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Grants for Disabled People in Maine

Grants for Disabled People in Maine

Maine is a beautiful state in the northeastern region of the United States, known for its scenic coastline, abundant forests and rich history. It is also home to over 1.3 million people, of whom about 15% have some form of disability. Living with a disability can pose many challenges, such as finding accessible housing, transportation, health care, education and employment. Fortunately, there are many grants and assistance programs available for disabled people in Maine that can help them overcome these barriers and live more independently and comfortably. In this article, we will explore some of the most common and helpful grants for disabled people in Maine. 

State Assistance

One of the first places to look for grants for disabled people in Maine is the state government itself. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offers a variety of services and programs for people with disabilities.

The Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) provides information, referral, advocacy and support for older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers.

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) helps people with disabilities find and keep a job, access independent living services and obtain assistive technology.

The Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) offers comprehensive services for people with vision loss, such as vocational rehabilitation, education, orientation and mobility training, low vision aids and more.

The Division of Deafness (DoD) coordinates services and resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Maine, such as telecommunications devices, legal interpreting, identification cards, hearing ear dog registration and more.

The Disability Determination Services (DDS) makes disability decisions for the Social Security Administration (SSA) based on medical and vocational evidence.

For more information about these and other state assistance programs for disabled people in Maine, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/.

Health Assistance for Disabled People in Maine

MaineCare: This is the state’s Medicaid program that provides health coverage for low-income individuals and families, including people with disabilities. MaineCare covers services such as 

  • doctor visits, 
  • hospital stays, 
  • prescription drugs, 
  • dental care, 
  • mental health care, 
  • home health care, 
  • nursing home care and more. 

To apply for MaineCare, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/health-care-assistance.

Medicare Savings Program (MSP): MSP helps eligible Medicare beneficiaries pay for some or all of their Medicare premiums, deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. There are four types of MSPs: Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI) and Qualified Disabled and Working Individuals (QDWI). To apply for MSPs, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-353-3771.

Maine Rx Plus Program helps eligible Maine residents save money on prescription drugs by offering discounts at participating pharmacies. To qualify for this program, you must have an income below 350% of the federal poverty level and not have prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D or other sources. To enroll in this program, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs 

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides health coverage for children under 19 years old who do not qualify for MaineCare or have other insurance. CHIP covers services such as 

  • preventive care, 
  • immunizations, 
  • hospital care, 
  • dental care, 
  • vision care, 
  • mental health care, 
  • substance abuse treatment and more. 

To apply for CHIP, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/mainecare-options/children.

Social Security

One of the most well-known and widely used sources of grants for disabled people in Maine is the Social Security Administration (SSA), which administers two federal programs that provide monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs have different eligibility criteria and benefit amounts but they share some common features, such as:

  • You must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
  • You must meet certain income and resource limits, which vary depending on the program and your living situation.
  • You must apply for both programs through the SSA, either online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office.
  • You must provide medical and non-medical evidence to support your claim, such as medical records, test results, work history, education and more.
  • You must undergo a disability determination process, which involves a review of your application and evidence by the SSA and the DDS.
  • You may appeal the decision if you are denied or disagree with the outcome of your claim.

The main differences between SSDI and SSI are:

  • SSDI is based on your work history and the amount of Social Security taxes you have paid. You must have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for SSDI benefits. The average monthly SSDI benefit in 2023 is $1,277.
  • SSI is based on your financial need and does not require any work history or tax payments. You must have a low income and few resources to qualify for SSI benefits. The maximum monthly SSI benefit in 2023 is $794 for an individual and $1,191 for a couple.

For more information about SSDI and SSI, visit https://www.ssa.gov/.

Financial Assistance for Disabled People in Maine

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance and support services to low-income families with children under 18 years old. TANF can help pay for basic needs such as 

  • food, 
  • clothing, 
  • shelter,
  • utilities, 
  • transportation, 
  • child care and more. 

