Low Vision Benefits in Maine: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. For 2025, the SSI federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• For low vision, SSA uses specific criteria for legal blindness and visual acuity. If you meet these, you may qualify for benefits.
• Children with low vision may qualify for SSI if their condition meets SSA’s childhood disability criteria.
• Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits on a parent’s Social Security record if the parent is deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits.
• In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620/month, and for blind individuals, it is $2,700/month. Earning above these amounts may affect your benefits.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05)

• MainePERS administers a Disability Retirement Program for state employees who become unable to work due to a medically diagnosable condition, including low vision. To qualify, you must show that your condition causes functional limitations that make you unable to perform your job duties, even with reasonable accommodation, and that the condition is expected to be permanent.
• Maine does not have a separate state disability insurance program for private sector workers. Most private sector workers rely on federal SSDI and SSI.
• Maine Medicaid waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, provide support for people with low vision, including assistive devices, home modifications, and personal care services.
• Maine’s ABLE ME program allows eligible individuals with disabilities, including low vision, to save up to $500,000 in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• Maine does not accept out-of-state residents for the ABLE ME program.

• Check if you meet federal eligibility for SSI or SSDI.
• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office.
• For MainePERS disability retirement, contact MainePERS and submit required forms.
• For Maine Medicaid waivers, apply through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
• For ABLE ME, apply through the ABLE ME website.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply.html, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Step 1: Review eligibility requirements for SSI, SSDI, MainePERS disability retirement, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE ME.
• Step 2: Gather necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and employment history.
• Step 3: Complete the application for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office. For children, apply for SSI.
• Step 4: For MainePERS disability retirement, contact MainePERS, request the application, and submit medical documentation and employment records.
• Step 5: For Maine Medicaid waivers, apply through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. You may need to undergo a functional assessment.
• Step 6: For ABLE ME, visit the ABLE ME website, create an account, and complete the application. You will need proof of disability and Maine residency.
• Step 7: Follow up with each agency to check the status of your application and provide any additional information requested.
• Step 8: Once approved, report any changes in income, employment, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply.html, accessed 2025-11-05); [MainePERS, 2025](https://www.mainepers.org/disability-retirement/, accessed 2025-11-05); [Maine.gov, 2025](http://www.maine.gov/treasurer/ABLE-MAINE, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and are unable to work due to a disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Medicare: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who have received SSDI for 24 months.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: Provides benefits to adults with a disability that began before age 22 on a parent’s Social Security record.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05)

• MainePERS Disability Retirement: Provides a retirement benefit to state employees who become unable to work due to a medically diagnosable condition, including low vision.
• Maine Medicaid Waivers: Provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including low vision. Services may include assistive devices, home modifications, and personal care.
• ABLE ME Program: Allows eligible individuals with disabilities, including low vision, to save up to $500,000 in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• Maine Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Provides job training and support for people with disabilities, including low vision.

[Source: MainePERS, 2025](https://www.mainepers.org/disability-retirement/, accessed 2025-11-05); [Maine.gov, 2025](http://www.maine.gov/treasurer/ABLE-MAINE, accessed 2025-11-05); [Maine DHHS, 2025](https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/office-of-supportive-housing/medicaid-waivers, accessed 2025-11-05)

• The ABLE ME program in Maine allows eligible individuals with disabilities, including low vision, to save up to $500,000 in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses.
• The annual contribution limit is $19,000 (2025 federal limit), with an additional ABLE to Work contribution of up to $15,060 for employed beneficiaries who do not contribute to other retirement plans.
• ABLE ME accounts do not affect eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• Maine does not accept out-of-state residents for the ABLE ME program.

[Source: Maine.gov, 2025](http://www.maine.gov/treasurer/ABLE-MAINE, accessed 2025-11-05)

• For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple.
• The SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,620/month, and for blind individuals, it is $2,700/month.
• For MainePERS disability retirement, there is no specific income limit, but you must be unable to work due to your disability.
• For Maine Medicaid waivers, income and asset limits vary by program.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05)

• It is important to report any changes in income, employment, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands and affect future benefits.
• Report changes to Social Security, MainePERS, and Maine DHHS as soon as possible.
• Keep records of all communications and changes reported.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/reporting-changes.html, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Maine State Treasurer (ABLE ME)
  Phone: 207-626-8433

  Email: ableme@maine.gov

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  For ABLE ME account questions and applications.
• MainePERS
  Phone: 1-800-256-3488

  Email: info@mainepers.org

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  For disability retirement questions and applications.
• Maine DHHS Office of Supportive Housing
  Phone: 1-800-450-8545

  Email: dhhs.osh@maine.gov

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid waiver questions and applications.

• What federal benefits are available for low vision in Maine?

  People with low vision in Maine may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Medicare. SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI is for those with limited income and resources. Medicaid and Medicare provide health coverage.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Maine?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and employment history. The application process may take several months.

• What is the MainePERS Disability Retirement Program?

  MainePERS Disability Retirement is for state employees who become unable to work due to a medically diagnosable condition, including low vision. You must show that your condition causes functional limitations and is expected to be permanent.

• What are Maine Medicaid waivers for low vision?

  Maine Medicaid waivers provide home and community-based services for people with low vision, including assistive devices, home modifications, and personal care. You must meet income and asset limits and undergo a functional assessment.

• What is the ABLE ME program in Maine?

  The ABLE ME program allows eligible individuals with disabilities, including low vision, to save up to $500,000 in a tax-advantaged account for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for federal benefits like SSI and Medicaid.

• How much can I earn and still get SSI in Maine?