Welcome to Disability Benefits Help, an organization committed to helping claimants across the United States receive approval for disability benefits.
Since applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a difficult process, a disability attorney or advocate may increase your chances of being awarded benefits by helping accurately and favorably complete the complex paperwork, ensuring that all deadlines are met, and providing you with representation at a hearing. After submitting our web form, you will receive a 100% FREE evaluation of your disability claim. Disability attorneys and advocates receive compensation if you are awarded back benefits. We have no affiliation with the Social Security Administration, the agency at which you can apply for Social Security disability at no cost.
Maryland residents who are unable to work because of physical or mental conditions may qualify for disability benefits in Maryland. The primary source of disability benefits for individuals who can't work is usually the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA).
The SSA offers two types of benefits programs to help disabled individuals cover the costs of housing, food, and other basic needs. Those who can't work because of disabilities may also qualify for state or employer programs in Maryland.
The following overview will cover basic disability requirements in MD. Although it will provide you with information about how to qualify for disability in Maryland, be aware that the best way to learn more about this topic is to speak with a lawyer who can comment on the specifics of your case.
Understanding The Definition Of Disability In Maryland
The SSA determines whether someone has a disability by accounting for whether a physical or mental condition prevents them from participating in substantial gainful activity (SGA). To participate in SGA, someone must be capable of earning a certain minimum amount of money every month. For non-blind individuals in 2024, SGA is $1,550 per month. For someone who is blind, SGA is $2,590 per month.
Being unable to participate in SGA is just one component of the SSA’s definition of a disability. For the SSA to define a condition as a disability, it must be medically likely to result in death or last at least 12 months.
The SSA’s definition of a disability isn’t universal. Other programs and insurers may define a disability differently.
What Disabling Conditions Qualify In Maryland?
The SSA Blue Book is a valuable resource to consult as you learn how to apply for disability in the State of Maryland. This resource contains listings for over 200 conditions that meet the SSA’s definition of a disability.
Check to see if there is a listing for your condition. If you don't find one, it's possible that a listing covering a general category of conditions applies to yours. This is something a lawyer can help you with if you're not sure whether the Blue Book lists your condition as a disability.
Blue Book listings also offer information regarding what you will need to provide to show that you deserve disability benefits in Maryland. No matter what type of condition you have, you will need to provide medical evidence showing that it limits your working ability.
The type of benefits program you’re applying to can also affect how you go about showing you deserve benefits. For example, you may need to show you’ve earned work credits to qualify for certain programs. Keep reading to learn more about this topic.
Types of Disability Benefits Available in Maryland
As you research how to apply for disability in Maryland, make sure you’re also learning about the different programs the SSA offers. It’s important to apply to the right program, or you may have to start over again with a new application.
Your options are:
Maryland Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a form of disability benefits in Maryland that you may qualify for if you’ve worked and paid into the Social Security system in the past. To qualify for SSDI, naturally, you must show you have a disability.
You also need to show you’ve earned sufficient work credits. Workers who pay into Social Security earn a certain number of work credits for every year they work. No one can currently accrue more than four work credits in a given year.
Someone must have earned a minimum of 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI. At least 20 of their work credits must have been accrued in the 10 years immediately before they became disabled.
Some individuals with disabilities don’t have sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI because they’re young and lack work experience. The SSA sometimes makes exceptions in these cases.
Maryland Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is available regardless of whether someone has earned work credits. To qualify for SSI, someone needs to show they have a genuine need for benefits. They may do so by showing the following:
- They have a condition that qualifies as a disability per the SSA’s definition, or they are over the age of 65
- Their income is minimal or non-existent
- Their resources are minimal or non-existent
You may need to track how you spend SSI funds if you qualify for the program. In particular, it’s wise to track when you spend SSI funds on a child’s expenses.
State of Maryland Disability Programs
Maryland also offers a form of short-term disability insurance to those who can’t work but may not qualify for SSA disability benefits in Maryland. Consider this option, particularly if your condition isn’t likely to last 12 months:
Maryland’s Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)
Maryland’s Department of Human Services specifies that TDAP is a program to keep in mind while waiting for approval from the SSA. As you wait to hear back about your application, TDAP could offer temporary assistance.
Find A Disability Lawyer In Maryland
There are numerous benefits to working with a disability attorney when seeking disability benefits in Maryland. A lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing your case and determining your likelihood of qualifying for benefits
- Determining what type of disability benefits program is right for you
- Gathering documentation and submitting an application on your behalf
- Helping with an appeal, if necessary
To learn more about what a lawyer can do for you, take the Free Case Evaluation today.
How Much Disability Can You Receive in Maryland?
How much is disability in Maryland? Many factors can influence the total amount of money you may receive on a monthly basis if you qualify for disability.
Individuals receiving SSI in 2024 may receive a maximum monthly benefit of up to $943. The maximum monthly benefit for couples receiving SSI is $1,415. For SSDI, the maximum monthly benefit is currently $3,822 a month.
Our free benefits calculator can provide more information on this subject. For detailed answers to your questions, speak with a disability attorney.
