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Maine • Sensory
If you are deaf or hard of hearing in Maine, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like Social Security (SSI/SSDI), health coverage (MaineCare/Medicare), housing help, assistive technology, communication access services, and independent living support. Maine does not have a state disability payment program, but offers strong advocacy and accessibility resources.
To qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you must have limited income and assets and meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability; SSI is available to adults and children, even if you have never worked[1]. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) requires you to have worked and paid into Social Security for a specific period—generally 10 years, but this can vary by age[1]. For both programs, deafness must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work. Children under 18 may qualify for SSI if their family meets income and asset limits. Adults with deafness that began before age 22 and whose parent is retired, disabled, or deceased may qualify as a Disabled Adult Child on their parent’s record, even if they never worked[7]. All applications require detailed medical documentation.
Maine does not have a state disability payment program; disability income support comes from federal programs (SSI/SSDI)[1]. However, Maine’s Division of Deafness (DoD) offers a unique set of state services: advocacy, information and referral, legal interpreting, telecommunications devices, Hearing-Ear-Dog registration, and statewide needs assessment for policy improvement[3]. The DoD helps Mainers access community resources, communication tools, and legal rights. Independent Living Services (ILS) and MaineCITE Assistive Technology also serve Mainers with deafness or hearing loss, providing advocacy, training, and devices to help people live more independently[3]. For employees of the State of Maine or participating employers, there is a Disability Retirement Program through MainePERS with different eligibility rules than SSI/SSDI[2]. If you are deaf and involved with vocational rehabilitation or state employment programs, ask about these options, but note: most Mainers with deafness will rely on federal disability benefits for income support.
If you are deaf and need income support in Maine, you have a few clear first steps:
Step-by-Step Guide to Maine Deafness Benefits
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payment for adults and children with limited income and assets who meet SSA disability rules. Hearing loss (including deafness) must be severe enough to prevent substantial work. SSI eligibility also brings automatic MaineCare (Medicaid) coverage in Maine[1].
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly benefit for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. Deafness must meet SSA’s medical requirements and you must have enough work credits. SSDI recipients in Maine may also qualify for Medicare after two years[1].
Medicare & MaineCare: Medicare (for SSDI, after a waiting period) and MaineCare (for SSI, immediately) help cover health care costs, including hearing specialists, devices, and some assistive technology[1].
Section 811 PRA Housing: HUD-funded rental assistance for extremely low-income people with disabilities, including deafness, providing affordable housing with support services. Managed by MaineHousing and the Office of Adult & Disability Services; join the waitlist through your case manager[5].
ABLE Accounts: Available in Maine, these allow people with disabilities to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses and offer tax advantages.
Maine does not offer state disability cash payments, but provides Division of Deafness services, which include advocacy, legal interpreting, access to telecommunications devices, and more[3]. Independent Living Services (ILS) and MaineCITE Assistive Technology support independent living for Mainers with sensory disabilities, promoting access to technology and community resources[3].
Disability Retirement Program: A unique benefit for Maine state employees and others in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System who can no longer work due to deafness or other disabilities. This is separate from SSI/SSDI and has its own medical and work-history requirements[2].
Maine State Library Outreach Services offers Talking Books and descriptive video for patrons with print disabilities, which can be helpful for some individuals with deafness who need accessibility features[3].
provides protection and advocacy for all people with disabilities—legal help, training, and rights enforcement for those facing discrimination or service barriers. helps people with disabilities navigate eligibility and appeals for vocational rehabilitation and other state programs[9].
ABLE accounts in Maine allow individuals with disabilities (including deafness) to save money without affecting eligibility for SSI or other public benefits. Income, savings, and spending rules apply; visit ableaccounts.org for details. Funds in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, including assistive technology and communication devices.
For SSI: In Maine, your countable income and assets must fall below federal and state thresholds (currently $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple in 2025). Income includes Social Security, wages, and assistance from others. Special rules exist for blind SSI applicants. For SSDI: There is no asset limit, but your monthly benefit is based on your work history and Social Security earnings[1]. For Section 811 PRA housing: Household income must be extremely low, typically below 30% of area median income[5].
If you get SSI or SSDI, you must report all changes in income, living situation, or work activity to avoid overpayments or penalties. Failure to report can lead to having to repay benefits. ABLE accounts allow you to save more without penalty, but you must keep detailed records. The SSA and Disability Rights Center of Maine can help if you have issues with overpayments or need to report a change[6][9]. For more help, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
Maine has a dedicated Division of Deafness that offers advocacy, legal interpreting, access to telecommunications devices, Hearing-Ear-Dog registration, needs assessment, and statewide policy recommendations to improve accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing residents. Contact them for direct help with communication access, legal rights, and device referrals[3].
No—Maine does not run a state disability payment program. Income support for deafness comes from federal SSI or SSDI programs, which have national rules. Maine does offer advocacy, assistive tech, and independent living supports through state agencies[1][3].
Maine’s Division of Deafness can assist you with finding and using legal interpreters and other communication supports. Contact them directly for referrals and advice on your rights[3].
MaineCITE, through Maine.gov, helps Mainers get assistive tech like amplified phones, captioned telephones, and video relay devices. The State Library offers accessible media options for eligible individuals[3].
Yes, but earnings and hours may affect your benefits. MaineHealth Vocational Services offers free benefits counseling to help you understand work incentives and avoid losing health coverage or benefits[4]. For more, see our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide.
Contact MaineHousing to learn about the Section 811 PRA program for extremely low-income people with disabilities, including deafness. You’ll need to join a waitlist, and a case manager or service provider can help with the application[5].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or governmental advice. Benefit and program details are subject to change. Always verify current rules with the official program or agency.
MaineHealth Vocational Services offers no-cost benefits counseling for people with disabilities who are working or considering work, explaining how employment affects SSI, SSDI, MaineCare, and Medicare[4].
Children with significant hearing loss may qualify for SSI if the family meets income and asset limits. If your child is under 18, SSI medical rules require documentation of severe hearing loss impacting daily activities[1].
You can appeal. Many Mainers are approved after one or more appeals. Disability Rights Maine and other agencies can help with the appeals process. Keep all medical records and consider getting help from a benefits counselor[1][9].
Yes, the Division of Deafness oversees a Hearing-Ear-Dog registry for Mainers, which can be important for community safety and legal identification purposes[3].
Hearing aid coverage under MaineCare may be available for children and some adults. Coverage details and copays are subject to change; check with MaineCare or your provider for current rules.
Contact either the **Disability Rights Center of Maine** or the **Division of Deafness** for advocacy, rights enforcement, or help with discrimination related to deafness[3][9].
