Disability Benefits
 

DISABILITY BENEFITS

What are Disability Benefits?

In Maryland, if you have a disability, there are programs available to assist you.

Social Security Disability Insurance  - What is SSDI?

SSDI provides benefits to blind or disabled workers, widow(er)s or adults disabled since childhood. Click here for access to Social Security's Fact Sheet on disability benefits:  What You Should Know Before You Apply For Disability Benefits?

How do I know if I could be eligible for benefits? 

Social Security uses a process involving five questions to determine if you are disabled:

  • Are you working?
  • Is your condition severe?
  • Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions?  (Click here to go to SS site to view the list of disabling conditions.)
  • Can you do the work you did previously?
  • Can you do any other type of work?

Click here to visit the Social Security website and see if you are eligible for Social Security benefits by using the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST).  

How do I apply?

You can complete some or all of the forms online, by phone or in person.  Click here to visit the Social Security website for more information on applying for Social Security Disability Benefits.  

What if I have been denied SSDI?

If your disability application is denied, the letter sent to you by the Social Security Administration will explain the reason for the denial and how to request a review of their decision. Depending on the reason, you may be able to request your appeal online.  Click here to visit the Social Security website for more information on Appealing Social Security Disability Benefits Decision.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - What is SSI?

The Supplemental Security Income Program (SSI) makes monthly payments to people who have low income and few resources and are:

  • Age 65 or older;
  • Blind; or
  • Disabled.

How do I know if I could be eligible for benefits?

Whether you can get SSI depends on your income and resources (the things you own).  Click here to visit the Social Security website and view the Rules for Getting SSI.

How do I apply for SSI benefits?

You can complete a large part of your application on the Social Security website or by telephone.  Click here to visit the Social Security website for more information on applying for Supplemental Security Income. 

What if I have been denied SSI?

If you disagree with any decision that Social Security makes about your SSI, you have the right to ask them to look at your case again.  Click here to visit the Social Security website to view information on Your Right To Question A Decision Made On Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claim.

Still need more information?

Please choose from the categories listed along the right-hand side of this page for more information on this topic or contact a Constituent Services Coordinator at the Maryland Department of Disabilities:

Disability Benefits Coordinator:  Ellis Goodman

Phone:  410-767-3656
TTY/Toll Free:  1-800-637-4113
email:  egoodman@mdod.state.md.us

Disability Benefits

MDOD Programs