Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in Maine

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and a qualifying disability. Children with severe disabilities, including ADHD, may be eligible for SSI if they meet strict medical and financial criteria. Adults with ADHD can qualify if their symptoms significantly limit their ability to work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability that looks at how severe your condition is, not just the diagnosis itself. It must prevent you from working and earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month (non-blind) in 2025[2]. If your disability began before age 22 and you are the child of a retired, disabled, or deceased parent, you may qualify as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) and receive benefits based on your parent’s earnings record[5].

Maine offers Medicaid (MaineCare) coverage for people with disabilities, including ADHD, if they meet income and asset limits. The state’s ABLE ME program allows eligible people with disabilities to save money tax-free without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid[1]. There is no separate Maine disability program specifically for ADHD—eligibility is based on federal rules for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Maine public employees may qualify for Disability Retirement if they become permanently unable to work, but this is not specific to ADHD and applies only to those enrolled in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System[3]. For all programs, eligibility depends on meeting the federal definition of disability, financial limits, and, in some cases, employment history.

Start by gathering your medical records, proof of income, and other personal documents. For SSI/SSDI, apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For MaineCare (Medicaid), apply online through the Maine DHHS portal, by mail, or in person. Contact MaineHealth Benefits Counseling for free help understanding how work affects your benefits. To open an ABLE ME account, visit the program’s website or contact Bangor Savings Bank[1]. If you’re a public employee, contact MainePERS for Disability Retirement application details[3].

1. Document Your Disability: Collect medical records, school reports, and statements from doctors showing your ADHD diagnosis and how it affects your daily life and ability to work.
2. Check Eligibility: Review federal criteria for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Review Maine’s ABLE ME requirements for tax-advantaged savings and state Disability Retirement if you’re a public employee[1][3].
3. Apply Online or In-Person: For SSI/SSDI, visit ssa.gov or your local Social Security office. For MaineCare, use the state’s online portal or apply at your local DHHS office.
4. Follow Up: Track your application status online and respond quickly if the agency requests more information.
5. Seek Help: MaineHealth’s free benefits counseling can answer questions about work incentives and benefit rules[4].
6. Open an ABLE ME Account: If eligible, open an ABLE ME account at Bangor Savings Bank to save without affecting federal benefits[1].
7. Appeal if Denied: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision within the required timeframe explained in your denial letter.

The main federal disability programs are:

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For people with limited income and resources, including children and adults with severe ADHD.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For people who have worked and paid into Social Security.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: For adults with a disability (including ADHD) that began before age 22, if their parent receives Social Security benefits or is deceased[5].
• Medicare: Available after 24 months of SSDI. This covers health care for those with qualifying disabilities. All these programs use a strict definition of disability, and a doctor must document how ADHD limits your ability to work or function daily.

Maine supplemental programs include:

• MaineCare (Medicaid): Covers health care for people with disabilities and low income. Eligibility is based on federal rules, but the application is processed by the state.
• ABLE ME: Maine’s ABLE savings program for people whose disability began before age 26. It allows tax-advantaged savings without losing SSI or Medicaid. Over 1,700 Mainers use this program, with more than $10 million in assets[1].
• Maine Public Employees Disability Retirement: For eligible state or local government workers unable to work due to a permanent disability (not specific to ADHD)[3]. MaineHealth offers free benefits counseling for people with disabilities who work or want to work, explaining how income affects benefits and exploring work incentives[4]. There are no state-specific cash benefit programs for ADHD beyond those tied to federal eligibility.

Maine’s ABLE ME program lets people with disabilities—including those with ADHD—save up to $100,000 (SSI resource limit) without losing federal benefits. Earnings grow tax-free, and funds can pay for qualified disability expenses. The program is run by Bangor Savings Bank. Anyone eligible for SSI or SSDI due to a disability that began before age 26 can open an account[1].

For 2025, the SSI income limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals; higher for blind applicants. Earning more than this (Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA) may disqualify you. Medicaid (MaineCare) has its own income and asset limits, which change annually. ABLE ME accounts do not count toward SSI asset limits, even if you save up to $100,000[1][2]. For Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits, you must have very limited earnings[5].

If you receive SSI, SSDI, or Medicaid, you must report changes in income, work status, living situation, or medical condition. Failure to do so can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Work with MaineHealth’s benefits counseling service to understand reporting requirements and protect your eligibility[4]. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.

• Social Security Administration (SSA)
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and Medicare questions.
• MaineCare (Maine Medicaid)
  Phone: 1-855-797-4357

  Website

  For questions about health coverage.
• Maine ABLE ME (Bangor Savings Bank)
  Phone: 1-844-5ABLEME (1-844-522-5636)

  Website

  For ABLE account questions.
• MaineHealth Benefits Counseling
  Phone: 207-662-3037

  Website

  Free help with work and benefits for Mainers with disabilities[4].

• Can adults with ADHD get SSI or SSDI in Maine?

  Adults with ADHD may qualify for SSI or SSDI if their symptoms are severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months. Eligibility depends on medical evidence and meeting income/resource limits for SSI or work history for SSDI.

• Is ADHD considered a disability for Maine Medicaid (MaineCare)?

  MaineCare covers people with disabilities if they meet income and asset requirements. ADHD alone may not guarantee eligibility; your condition must significantly limit daily activities and you must meet financial criteria.

• What is an ABLE ME account and who qualifies?

  ABLE ME accounts let eligible people with disabilities save money tax-free without losing SSI or Medicaid. You must have a disability that began before age 26. It is open to Mainers of any age who meet this criterion[1].

• Can my child with ADHD get Social Security benefits?

  Children with severe ADHD may qualify for SSI if their condition causes “marked and severe functional limitations.” Family income and resources must also be within SSI limits.

• How does working affect my disability benefits in Maine?

  Work incentives allow you to earn some income without immediately losing benefits. MaineHealth offers free counseling on how work affects SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid[4]. Always report changes in work or income.

• What is DAC (Disabled Adult Child) benefits?

  DAC benefits are for adults with a disability (like ADHD) that began before age 22, if their parent receives Social Security benefits or is deceased. You do not need work credits, but your own earnings must stay below SGA[5].