Find more information at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/tanf.

General Assistance (GA) offers emergency assistance to disabled individuals and families who are unable to meet their basic needs due to a crisis or hardship. GA can help pay for rent, utilities, food, prescriptions, fuel, burial expenses and more. To apply for GA, contact your local municipal office or call 1-800-442-6003.

Home and Community Based Services HCBS) Innovation Pilot Grants are grants awarded by the DHHS OADS to support innovative projects that promote greater independence and community participation among individuals with disabilities. The grants can be used for various purposes such as home modifications, assistive technology, transportation services, peer support, respite care and more. To learn more about these grants and how to apply, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads.

Housing and Rent Assistance

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) is a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that helps low-income individuals and families pay for rent in privately owned housing units. The program pays a portion of the rent directly to the landlord on behalf of the tenant based on their income and family size. The tenant pays the difference between the actual rent and the subsidy amount. To apply for HCVs, contact your local public housing agency (PHA) or call 1-800-955-2232.

Public Housing Program (PH) is another federal program administered by HUD that provides rental housing units owned and operated by PHAs that offer low-cost housing to low-income individuals and families, including people with disabilities. The PHAs determine the eligibility and rent amount for each tenant based on their income and family size. For more information, contact your local PHA or call 1-800-955-2232.

Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) is a state agency that offers affordable housing opportunities and services to Maine residents, including people with disabilities. MSHA offers various programs such as:

  • Homeownership Programs help eligible homebuyers purchase a home with low-interest loans, down payment assistance, closing cost assistance and more.
  • Rental Assistance Programs assist eligible renters pay for rent in MSHA-approved housing units with subsidies, vouchers, or certificates.
  • Home Repair Programs help eligible homeowners repair or improve their homes with grants, loans, or rebates.
  • Supportive Housing Programs assist eligible individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to find and maintain stable housing with case management and supportive services.

  For further information, you may check at https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/msha-docs/.

Utility Bill Assistance for Disabled People in Maine

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps eligible low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs. LIHEAP provides grants to state and local agencies, which then distribute the funds to qualified applicants based on their income, household size and energy needs. For more information, visit https://www.maine.gov/legis/ 

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is another federal program that helps eligible low-income households improve their energy efficiency and reduce their energy consumption. WAP provides grants to state and local agencies, which then provide free home energy audits and weatherization services to qualified applicants, such as insulation, air sealing, heating system repair or replacement and more. To learn more, visit https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/homeimprovementdetail/weatherization.

Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program is a temporary federal program that provides discounts on monthly internet bills for eligible low-income households. EBB can help pay for broadband service and devices, such as laptops, tablets, or desktop computers. Find out more information at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.

Charitable Assistance Programs for Disabled People in Maine

The Pine Tree Society is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services that enhance the lives of people with disabilities and their families. The Pine Tree Society offers services such as camp experiences, communication devices, assistive technology training, interpreting services, case management and more. For further information, please click the link https://pinetreesociety.org/.

The Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation (MASR) promotes year-round education and training for individuals with disabilities to develop skills, enhance independence and provide enjoyment through active recreation. MASR offers programs such as adaptive skiing, snowboarding, cycling, paddling, golfing, fishing, hiking and more. To learn more about MASR and how to access its programs, visit https://maineadaptive.org/.

Food and Nutrition Assistance for Disabled People

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps eligible low-income individuals and families buy food at authorized retailers, such as grocery stores, farmers markets and co-ops. SNAP benefits are issued on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. For more information, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support and supplemental foods to pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to age five who are at nutritional risk. WIC foods include milk, cheese, eggs, cereal, juice, fruits, vegetables and more. To see more information, please take a look here https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/wic/.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offers coupons to low-income seniors aged 60 and older to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets and farm stands. SFMNP coupons are distributed by local Area Agencies on Aging during the summer months. To apply for SFMNP coupons, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 1-877-353-3771.

