If you have epilepsy in Maine, you may be eligible for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), state Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance, affordable housing, and independent living support. There is no state disability program, but Maine offers several resources and advocacy services for people with disabilities and their families.
Social Security Disability (SSDI/SSI): To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked 10+ years and paid Social Security taxes. SSDI payments depend on your work history and earnings; you also get Medicare after 24 months. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history, and includes Medicaid coverage[1]. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years[9]. Both programs require a severe impairment (like epilepsy) that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[7]. Medical decisions are made at the state level by Maine’s Disability Determination Services[6].
Maine-Specific Disability Support: Maine has no state disability income program. Instead, the state offers support services through Medicaid, assistive technology, and independent living programs[3]. Apply for Medicaid (MaineCare) if your income is low and you meet the medical needs standard. Maine’s Section 811 PRA program offers subsidized housing for extremely low-income adults with disabilities, including epilepsy[5]. MainePERS Disability Retirement is only for eligible public employees who can no longer work permanently[2]. State programs like Independent Living Services, the Disability Rights Center, and MaineCITE assistive technology can help you live independently, advocate for your rights, and access tools to support epilepsy management[3]. Financial need is required for many state programs.
1. Gather Medical Records: Collect your epilepsy diagnosis, treatment history, medications, and notes from neurologists or other specialists. These documents are essential for all disability and Medicaid applications.
2. Apply for SSI or SSDI:
3. MaineCare (Medicaid) Application:
4. Supplemental Programs:
5. Find Local Support:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people with epilepsy (or other severe disabilities) who have paid into Social Security via payroll taxes and can no longer work due to their condition[1][7]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for low-income people with epilepsy, regardless of work history, if they meet strict income and asset limits[1]. Medicare (with SSDI): Get health coverage after a 24-month waiting period[1]. Medicare/Medicaid Comparison: Learn the difference in coverage and cost-sharing—Medicare is federal health insurance for SSDI recipients, while Medicaid (MaineCare) is state-run and based on income and assets. See the <a href="#internal_link_results_0">Medicaid vs Medicare</a> guide.
Maine Medicaid (MaineCare): Covers doctor visits, epilepsy medications, hospital care, and therapies for eligible people with epilepsy who meet income and medical criteria. Section 811 PRA: Subsidized, supportive housing for people with disabilities and very low income—MaineHousing partners with OADS for this federally funded program[5]. Independent Living Services: Helps people with epilepsy live at home and participate in their community, including advocacy, education, and assistance with daily tasks[3]. Assistive Technology: MaineCITE helps Mainers access tools and devices to manage epilepsy and related disabilities[3]. Disability Rights Center: Offers free legal advocacy and assistance for people with epilepsy facing discrimination or access barriers[3]. MainePERS Disability Retirement: For certain public employees unable to work permanently due to disability—not for the general public[2]. MaineHealth Vocational Services: Provides free benefits counseling for people with epilepsy on SSI/SSDI who are working or considering work (age 14+)[4]. More about available Medicaid waivers in Maine: see the <a href="#internal_link_results_1">Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)</a> guide.
ABLE Accounts: Maine residents with disabilities, including epilepsy, can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI/SSDI eligibility. Funds in ABLE accounts are not counted toward SSI asset limits. Learn more in the <a href="#internal_link_results_2">ABLE Accounts</a> guide.
SSI Income Limits (2025): Income and asset limits are strict for SSI. The federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual. Some income and assets are exempt. MaineCare (Medicaid): Income eligibility depends on household size and category. Some people qualify due to disability, regardless of income. Always report changes—see the <a href="#internal_link_results_3">Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> guide.
Reporting to SSA/DHHS: Always report income, work, asset changes, and living situation changes to SSA and DHHS in a timely way to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits. If you receive an overpayment notice, you may be able to request a waiver or appeal the decision. See the <a href="#internal_link_results_4">Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> guide for details and steps.
You can work and keep your Maine disability benefits. SSI and SSDI have special work incentives that let you earn money, try new jobs, and keep your health care and some cash benefits. MaineHealth Vocational Services offers free counseling to help you understand your options and avoid losing coverage[4].
You can receive both SSI and SSDI (called “concurrent benefits”) if you meet the eligibility for each program—usually if your SSDI payment is low and your income/assets are also low. Each program has its own rules for income, work history, and reporting. See the <a href="#internal_link_results_5">SSI vs SSDI</a> guide for more details.
Yes, you must be unable to do any “substantial gainful activity” (paid work) for at least 12 months due to your epilepsy, or have a condition expected to result in death[7]. Even if your epilepsy is severe, you won’t qualify if you can still work above a certain earnings level (currently $1,550/month in 2024).
The SSDI/SSI process can take 3–5 months for an initial decision, but many applicants are denied at first and win on appeal. You can check your status and provide more information online. The Disability Determination Services in Maine handles medical decisions[6].
Maine does not have a state disability income program. For cash support, you must apply for federal SSI or SSDI. Some people with epilepsy may qualify for state Medicaid (MaineCare), food assistance, and subsidized housing, but these are not cash payments[1].
You have the right to appeal denials. For SSI/SSDI, you must appeal within 60 days. Maine’s Disability Rights Center can help you with advocacy for SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, or housing denials[3]. For Medicaid, the appeals process in Maine is handled through DHHS.
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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6. Follow Up: Monitor your application status online or by phone. Be ready to appeal if denied—many people are approved on appeal.
You can apply directly at ssa.gov or call your local Social Security office[7]. Maine’s Disability Rights Center and Independent Living Centers can assist with the process and advocate for you if you are denied[3].
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentives that help you keep your benefits, health care, and even get help with work expenses while you earn money. MaineHealth Vocational Services offers free counseling on these rules—contact them if you are working or considering work[4].
Yes, you can save in an ABLE account up to $100,000 without it counting against SSI asset limits (as of 2024). See the <a href="#internal_link_results_6">ABLE Accounts</a> guide for details.
MaineCare (Medicaid) generally covers epilepsy medications prescribed by your doctor and specialist visits, including neurology care, for covered members. Coverage details depend on your plan category. Check with MaineCare for your specific medications and treatments.
Maine’s Independent Living Services Program can connect you with local resources to help with housing, transportation, assistive technology, and more[3]. Contact your local Independent Living Center or MaineCITE for devices that can help manage your epilepsy.
