What are the requirements for disability in Maine?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 05/02/2025
If you're living in Maine and are unable to work due to a medical condition, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict requirements, and understanding these can improve your chances of getting approved.

Here’s what you need to know about the requirements for disability in Maine.
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Basic Eligibility for SSDI in Maine
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet both work and medical requirements:
- Work Credits: You need to have worked long enough—and recently enough—in jobs covered by Social Security. Most applicants need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger individuals may qualify with fewer credits.
- Medical Condition: Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months, or it must be expected to result in death.
- SSA’s List of Impairments: Your disability should either match a condition on the SSA’s official list or be medically equivalent in severity.
Basic Eligibility for SSI in Maine
SSI is based on financial need, not work history. To qualify, you must:
- Have limited income and few assets (generally less than $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple).
- Meet the same medical requirements as SSDI (i.e., your condition must prevent you from working for 12 months or more).
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien and reside in the U.S., including Maine.
Medical Evidence Requirements
Regardless of whether you're applying for SSDI or SSI, you must provide strong medical documentation:
- Recent medical records from your treating doctors or specialists
- Test results, imaging, or lab reports
- Statements from physicians detailing your limitations and treatment history
- Documentation showing how your condition affects your daily activities and ability to work
The SSA may also schedule a consultative examination (CE) if it needs more information.
Functional Limitations and the 5-Step Evaluation Process
The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you’re disabled:
- Are you working? If you earn over a certain monthly amount, you may not qualify.
- Is your condition severe? It must interfere with basic work-related activities.
- Is it on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments? If yes, you may be automatically approved.
- Can you do past work? SSA evaluates if you can still perform any previous job.
- Can you do other work? They consider your age, education, and skills to determine if you can work in a different capacity.
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
Navigating the SSA’s rules and documentation requirements can be challenging. That’s where Hogan Smith comes in. We assist clients in Maine by:
- Determining which disability program you qualify for—SSDI or SSI
- Ensuring your application includes all necessary medical evidence
- Helping you complete the paperwork accurately and thoroughly
- Representing you in appeals or hearings if your claim is denied
Contact Hogan Smith Today
Ready to apply for disability in Maine? Don’t do it alone. Contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation, and let us help guide you through the process—from application to approval. We’re here to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.
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