Maine residents with heart disease can access federal disability benefits like SSDI and SSI, plus state programs for housing, independent living, and advocacy. There is no state-run short-term disability program, but Maine offers supportive services and resources for people with chronic illnesses.
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].
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].
Maine does not have a state-run short-term or long-term disability insurance program. Federal SSDI and SSI are your main options for income support if you have heart disease.
MaineHealth offers free counseling to help people with heart disease understand how working affects their disability benefits. This can help you return to work without losing support.
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].
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].
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].
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].
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].
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].
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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MainePERS Disability Retirement is a benefit for public employees who become unable to work due to a permanent medical condition, including heart disease. You must show that your condition prevents you from performing your job duties[2].
You can apply for MaineCare (Medicaid) through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. If you get SSI, you are automatically eligible for Medicaid[1].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI eligibility. Maine offers ABLE accounts to people who became disabled before age 26[3].
You can get help from MaineHealth’s Community Work Incentives Coordinators, the Disability Rights Center, or MainePERS for public employees[4][3][2].
