Benefits and Resources for Disabled Seniors in Maine

Last updated: August 2025


Quick help (for emergencies and urgent needs)

Use the contacts below if you need immediate assistance. If you are in danger or need medical help, call 911.

Situation What to do Official contact
Mental health crisis or thoughts of self-harm 24/7 talk, text, or chat Call or text 988, or visit the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at https://988lifeline.org
Behavioral health crisis in Maine Mobile crisis, phone support Call the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112 or see DHHS crisis services: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/obh/consumer-resources/crisis-services
Abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult Report to Adult Protective Services Maine DHHS Adult Protective Services: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/aps
Food, housing, utilities, or local help 24/7 referral to statewide resources Dial 211 in Maine or visit 211 Maine: https://211maine.org/
Medicare counseling (free, unbiased) Compare plans, get billing help Maine SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/ship
Legal help for Mainers 60+ Free civil legal assistance Legal Services for the Elderly Helpline: https://www.mainelse.org/

Reality check: Most programs require paperwork (proof of income, ID, medical documents) and sometimes a waiting list. Start early, keep copies of everything, and ask for application help from your local Area Agency on Aging or a community partner.


How to use this guide

  • This is a practical, Maine-specific roadmap for seniors with disabilities and their families.
  • Every claim about a program includes a link to the official or well‑established source.
  • You’ll find steps, tips, and warnings where things often get stuck.

A 5‑step starter plan (do these first)

  1. Apply (or re-check eligibility) for core benefits
  1. Call your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
  • Ask for Options Counseling, care coordination, and Meals on Wheels. Find your AAA in the “Resources by region” section below or here: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads (Office of Aging and Disability Services).
  1. For prescription costs
  1. For heating and utilities
  1. Long‑term care and home supports

Maine at a glance: why benefits matter

  • Maine has one of the oldest populations in the country. According to U.S. Census QuickFacts, an estimated 22.6% of Maine residents were 65+ (2022) U.S. Census QuickFacts – Maine.
  • Many supports are available, but they’re spread across different agencies. This guide pulls them together with direct links to apply.

Program snapshot (what it is, what it does, where to apply)

Program What it is What it helps with Where to learn/apply
MaineCare (Medicaid) State and federal health coverage Doctor/hospital care, long‑term services and supports Maine DHHS: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/health-care-assistance/mainecare
Medicare Savings Program (MSP) State help for Medicare costs Pays Part B premium and sometimes deductibles/copays DHHS OFI: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/health-care-assistance/medicare-savings-program
Extra Help (Part D LIS) Federal help with prescriptions Lowers Part D premiums and copays Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/prescriptionhelp/
Low‑Cost Drugs for the Elderly & Disabled (DEL) Maine drug assistance Reduces prescription costs for eligible seniors/disabled adults DHHS overview: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/health-care-assistance
SNAP (Food Supplement) Federal nutrition benefit Monthly funds for groceries Apply at My Maine Connection: https://www.maine.gov/mymaineconnection
Meals on Wheels Home‑delivered meals via AAAs Nutrition + safety check Contact your AAA (see regional section)
HEAP Energy assistance via MaineHousing Help with heating bills MaineHousing: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/heap
Weatherization Energy efficiency upgrades Lowers energy use and bills MaineHousing: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/weatherization
Property Tax Fairness Credit State income tax credit Relief for property or rent costs Maine Revenue Services: https://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxes/tax-relief-credits-programs/income-tax-credits/property-tax-fairness-credit
Home Accessibility Program (HAP) MaineHousing accessibility help Ramps, bathroom changes, safety MaineHousing: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/home-accessibility-program

Tip: If computers are tough, ask your AAA, a local library, or a town office to help submit online forms.


Health coverage and cost help

MaineCare (Medicaid)

Long‑term care through MaineCare:

How to get assessed:

Reality check:

  • Waiver services can have waiting lists. If the need is urgent, tell the screener. Keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss letters.

Medicare, MSP, and drug savings

Free, unbiased Medicare counseling:

Dental

  • MaineCare covers adult dental services (policy details are published by the Office of MaineCare Services). Check coverage and enrolled dentists via MaineCare member resources: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms.
  • If you do not have MaineCare, the Donated Dental Services program may help some seniors with disabilities: https://dentallifeline.org/maine/.

Hearing and vision


Home and community supports

Meals and nutrition

Reality check:

  • Meals on Wheels routes are busy; there can be a wait. Ask about “check‑in calls” and emergency shelf‑stable boxes if you’re at risk of running out of food.

Transportation

  • MaineCare Non‑Emergency Transportation (NET): If you have MaineCare, rides to covered medical appointments may be available. See MaineCare transportation: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/member-services/transportation.
  • Local/regional providers: Many communities offer volunteer driver programs and ADA paratransit; your AAA can connect you to options.
  • ITNPortland (Greater Portland area): A nonprofit for dignified rides for seniors, fee‑based: https://www.itnportland.org/.

Tip:

  • Book rides early. If a medical appointment is rescheduled, call the transportation provider right away to avoid “no‑show” issues.

