Raising a child with a developmental or intellectual disability — or living independently as an adult with one — often comes with expenses that stretch a family budget to its breaking point. Therapy tools, adaptive equipment, respite care, summer camps, and countless other essentials can add up fast, and traditional support services aren’t always available or accessible.
If you live in Maryland, there’s a program designed to help fill some of those gaps: the Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) Program, administered by the Maryland Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).
Here’s everything Maryland families need to know about how LISS works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is the LISS Program?
The LISS Program provides up to $1,000 per eligible person to help children and adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities purchase services or items that improve their quality of life, support independence, and help them stay connected to their communities.
The program is intentionally flexible. It’s built to adapt as children grow and as adults’ needs change over time, which makes it a valuable resource across a person’s entire lifespan.
Who Is Eligible?
LISS is specifically designed to serve people who are not already receiving support services from the Developmental Disabilities Administration. To qualify, an applicant must be:
- A Maryland resident; AND
- A child with a developmental and/or intellectual disability living at home with family OR an adult with a developmental and/or intellectual disability living in their own home in the community
- Not currently receiving other DDA-funded support services or Medicaid HCBS waiver programs, such as Community Pathways Waiver, Family Supports Waiver, Medical Day Care Waiver, etc.
The program is available regardless of income, but for low income Maryland families already stretching every dollar, that $1,000 can make a meaningful difference in accessing services that private insurance and other programs won’t cover.
What Can the $1,000 Be Used For?
LISS funds are meant to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and support community integration. Eligible uses typically include things like:
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Adaptive equipment and assistive technology
- Therapeutic services not covered by insurance
- Summer camps and recreational programs
- Behavioral supports
- Skill-building classes or activities
Because eligible items and services can change, always confirm with your assigned LISS Program Provider before making a purchase.
How the Application Process Works
LISS uses a random selection (lottery) system rather than first-come, first-served. This means submitting your application early doesn’t give you an advantage — but missing the window means waiting for the next round.
Here’s the process step by step:
- Watch for the application window to open. The DDA usually runs multiple rounds each fiscal year with published open and close dates.
- Submit the Random Selection Application online through the DDA website during an open round. Paper applications are not accepted; if you can’t apply online, contact the LISS Program Provider for assistance.
- Enter the applicant’s information — not the parent’s or caregiver’s. This is one of the most common mistakes. The child or adult with the disability is the applicant, so their name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number go on the form.
- Save your confirmation number. After submitting, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Keep it — you’ll need it to check on your application status.
- Wait for your letter. About 20 business days after the random selection, the LISS Program Provider mails letters notifying applicants of their status.
- If selected, you’ll then complete a Services Eligibility Application to access your funds.
Who Can Submit the Application?
The rules about who fills out the form depend on the applicant’s age and legal status:
- Under age 21 (no legal guardian): A natural or adoptive parent completes the application using the child’s information.
- Any age with a court-ordered legal guardian: The legal guardian completes the application using the applicant’s information.
- Over age 21, no legal guardian: The individual applies for themselves. A parent, relative, friend, case manager, or social worker may provide physical assistance, but the applicant directs the process and their information goes on the form.
If you need help filling out the application, contact the LISS Program Provider for your area. It depends on which county you are in.
Maryland Community Connection serves eligible applicants in Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties.
Penn-Mar Human Services serves people in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard and Washington Counties.
Upcoming Application Deadlines
The DDA typically runs multiple LISS rounds throughout each fiscal year. Current round information:
FY 2027 – Round 1
- Online application opens: August 1, 2026
- Online application closes: September 15, 2026
- Random selection: October 1, 2026
- Notification letters mailed: Approximately 20 business days after selection
(This article is updated as new rounds are announced. Check the official DDA LISS page for the most current schedule.)
Tips for a Smooth Application
- Mark your calendar for the day the application window opens so you don’t miss the round.
- Double-check the applicant’s information before submitting — errors on names, DOB, or Social Security numbers can cause delays.
- Keep your confirmation email in a safe place.
- If you’re not selected in one round, apply again in the next. Because it’s a lottery, persistence matters.
- Ask questions. LISS Program Providers are listed on the DDA website and can walk you through the process if you get stuck.
Relief Recap
For Maryland families supporting a loved one with a developmental or intellectual disability, LISS is one of the more accessible funding programs out there — no complicated waiver process, no lengthy waitlists in the traditional sense, just a straightforward lottery and up to $1,000 in flexible support. If you or someone in your household qualifies, it’s absolutely worth applying every round.
