Grants for Disabled People in Maryland
Maryland is home to about 6 million people, of whom about 10% have a disability. Living with a disability can be challenging and stressful, especially if you have a low income or face barriers to accessing various services and opportunities. Fortunately, there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people, seniors and veterans in Maryland that can help you overcome these challenges and improve your quality of life.
State Assistance
The Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) is a state agency that coordinates and improves the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities in Maryland. MDOD provides services such as:
- information and referral,
- advocacy,
- policy development,
- accessibility compliance,
- emergency preparedness
To contact MDOD or request assistance, visit https://mdod.maryland.gov/Pages/Home.aspx.
The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is a division of the Maryland Department of Health that provides funding and oversight for community-based services and supports individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. DDA offers services including,
- case management,
- residential services,
- day services,
- employment services,
- family support services,
- respite care,
- behavioral support services and more.
To apply for DDA services or request assistance, visit https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/home.aspx.
The Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) provides vocational rehabilitation and independent living services to individuals with disabilities who want to work or live independently. DORS offers services such as:
- counseling,
- assessment,
- training,
- education,
- job placement,
- assistive technology,
- personal assistance,
- home modifications.
For more information, visit https://dors.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Health Assistance For Disabled People in Maryland
Medicaid is a federal-state program that offers health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including people with disabilities. Medicaid covers things like going to the doctor or hospital, getting medication, dental treatment, mental health support, care at home, in a nursing home, and more. To apply for Medicaid, visit https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/pages/home.aspx.
The Maryland Children’s Health Program (MCHP) provides health coverage for disabled children under 19 years old who do not qualify for Medicaid or have other insurance. Find out more information at https://health.maryland.gov/mmcp/chp/pages/home.aspx.
The Maryland Health Insurance Plan (MHIP) is a state program that provides health coverage for disabled individuals who are unable to obtain private health insurance due to pre-existing medical conditions or other reasons. MHIP covers services such as primary care, specialty care, hospital care, prescription drugs, mental health care, substance abuse treatment and more. For more information, visit https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/cancer/Documents/CCPC13-36–Att5-ACAandMHIP.pdf.
Maryland Waiver Programs
These are state programs that provide home and community-based services to disabled individuals in Maryland who need long-term care but prefer to remain in their homes or communities.
The Community First Choice (CFC) Program provides personal assistance services, nurse monitoring, assistive technology, environmental assessments and modifications and more to individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and meet an institutional level of care.
The Community Options (CO) Waiver Program offers case management, personal assistance services, nurse monitoring, assistive technology, environmental assessments and modifications and more to individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and meet an institutional level of care.
The Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS) Program provides personal assistance services and nurse monitoring to individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and need assistance with activities of daily living.
The Medical Day Care Services (MDCS) Waiver Program offers medical day care services to disabled individuals who are eligible for Medicaid and need skilled nursing care or rehabilitation services during the day.
The Autism Waiver Program provides intensive individual support services, therapeutic integration services, respite care, family consultation and more to disabled children under 21 years old who have autism spectrum disorder and are eligible for Medicaid. To see more information, visit https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Medicaid_Waiver_Programs.aspx.
Social Security
Disability Benefits provides monthly payments to disabled individuals in Maryland who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years and have a medical condition that prevents them from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. For more information, visit https://mdod.maryland.gov/community/Pages/disabilitybenefits.aspx.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers monthly payments to disabled people who have limited income and resources and are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled. SSI also provides benefits to children who are blind or disabled. Find out more information at https://dors.maryland.gov/consumers/benefits/Pages/default.aspx.
Financial Assistance for Disabled People in Maryland
Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is a state program that provides cash assistance and work opportunities to eligible low-income families with children under 18 years old. TCA can help pay for basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter, utilities, transportation and more. TCA also requires most adult recipients to participate in work-related activities, such as job search, education, training or community service. To apply for TCA, visit https://www.peoples-law.org/temporary-cash-assistance-tca.
The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) offers cash assistance and medical assistance to eligible individuals who are disabled and unable to work for at least three months but are not eligible for Social Security disability benefits. TDAP can assist with covering essential expenses like food, clothing, housing, utilities, transportation, medical care, and additional necessities. Additionally, TDAP mandates that the majority of recipients must seek Social Security disability benefits and work together in the process of determining eligibility. For more information, visit https://www.peoples-law.org/temporary-disability-assistance-program-tdap.
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) provides grants to eligible low-income households to help them pay for heating and electric bills. MEAP also provides energy conservation education and weatherization services to help reduce energy consumption and costs. Find out more information at https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/EnergyEfficiency/MEAP.aspx.
