At Umbrella Wellness Center, we understand that recovery often involves navigating many challenges beyond sobriety. For some individuals in recovery, disabilities or serious health conditions can create additional barriers to employment, housing stability, and financial security.
Our goal is to ensure that residents and community members have access to resources that protect their rights and provide support during difficult times. Fortunately, Maryland offers several programs and organizations that provide legal advocacy and temporary financial assistance for individuals with disabilities.
Below are two important areas of support available
to Maryland residents.
Disability Rights and Legal Advocacy
Navigating disability benefits, housing rights, or discrimination issues can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Maryland has organizations dedicated to protecting the rights of individuals with disabilities and ensuring fair treatment.
Disability Rights Maryland (DRM) is the state’s primary nonprofit organization providing free legal services for Marylanders with disabilities. Formerly known as the Maryland Disability Law Center, DRM serves as Maryland’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency.
DRM provides counseling, advocacy, and legal representation to individuals facing challenges related to their disability.
Key Services Offered by DRM
DRM assists with issues such as:
- Special education advocacy
- Social Security disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation services
- Guardianship matters
- Housing discrimination
- Civil rights violations
- Investigations of abuse or neglect in facilities or community settings
These services are available at no cost to eligible individuals.
Contact Disability Rights Maryland
More information about services, eligibility, and legal assistance can be found at:
Because DRM is a nonprofit organization, cases may be prioritized based on factors such as urgency, available resources, and potential impact on the disability community.
Additional Disability Law Resources
While DRM provides free services, some individuals may choose to work with private disability attorneys, particularly when appealing a denied Social Security disability claim.
Examples include firms such as:
- Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A.
- DeGioia Law
These attorneys often help individuals navigate appeals for denied SSDI or SSI claims, which typically must be filed within 60 days of receiving a denial notice.
Other helpful state agencies include:
Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD)
- Provides advocacy, policy guidance, and referrals for disability services throughout the state.
Disability Determination Services (DDS)
- Part of the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), this agency evaluates eligibility for federal disability benefits such as SSDI and SSI.
Temporary Disability Assistance in Maryland
For individuals who are temporarily unable to work due to a disability or medical condition, Maryland offers programs designed to provide short-term financial support while individuals stabilize or apply for long-term benefits.
Maryland Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)
The Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) provides monthly cash benefits to low-income adults with disabilities who do not have dependent children.
Who May Qualify
To be eligible for TDAP, individuals must:
- Be between the ages of 18 and 64
- Be a Maryland resident
- Have limited income and financial resources
- Have a temporary or permanent disability expected to last at least 12 months
- Not be eligible for other cash assistance programs such as Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Medical Verification Requirement
Applicants must have a licensed physician or psychologist complete a medical report (Form 500) verifying their disability.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted through several methods:
- Online through MyDHRBenefits
- Through the local Department of Social Services
- By mail or fax
TDAP is often used as short-term support while individuals apply for federal disability programs such as SSI or SSDI.
Other Temporary Disability Support Options
In addition to TDAP, individuals may qualify for other programs depending on their situation.
Workers’ Compensation
If a disability results from an injury on the job, Workers’ Compensation may provide wage replacement benefits.
Eligible individuals can receive up to two-thirds of their average weekly wages while they recover.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions.
This ensures that individuals can address medical needs without losing their employment.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Unemployment Benefits
Individuals who have recently lost employment may qualify for Maryland unemployment benefits.
Claims can be filed through the Maryland Division of Unemployment Insurance BEACON system, which requires:
- Social Security Number
- Work history from the past 18 months
- Reason for separation from employment
Claims can be submitted:
- Online through the BEACON portal
- Through the MD Unemployment for Claimants mobile app
- By calling 667-207-6520
Supporting Stability in Recovery
At Umbrella Wellness Center, we believe recovery is strengthened when individuals have access to the resources they need to stabilize their health, finances, and living situation.
Programs like legal disability advocacy and temporary assistance can help remove barriers and allow individuals to focus on healing, rebuilding, and achieving long-term recovery goals.
If you or someone you know needs help navigating recovery housing or support resources in Carroll County, we encourage you to reach out.
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