Maine residents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. Maine also offers ABLE accounts for tax-advantaged savings and Disabled Adult Child benefits for lifelong disabilities beginning before age 22.
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].
The main federal disability programs are:
Maine supplemental programs include:
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.
MaineHealth’s free benefits counseling helps you understand how working affects your SSI, SSDI, and MaineCare eligibility. This service is for all Mainers with disabilities who are working or want to work[4].
ABLE ME lets eligible Mainers with disabilities save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses—like education, housing, transportation, and health care—and earnings grow tax-free[1].
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.
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.
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].
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.
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.
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].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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No, there is no Maine disability program just for ADHD. Benefits are based on federal SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and state-run ABLE ME programs. Maine Disability Retirement is only for public employees with permanent disabilities[3].
Apply online at ssa.gov for SSI/SSDI. For MaineCare, use the Maine DHHS portal. Contact MaineHealth for free benefits counseling. For ABLE ME, visit Bangor Savings Bank[1][4].
You can appeal the decision. The denial letter will explain how and when to appeal. You may want to consult a legal aid organization or benefits counselor for help.
MaineHealth offers free benefits counseling to help you understand how work, income, and other changes affect your SSI, SSDI, and MaineCare eligibility[4].
