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How To Apply for Disability in Maine

 
The Social Security Administration, otherwise known as the SSA, is a federal organization that runs the two Social Security Disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Due to the fact that these programs are federal, the application process and regulations are quite similar throughout the nation. However, there are variations between the states and it is important to know the differences. Here are the differences in Maine’s processes.

To find your local Social Security field office, Disability Determinations Services office, or an Office of Disability Adjudication and Review in Maine, click here.
 

Chances of Approval at a Hearing

The citizens of Maine have a significantly higher chance for disability benefits during an appeals hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). However, these applicants will have to wait longer for their hearing date and a final decision on their cases. Listed below is some updated (2015) statistics on Maine's hearing offices.

 

Maine National
Avg. Hearing Wait Time 15.5 Months 14.9 Months
Average Processing Time 478 Days 461 Days
Cases Approved 51% 44%
Cases Denied 28% 38%
Cases Dismissed 21% 18%

 

Maine State Supplements for SSI

Since 2015, a claimant of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can receive up to a maximum of $733 per month. In the state of Maine, a claimant may be eligible for a small additional payment on top of their monthly SSI payment. How much extra an individual can receive in benefits depends on their current living situation. Claimants living by themselves, with others or in a Medicaid facility can receive an additional $8-10 per month while individuals living a boarding home can receive an additional $217 to $234 per month.

This program is run by Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services. For assistance, contact your local office or call (207) 287-3707.

 

State Statistics

The last state statistic annual report conducted by the Social Security Administration (SSA) was back in 2013. The SSA stopped collecting the data due to the difficulty in gathering and organizing the information between all 50 states. Due to this factor, the following statistics are from the latest edition of state annual reports from 2013. These numbers still closely reflect today's actual numbers.

 

Resident Population 831,959
Percentage of Population on SSI 2.8%
Percentage of Population on SSDI 7.7%
Average Monthly SSI Payment $480.22
Average Monthly SSDI Payment $1, 018.01

 

Maine Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Maine’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VR) assists individuals who are disabled find and maintain employment. The VR will seek jobs that suit the individual and accommodates for their disability. Anyone who is already receiving SSDI or SSI automatically qualifies for VR services. To find your local VR office in Maine, view our Vocational Rehabilitation Services in Maine page or call the administrative office below.

Maine Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

Administrative Office
150 State House Station
Augusta 04333-0150
(207) 623-6799
TTY users please us Maine Relay 711
287-5292 (Fax)

Maine Social Security Field Offices, DDS & ODAR

There are 9 Social Security Field offices, 1 Office of Disability Determination Services and 1 Office of Disability Adjudication and Review to help the disabled residents of Maine.

If you are applying benefits or have filed for disability already and need assistance for any reason, please contact your closest office below.

Maine Social Security Field Offices

Auburn Office

600 Turner Street
Auburn ME 04210
1-866-627-6996

Augusta Office

330 Civic Center Dr
Augusta ME 04332
(207) 622-1451

Bangor Office

202 Harlow St
Bangor ME 04401
(207) 990-4530

Portland Office

550 Forest Av
Portland ME 04101
(207) 771-2851

Presque Isle Office

365 Main St
Presque Isle ME 04769
(207) 764-3771

Rockland Office

231 Park Street
Rockland ME 04841
1-855-269-9179

Rumford Office

3 Canal Street
Rumford ME 04276
(207) 364-3731

Saco Office

110 Main St
Saco ME 04072
(877) 253-4715

Waterville Office

46 Front Street
Waterville ME 04901
(866) 931-9169

Disability Determination Services

Maine Office of Disability Determination Services

Disability Determination Services
State House Station #116
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: 207-377-9500

Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review

Connecticut Office of Disability Adjudication and Review

SSA Office of Disability Adjudication and Review
Suite 600
One Portland Square
Portland, ME 04101-4092
Telephone: (877) 701-2137
Fax: (207) 780-3705
eFile Fax: (877) 787-5229
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Servicing the following Social Security Field Offices

MAINE: Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Portland, Presque Isle, Rockland, Saco, Waterville