Housing and Rent Assistance for Disabled People
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that helps eligible low-income individuals and families pay for rent in privately owned housing units. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant based on their income and family size. The tenant pays the difference between the actual rent and the subsidy amount. To apply for HCVs, contact your local public housing agency (PHA) or visit https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/.
Public Housing Program (PH) is another federal program administered by HUD that provides rental housing units owned and operated by PHAs that offer low-cost housing to eligible low-income individuals and families. The PHAs determine the eligibility and rent amount for each tenant based on their income and family size. To see more information, visit https://www.cumberlandhousing.org/about-public-housing/.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program provides tax credits to developers who build or rehabilitate affordable rental housing for low-income households. The tax credits are sold to investors who provide equity financing for the projects. The developers then offer reduced rents to qualified tenants who meet certain income and rent limits. To find a LIHTC property near you, visit the https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/lihtc.html.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) offers grants to states and local governments to create affordable housing opportunities for low-income households. The grants can be used for various purposes such as building, buying or rehabilitating rental or homeownership housing, providing rental assistance or supporting other housing-related activities. For more information, visit https://nlihc.org/explore-issues/housing-programs/home-investment-partnerships-program.
Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People
The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) administers several programs that provide grants or credits to eligible low-income households to help them pay their heating and electric bills. For further information, disabled people can visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/.
The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) offers free home energy audits and improvements to low-income households to help them save energy and money. To learn more, visit https://www.smtccac.org/office-of-home-energy-program.aspx.
Charitable Assistance Programs for Disabled People
The Salvation Army in Central Maryland offers help to disabled people throughout Maryland. They provide emergency aid, food and clothing, furniture, and disaster relief. They also have programs for young people and seniors. For more information, visit https://sa-md.org/centralmaryland/.
Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake provides job training, employment placement, career services, financial education, youth programs, veterans services and more to people with barriers to employment. To see more information, visit https://goodwillches.org/.
Food and Nutrition Assistance for Disabled People
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits to disabled individuals to buy food at authorized retailers. For further information, visit https://www.mdhungersolutions.org/federal-nutrition-programs/snap/apply-for-snap/.
The Women Infants and Children (WIC) Program offers supplemental foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and health care referrals to pregnant women, breastfeeding women, disabled women, postpartum women, infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. For more information, visit https://211md.org/resources/food/wic/.
Transportation Assistance for Disabled People
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates various modes of public transportation, such as buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail and mobility paratransit, for people with disabilities who cannot use regular transit services. To see more information, visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/.
Legal Assistance for Disabled People in Maryland
The Maryland Disability Law Center (MDLC) is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and representation to people with disabilities on issues such as special education, abuse and neglect, community integration and voting rights.
The Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is a non-profit group that helps low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, with legal matters concerning family, housing, consumer protection, healthcare, and public benefits.
The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) connects low-income people, including people with disabilities, with volunteer lawyers who provide pro bono legal services on issues such as bankruptcy, tax, wills and deeds.
For more information about these and other legal assistance programs in Maryland, visit https://www.peoples-law.org/.
Clothing Assistance
The Clothing Bank of Delaware and Maryland (CBD) collects and distributes new and gently used clothing to disabled individuals.
The Dress for Success Baltimore (DFS) is a nonprofit organization that provides professional attire, career development and mentoring services to women who are seeking employment or advancing their careers.
Business Support for Disabled People
The Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Maryland that provides free or low-cost consulting and training services to small businesses and entrepreneurs, including people with disabilities.
The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) is a public corporation that provides funding and assistance to technology-based startups and entrepreneurs, including people with disabilities.
The Abilities Network is a nonprofit organization that provides employment services and support to people with disabilities who want to work in the community or start their businesses.
To learn more about these programs, visit https://commerce.maryland.gov/.
Assistance for Disabled Veterans
The Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) is a state agency that provides advocacy and assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining federal, state and local benefits and services.
The Maryland Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) is a fund administered by the MDVA that provides grants or loans to veterans and their families who need financial assistance due to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies.
The Maryland Veterans Home Program (MVHP) is a program administered by the MDVA that provides long-term care services to veterans and their spouses in two state-operated nursing homes.
To learn more about these assistance programs for disabled veterans in Maryland, visit https://veterans.maryland.gov/.
Assistance for Disabled Seniors
The Maryland Access Point (MAP) is a statewide network of agencies that provide information, referral and assistance to seniors and people with disabilities who need long-term services and support.
The Senior Care Program (SCP) is a program administered by the Maryland Department of Aging that provides case management and home care services to disabled seniors who are at risk of institutionalization.
The Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program (SPDAP) is a program administered by the Maryland Health Insurance Plan that provides subsidies to disabled seniors who need help paying for their prescription drugs.
For more information about these and other assistance programs for disabled seniors in Maryland, visit https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
