Disability benefits in Maine

Disability Determination Services (DDS)

You apply for Social Security disability at Social Security. The medical decision is made by the state's disability determination service. Social Security checks the other rules, like work credits and income.

Part of

Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office for Family Independence (OFI)

Website

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/disability-determination

Medicaid for working people with disabilities: MaineCare for Working People with Disabilities

This MaineCare option is for working people with disabilities under 65 whose income or assets are too high for free MaineCare. You must have a disability under Social Security's rules and earn money from a job or self-employment. In 2026, your unearned income (like Social Security) must be $1,330 a month or less if single ($1,804 if married), and your countable income must be $3,325 or less ($4,509 if married). Assets must be under $8,000 ($12,000 if married). There is no cost until your income is over $1,995 a month if single ($2,706 if married); above that you pay $10 to $20 a month.

https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/sites/maine.gov.dhhs/files/inline-files/2026%20WD%20Brochure.pdf

Medicare Savings Programs

MaineCare's Medicare Savings Programs (such as QMB and QI) help pay Medicare Part B premiums and other Medicare costs (Guide to MaineCare Programs, April 2026).

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Run by

Maine Department of Labor (claims for the state plan handled by Aflac)

Who it covers

Almost everyone who works in Maine is covered, except federal workers and most tribal government workers. You must have earned at least 6 times the State Average Weekly Wage in your base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters). Medical leave is for a serious health condition that keeps you from working. The program also covers family care, bonding with a new child, military family and safe leave.

Benefit

90% of the part of your average weekly wage up to half of the state average weekly wage, plus 66% of the part above that. The most you can get is the state average weekly wage, which changes each year. You can get up to 12 weeks in a benefit year. For your own medical leave, the first 7 days are an unpaid waiting period.

How to file

Ask your employer where to apply. If your employer is in the state (public) plan, you apply with Aflac, the state plan administrator, through the link at maine.gov/paidleave. If your employer has a private plan, apply with that plan. For medical leave, your doctor fills out a certification form.

Filing deadline

You can apply up to 60 days before your leave starts. The latest you can apply is 90 days after your leave starts.

Starts

May 1, 2026

Phone

(207) 621-5024
TTY: Maine relay 711

Website

https://www.maine.gov/paidleave/workers/