The State of Maryland recognizes the diverse skills and abilities of individuals with disabilities and encourages them to apply for employment. This page offers information and links to resources for job seekers with disabilities, including the Special Options Eligible list, disability points, the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program (also known as the Maryland Medicaid Buy In) and other resources for disabled individuals seeking employment.
What is the Special Options Eligible List?
The Special Options Eligible List (SOEL) allows for people with disabilities to be placed on the certified eligible list without having to compete in selection test.
How do people get approved for SOEL?
To apply for the Special Options Eligible List (SOEL), visit the State of Maryland Job Openings page, and click on the Freenames Applications link or click here. Once you are on the Freenames Applications page, scroll down to Certified by Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), select the radio button for “Certified by Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS),” and then click “DORS Application.” Follow the directions on the top of the page to select each job classification for which you are interested and may qualify. You will then complete your online application and apply for each job classification of interest. You will be asked to provide DORS or other acceptable certification documentation with each application you submit. After submission, and upon review, you will be notified if you do not meet the minimum qualifications, or do not include the appropriate documentation to be DORS certified. If approved, your name will be added to eligible list for the job classification(s). Being on the special option eligible list does not guarantee employment.
Applicants for the SOEL must be certified by the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), or provide documentation accepted by DORS for certification (see below). To become certified by DORS, please contact your local DORS office, and ask about programs, including the QUEST internship program. Office locations can be found at the DORS website. Once you receive certification from DORS, you would then apply for State classifications for which you are interested, and meet the qualifications. DORS certification would be uploaded with each online application.
Applicants who are not clients of DORS may submit one of the following types of documentation that are accepted by DORS for SOEL certification:
- A copy of a benefits award letter for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on a disability
- Documentation that the applicant is eligible for participation in SSA’s Ticket-to-Work program
- A letter certifying that the applicant is eligible for the federal Schedule A hiring authority (Schedule A Letter)
- Medical documentation of a diagnosed disability from a psychologist, psychiatrist or medical doctor/physician
- A copy of an eligibility letter from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) or Behavioral Health Administration (BHA)
- A copy of a letter from an out-of-state vocational rehabilitation program documenting a disability
- A copy of a disability benefits award letter from the Veterans Administration or a letter from a Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist indicating the applicant is a veteran with a disability
Disability Preference Points
The State of Maryland offers preference to Individuals with Disabilities as defined by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended. This information is used to award preference only, and is not available to hiring managers. An individual with a disability typically is defined as someone who (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more "major life activities" (e.g., major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working; it also includes major bodily functions including, but are not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions),(2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment
If you are seeking disability preference, you should check yes to the question in the disabilities section of the State application when you apply for employment. Five (5) additional points will be added to your final score on selection tests when applying for positions with Maryland State government.
What is the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program?
Maryland’s EID program allows individuals with disabilities to return to work and qualify for Medicaid (Medical Assistance) coverage. Medicaid provides comprehensive health insurance if you have no other insurance, it supplements private insurance, and it eliminates out-of-pocket costs if you have Medicare, which can save you thousands of dollars a year. For more information on EID and how to apply, go to EID Program.
Maryland’s EID program allows individuals with disabilities to return to work and qualify for Medicaid (Medical Assistance) coverage. Medicaid provides comprehensive health insurance if you have no other insurance, it supplements private insurance, and it eliminates out-of-pocket costs if you have Medicare, which can save you thousands of dollars a year. For more information on EID and how to apply, go to EID Program.
