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Maine • Sensory
Maine does not have a state disability program, but people who are blind can get federal benefits like SSI and SSDI. Maine also offers supportive housing, assistive technology, and advocacy services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
People who are blind in Maine can qualify for federal disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). The two main programs are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is for people with limited income and assets, including children and older adults. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have strict medical and financial rules. For SSI, blindness is defined as having vision of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or a field of vision of 20 degrees or less. For SSDI, blindness is defined the same way. Both programs offer health coverage: Medicaid for SSI, Medicare for SSDI. People who are blind may also qualify for other federal benefits, like food stamps and housing assistance[1][7][8].
Maine does not have a state disability program for people who are blind. Instead, people who are blind can get federal benefits and use state resources. Maine offers supportive housing for people with disabilities through the Section 811 PRA program. Maine also has programs for independent living, assistive technology, and advocacy. The Division of Deafness provides services for deaf and hard of hearing people, but not for people who are blind. Maine does not have a state program that pays cash benefits for blindness. People who are blind may qualify for MaineCare (Medicaid) if they meet income and asset rules. Maine also has a Client Assistance Program that helps people with disabilities apply for services[3][5][9].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Maine residents can open an ABLE account through the national ABLE United program. ABLE accounts can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses. To qualify, you must have become disabled before age 26 and meet SSA rules for disability. Learn more at /guides/able-accounts.
SSI has strict income and asset limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. You can have up to $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for a couple). SSDI has no asset limit, but your earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if you are blind). MaineCare has its own income and asset rules.
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA and MaineCare. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and penalties. Learn more at /guides/overpayments-and-reporting.
MaineHealth Vocational Services and Disability Rights Maine offer free help with benefits applications and work incentives for people with disabilities.
If you are blind in Maine, you can get SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, and housing assistance. SSI is for people with low income and assets. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have strict rules for blindness.
No, Maine does not have a state disability program that pays cash benefits for people who are blind. People who are blind can get federal benefits and use state resources for housing, technology, and advocacy.
You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You can also apply in person at a Maine Department of Health and Human Services office. Gather medical records and proof of income before you apply.
In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual. You can have up to $2,000 in assets ($3,000 for a couple). MaineCare has its own income and asset rules.
Yes, you can work while getting SSI or SSDI. There are work incentives that let you keep benefits while you try to work. MaineHealth Vocational Services can help you understand how work affects your benefits.
Maine offers the Section 811 PRA program for permanent supportive housing for extremely low-income people with disabilities, including blindness. You can apply through MaineHousing.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
MaineCITE provides assistive technology for people with disabilities. The Maine State Library offers talking books, large print books, and descriptive video for people with vision loss.
The Disability Rights Center and the Client Assistance Program offer advocacy and legal help for people with disabilities. They can help you apply for services and benefits.
Yes, MaineHealth Vocational Services and Disability Rights Maine can help you apply for benefits. They offer free counseling and support for people with disabilities.
SSI is for people with low income and assets. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs have the same medical rules for blindness. SSI offers Medicaid, SSDI offers Medicare.