Transportation Assistance for Disabled People in Maine

The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is a state agency that oversees the planning, development, maintenance and operation of the state’s transportation system, including highways, bridges, railroads, airports, ferries, transit and more. MaineDOT also provides various services and programs for people with disabilities, such as:

  • The Reduced Fare Program allows eligible seniors and people with disabilities to ride public transit buses and trains at a discounted rate. 
  • The Disability Parking Program issues disability parking placards and plates to eligible individuals with mobility impairments that limit their ability to walk. 
  • The RideShare Program helps commuters find carpool partners, vanpool groups, or transit options that match their travel needs and preferences. 

For more information, visit https://www.maine.gov/mdot/. 

Legal Assistance for Disabled People in Maine

Disability Rights Maine (DRM) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the civil rights and equal opportunities of people with disabilities in Maine. DRM provides legal services such as, 

  • intake and referral,
  • individual case representation,
  • systemic advocacy,
  • and outreach and education. 

To contact DRM or request legal assistance from any of its programs, visit https://drme.org/.

Pine Tree Legal Assistance (PTLA) is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal aid to disabled people in Maine. PTLA provides legal services such as advice, representation, mediation, education and advocacy. To contact PTLA or request legal assistance from any of its projects, visit https://www.ptla.org/.

Clothing Assistance for Disabled People in Maine

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England (GINNE) provides employment and training services to people with disabilities and other barriers to economic independence. GINNE also operates a network of retail stores that sell donated clothing and other goods at affordable prices. GINNE also offers vouchers to eligible individuals and families who need clothing assistance. To find a GINNE store near you or request a voucher, visit https://goodwillnne.org/.

The Salvation Army of Northern New England (TSANNE) offers social services and spiritual support to people in need. TSANNE also operates a network of thrift stores that sell donated clothing and other goods at low prices. TSANNE also offers vouchers to eligible individuals and families who need clothing assistance. To learn more, visit https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/.

Business Support for Disabled People

The Maine Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a statewide program that provides free and confidential business advising and training to aspiring and existing entrepreneurs. SBDC can help with business planning, marketing, financing, management and more. To access SBDC services, visit https://www.mainesbdc.org/.

The Maine Center for Entrepreneurs (MCE) is a nonprofit organization that supports the growth and development of high-potential, scalable businesses in Maine. MCE offers programs such as the Top Gun Accelerator, the Cultivator Food, Beverage & Agriculture Accelerator, the MarketShare Accel Program and the Mentor Network. To access MCE programs, visit https://www.mainetechnology.org/mti-impact/success-stories/maine-center-for-entrepreneurs/.

The Maine Technology Institute (MTI) is a public-private partnership that provides funding and assistance to innovative technology-based projects and businesses in Maine. MTI offers programs such as the Business Innovation Program, the Cluster Initiative Program, the Maine Accelerates Growth Program and the Maine Technology Asset Fund. To access MTI programs, visit https://www.mainetechnology.org/.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal agency that provides comprehensive health care, disability compensation, pension, education, vocational rehabilitation, home loans, life insurance, burial benefits and more to disabled veterans and their dependents. To apply for VA benefits or services, visit https://www.va.gov/.

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS) is a state agency that provides advocacy and assistance to disabled veterans and their families in accessing various benefits and services, including transportation, license plates, tax exemptions, employment preference, education assistance, state parks admission and more. To contact MBVS or request assistance, visit https://www.maine.gov/veterans/.

The Veterans Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides housing, employment, health care, counseling, legal aid and other support services to disabled veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. To access Veterans Inc. services, visit https://www.veteransinc.org/.

Assistance for Disabled Seniors

The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) are regional organizations that provide information, referral, advocacy and support for older adults, adults with disabilities and their caregivers. AAA offers services such as 

  • case management,
  • home care,
  • nutrition,
  • transportation,
  • legal aid,
  • Medicare counseling,
  • and more. 

To contact your local AAA or request assistance, visit https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging

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