with disabilities, and programs exist specifically to help navigate the transition to work.