Intellectual Disability Benefits in Maine

For federal disability benefits (SSI and SSDI), you must have a medically determinable impairment—like an intellectual disability—that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[8]. SSDI requires a work history (generally 10+ years), while SSI is based on financial need and has strict income and asset limits[1]. Children with intellectual disabilities may qualify for SSI if they meet the medical and financial criteria. Both programs require detailed medical documentation and often involve a multi-step application and appeals process[1][6][8].

Maine does not have a state-funded disability cash benefit program; residents must rely on federal SSI, SSDI, or purchase private insurance[1]. However, Maine offers supports like Medicaid (MaineCare) for health coverage, vocational rehabilitation services, independent living assistance, and the 811 PRA housing program for eligible individuals[3][5]. To qualify for Medicaid waivers (HCBS) or the 811 PRA housing program, you must meet both federal and state disability definitions and income guidelines. For vocational and independent living services, you generally need documentation of your disability and, in some cases, proof of Maine residency[3].

Start by applying for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office[6][8]. For Maine Medicaid (MaineCare) or HCBS waivers, apply through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. For housing help, contact MaineHousing about the 811 PRA program. For vocational or independent living services, reach out to Maine’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services or the Division of Deafness, Hard of Hearing, and Blind Services[3]. Keep copies of all medical records and application materials.

1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, school or work history, proof of income, and assets. For children, include Individualized Education Program (IEP) or psychological testing reports.
2. Apply for SSI/SSDI: Submit your application online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or in person at a Social Security office. Expect to complete forms about your condition, work history, and daily activities. If denied, you can appeal—many Mainers are approved after appeal[1][6][8].
3. Apply for MaineCare (Medicaid): Complete the application at Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services. If you receive SSI, you may be automatically eligible for MaineCare. For HCBS waivers, ask about the “Section 21” waiver for intellectual disabilities.
4. Housing Assistance: Contact MaineHousing to join the 811 PRA Applicant Registry if you are extremely low-income and have a disability[5].
5. Vocational & Independent Living: Reach out to Maine’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services for job training, assistive technology, and independent living supports[3].
6. Advocacy & Rights: For help with denials, appeals, or understanding your rights, contact Disability Rights Maine or the Client Assistance Program[7].
7. Follow Up: Check your application status regularly and respond promptly to requests for more information. Appeals and waitlists (for housing, waivers) can take months—stay organized and keep records.

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash benefit for people with limited income and resources, including children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Comes with automatic eligibility for Medicaid in Maine[1].
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For those with a sufficient work history. Benefit amount depends on past earnings. After 24 months, recipients qualify for Medicare[1].
• Medicare & Medicaid: Health coverage programs for people with disabilities. SSDI leads to Medicare; SSI leads to Medicaid (MaineCare) in Maine.
• ABLE Accounts: Federal tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, allowing savings up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility.

• MaineCare (Medicaid): Provides health coverage and access to HCBS waivers (like Section 21) for people with intellectual disabilities who need long-term supports to live at home or in the community[3].
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Maine’s Bureau of Rehabilitation Services offers job training, placement, and assistive technology for people with disabilities seeking employment[3].
• Independent Living Services: Helps adults with significant disabilities live independently through skill-building, advocacy, and access to community resources[3].
• 811 PRA Housing: MaineHousing and the Office of Aging and Disability Services provide affordable, integrated housing with support services for very low-income Mainers with disabilities[5].
• Disability Rights & Advocacy: Disability Rights Maine and the Client Assistance Program offer free help with appeals, understanding your rights, and resolving issues with agencies[7].

State-specific information is limited; start here for the most current program details and applications.

ABLE accounts let Mainers with intellectual disabilities save up to $100,000 without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses. Open an ABLE account through a participating financial institution.

SSI has strict income and asset limits (in 2023: $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple). MaineCare has its own income guidelines, but SSI recipients are typically automatically eligible. For 811 PRA housing, you must be extremely low-income (usually below 30% of area median income)[5].

Always report changes in income, living situation, or resources to the Social Security Administration and MaineCare to avoid overpayments, which must be repaid. Use the Social Security portal or call your local office for updates. For help, see our guide on avoiding overpayments.

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI, check status, report changes.
• Maine Department of Health and Human Services
  Phone: (207) 287-3707

  TTY: Maine Relay 711

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm

  Website

  Apply for MaineCare (Medicaid), HCBS waivers.
• MaineHousing (811 PRA Program)
  Phone: (207) 626-4600

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm

  Website

  Housing assistance for people with disabilities.
• Disability Rights Maine
  Phone: 1-800-452-1948

  TTY: 1-888-720-7170

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm

  Website

  Free advocacy and legal help for Mainers with disabilities.

• Can children with intellectual disabilities get benefits in Maine?

  Yes, children with intellectual disabilities may qualify for SSI if they meet medical and financial criteria. They may also access MaineCare, early intervention, special education, and other state supports.

• What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI for intellectual disability in Maine?

  SSI is for people with limited income and resources; SSDI requires a work history. See our <SSI vs SSDI> guide for details.

• Do I automatically get MaineCare (Medicaid) if I get SSI?

  Yes, in Maine, SSI recipients are automatically eligible for MaineCare.

• How do I apply for a Medicaid waiver (HCBS) in Maine?

  Apply through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Ask about the Section 21 waiver for intellectual disabilities.

• Is there a state disability cash benefit in Maine?

  No, Maine does not have a state disability cash benefit program. Residents must apply for federal SSI or SSDI, or purchase private insurance[1].

• How do I get help with SSI or SSDI denials or appeals?

  Contact Disability Rights Maine or the Client Assistance Program for free help with appeals and understanding your rights[7].

• What housing help is available for people with intellectual disabilities in Maine?

  The 811 PRA program offers affordable, integrated housing with support services for very low-income Mainers with disabilities[5].