Heart Disease Benefits in Maine: How to Apply & Get Help

If heart disease prevents you from working, you may qualify for federal disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a medical condition. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and assets, including people who have never worked or haven’t worked enough for SSDI. Both programs require that your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical listing for heart disease to determine eligibility. You must provide medical records showing your diagnosis, symptoms, and how your condition limits your ability to work[1][8].

Maine does not offer a state-run short-term or long-term disability insurance program. Instead, state benefits for people with heart disease focus on supportive services, housing, and advocacy. MainePERS offers a Disability Retirement Program for public employees who can no longer work due to a qualifying medical condition, including heart disease. To qualify, you must show that your condition is permanent and prevents you from performing your job duties, even with reasonable accommodations[2]. Other state programs, like the Independent Living Services Program and MaineHousing’s Section 811 PRA, provide support for independent living and affordable housing for people with disabilities, including those with heart disease[3][5]. Maine also offers ABLE accounts, which let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI eligibility[3].

• Check if you qualify for SSDI or SSI based on your work history and income.
• Gather medical records that document your heart disease and its impact on your ability to work.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
• For state programs, contact MaineHousing, MainePERS, or the Disability Rights Center for help with housing, retirement, or advocacy services.
• Consider applying for MaineCare (Medicaid) if you have low income and need health coverage[6][3].

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI or SSI. SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and assets[1][8].
• Step 2: Collect medical evidence, including doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment records that show your heart disease diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You can also apply for MaineCare (Medicaid) through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services[6].
• Step 4: If you are a public employee, check with MainePERS about the Disability Retirement Program. You will need to provide medical documentation and proof that your condition is permanent and prevents you from working[2].
• Step 5: For housing assistance, contact MaineHousing about the Section 811 PRA program. You may need a referral from a case manager or healthcare provider[5].
• Step 6: For advocacy and independent living support, contact the Disability Rights Center or Independent Living Services Program[3].
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you can appeal. Most people are denied at first but have a higher chance of approval after an appeal[1][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a medical condition. Includes Medicare after 24 months[1][8].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with limited income and assets who cannot work due to a disability. Includes Medicaid for health coverage[1][8].
• Medicare: Health insurance for people on SSDI after 24 months of receiving benefits[1].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those on SSI[1].

• MainePERS Disability Retirement: Retirement benefit for public employees who become unable to work due to a permanent medical condition, including heart disease. Requires medical documentation and proof that the condition prevents job performance[2].
• Independent Living Services Program: Helps people with significant disabilities live independently in their homes and communities. Services are subject to funding availability[3].
• MaineHousing Section 811 PRA: Provides permanent supportive housing for extremely low-income people with disabilities, including those with heart disease. Requires referral and eligibility screening[5].
• Disability Rights Center: Offers advocacy, information, and referral services for people with disabilities[3].
• MaineCITE Assistive Technology: Helps make assistive technology more available to people with disabilities[3].
• Maine State Library Outreach Services: Offers accessible library services, including Talking Books and large print books[3].

Maine offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI eligibility. ABLE accounts can be used for expenses like housing, education, and healthcare. To qualify, you must have a disability that began before age 26[3].

For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Maine does not have a state disability income limit, but other state programs may have their own rules[1].

If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you work while on benefits or if your circumstances change. Report changes promptly to avoid penalties or repayment[1].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:30am–5:00pm Mon–Fri

  Website

  Apply for SSDI or SSI, get help with benefits.
• MainePERS
  Phone: 1-800-624-4677

  Hours: 8:00am–4:30pm Mon–Fri

  Website

  For public employees seeking disability retirement.
• MaineHousing
  Phone: 1-800-452-4668

  Hours: 8:00am–4:30pm Mon–Fri

  Website

  For housing assistance and Section 811 PRA.
• Disability Rights Maine
  Phone: 1-800-452-1618

  TTY: 1-800-432-7844

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: 9:00am–4:30pm Mon–Fri

  Website

  Advocacy and assistance for disability applicants.

• Can I get disability benefits for heart disease in Maine?

  Yes, if your heart disease prevents you from working and meets Social Security’s medical criteria, you can apply for SSDI or SSI. Maine does not have a state disability insurance program, so federal benefits are the main option[1][8].

• What medical evidence do I need for a heart disease disability claim?

  You need medical records showing your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and how your heart disease limits your ability to work. This can include doctor’s reports, test results, and treatment records[1][8].

• How long does it take to get approved for disability in Maine?

  The process can take several months to over a year. Most people are denied at first but have a higher chance of approval after an appeal. Be ready to provide more evidence if asked[1][6].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for heart disease?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. MaineHealth offers free counseling to help you understand how work affects your benefits[4].

• What housing help is available for people with heart disease in Maine?

  MaineHousing’s Section 811 PRA program provides permanent supportive housing for extremely low-income people with disabilities, including those with heart disease. You may need a referral from a case manager[5].

• Does Maine have a state disability insurance program?

  No, Maine does not have a state-run short-term or long-term disability insurance program. Federal SSDI and SSI are the main options for income support[1].