Updated as of September 14, 2024.
Government Support Programs
Tuition Waiver at Maryland Community Colleges
- Check out the Tuition Waiver at Maryland Community Colleges for SSI and SSDI Recipients Bridges Resource Library entry for more information
- For up to 6 credits per semester or up to 12 credits per semester if the individual is enrolled in classes as part of a degree or a certificate program designed to lead to employment
- For continuing education designed to lead to employment, including life skills instruction
- Available to those receiving SSDI or SSI benefits
Maryland Accessible Telecommunications (MAT) Program
- Available to individuals on a fixed income – both SSDI and SSI recipients are eligible
- Can provide a smartphone (like the iPhone) at no charge
- Offers free assistive technology evaluations
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Often called “food stamps”
- Eligibility based on gross income and size of your household
- No automatic eligibility for either SSDI or SSI recipients
Government Support Programs Available to SSDI and SSDI Recipients
Lifeline: Free/low-cost internet or cell phone
- Offers discounts for phone and internet services from approved companies
- Available to those receiving SSI, SNAP, and other benefits
- NOT available based only on receiving SSDI benefits
Discounted Membership Programs
Amazon Prime discounted membership
- Discounted Amazon Prime membership: 50% of monthly Prime membership fee
- Full Amazon Prime benefits, including
- Free shipping on eligible items
- Prime Video
- Prime Music
- Available to those receiving SSI, SNAP, and other benefits
- NOT available based only on receiving SSDI benefits
Walmart+ discounted membership (Walmart+ Assist)
- Discounted Walmart+ membership: 50% off monthly or annual Walmart+ membership fee
- May also use 30 day free trial before signing up for Walmart+ Assist
- Full Walmart+ benefits, including
- Free delivery from your local store (including refrigerated and frozen groceries) with $35 minimum purchase
- Free shipping with no order minimum
- Free Paramount+ subscription
- Available to those receiving SSI, SNAP, and other benefits
- NOT available based only on receiving SSDI benefits
Recreational Opportunities
Museums for All program
- Check out the Museums for All Bridges Resource Library entry for more information
- Available to those receiving SNAP benefits
Admission to National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass, also called the Interagency Access Pass, is available to any citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. who has been medically determined to have a permanent disability, and Access Passes do not expire.
The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass is accepted for free or reduced-price admission (of up to four total adults per pass) at museums and other sites where Entrance or Standard Amenity Fees (Day use fees) are charged. Sites include those managed by the Forest Service, the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, USACE, and Bureau of Reclamation. In addition, the Tennessee Valley Authority may honor the Access Pass for entrance or camping discounts. From Access Pass Frequently Asked Questions web page.
Proof of permanent disability includes any of the following:
- A statement by a licensed physician (Statement must include that the individual has a PERMANENT disability, that it limits one or more aspects of their daily life, and the nature of those limitations.)
- A document issued by a federal agency such as the Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income, or Supplemental Security Income.
- A document issued by a state agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency.
From America the Beautiful-The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Access Pass web page.
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.