Assistive technology and home mods


Money, bills, and everyday costs

Food benefits

Tip:

Energy and utilities

Program What it does Where to learn/apply
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) Helps pay home heating costs; crisis help may be available in winter MaineHousing HEAP: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/heap
Weatherization Assistance Reduces energy use with insulation, air sealing, and safety checks MaineHousing Weatherization: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/weatherization
LIAP (Low‑Income Assistance Program) Electric bill discount for eligible customers Maine PUC LIAP: https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/electricity/low-income-assistance-program
AMP (Arrearage Management Program) Helps eligible customers reduce past‑due electric balances if they keep up with current bills Maine PUC AMP: https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/electricity/arrearage-management-program

Reality check:

  • HEAP runs on a seasonal schedule. Apply early. If you can’t get an appointment, ask your town office or AAA for help finding an agency with openings.

Property taxes and rent relief

Important:

  • These programs have income and asset rules that can change. Read the current forms and instructions on the Maine Revenue Services pages above or ask your local assessor’s office.

Phone and internet

  • Lifeline (phone/internet discount): Federal program for low‑income households. Learn more and apply via USAC: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.
  • Maine Connectivity Authority: Statewide broadband efforts and projects; check for local options and digital inclusion partners: https://www.maineconnectivity.org/.
  • Note on ACP: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new enrollments in 2024 due to lapsing funds. Check the FCC for any updates: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

Housing, accessibility, and long‑term care

Staying in your home

Tip:

  • For any contractor work, get at least two written estimates and ask about permits. If someone pressures you to sign today, walk away. For consumer protection help, see the Maine Attorney General’s Consumer protection page: https://www.maine.gov/ag/consumer.

Renting and assisted living

Nursing facilities and licensing


Choosing care: side‑by‑side overview

Setting What it is Who it fits How to start
Home with supports (HCBS) Care at home: personal care, homemaker, respite, adult day You want to stay home with help Contact OADS/AAA for assessment; Section 19 waiver info: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/home-community-based-services-hcbs-waivers/section-19
Assisted living/residential care Housing + help with daily tasks You need oversight but not full nursing care Ask AAA for options counseling; check licensing info via DHHS DLC: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlc
Nursing facility 24/7 nursing and rehab You need skilled care or intensive support Ask hospital or AAA to start MaineCare financial/clinical steps

Reality check:

  • Moving between levels of care is common. Keep copies of assessments and discharge summaries to speed up transitions.

Work, income, and financial protection

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Federal benefits based on disability and/or limited income and resources. Apply or manage benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/.
  • Maine State Supplement to SSI: Maine may add a state payment for SSI recipients depending on living arrangement and other factors. See Maine DHHS for state supplement details under cash assistance programs: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi.
  • SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program): Part‑time, paid training for eligible older job seekers; available in Maine through national grantees. Program overview (U.S. Department of Labor): https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/scsep. Maine providers include Goodwill NNE and Associates for Training & Development (A4TD): https://goodwillnne.org/workforce-services/scsep/ and https://www.a4td.org/.

Protecting your money:


Caregivers and family support

  • Caregiver services (information, training, respite) are available through Maine’s AAAs under the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Start with your AAA (see regional table).
  • OADS “Respite for ME” provides short‑term relief options for family caregivers: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/caregivers/respite-for-me.
  • Dementia support: AAAs offer memory‑care education and safety planning. For national resources, see the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/.

Tip:

  • Ask your AAA about caregiver support groups and respite grants. Small grants can prevent burnout.

Inclusivity: resources for specific communities

Veteran seniors

Tip:

  • Bring discharge papers (DD‑214) to appointments. Ask MBVS about property tax benefits for disabled veterans and other state programs.

LGBTQ+ seniors

Reality check:

  • If you’ve had past discrimination in care settings, you can request a different provider. The Long‑Term Care Ombudsman can help address concerns: https://www.maineombudsman.org/.

Tribal elders

Tip:

  • Tribal members can often access both tribal and state benefits. Ask a tribal social services office and your AAA to coordinate.

Rural seniors and limited access areas


Frequently asked questions (Maine‑specific)

  1. How do I know if I qualify for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) in Maine?
  1. I’m on Medicare. Can I still get MaineCare?
  1. I need help at home. Where do I start?
  1. Is there help for a wheelchair ramp or bathroom changes?
  1. Where can I get reliable Medicare advice that isn’t trying to sell me something?
  1. I’m low on heating fuel in winter. What should I do?
  1. I can’t afford my electric bill. Are there discounts?
  1. How do I apply for SNAP (Food Supplement) if I don’t use computers?
  1. Is there help for property taxes or rent?
  1. Who can help if I think a nursing home isn’t giving proper care?
  1. I’m a veteran. What benefits might help me stay at home?
  1. Is there help for phones or internet if I’m on a fixed income?
  1. Who do I call if I suspect abuse or financial exploitation?
  1. How can I get rides to medical appointments?

Resources by region (Area Agencies on Aging)

These five AAAs serve every county in Maine. Call for Meals on Wheels, Options Counseling, caregiver support, Medicare counseling (SHIP), and local referrals.

Region Agency Counties served (examples) Contact
Aroostook Aroostook Agency on Aging Aroostook https://aroostookaging.org/
Eastern Maine Eastern Area Agency on Aging Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington https://www.eaaa.org/
Western Maine SeniorsPlus Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford https://www.seniorsplus.org/
Central & Midcoast Spectrum Generations Kennebec, Somerset, Lincoln, Knox, Sagadahoc, Waldo https://www.spectrumgenerations.org/
Southern Maine Southern Maine Agency on Aging Cumberland, York https://www.smaaa.org/

If you’re not sure which AAA serves your town, use the OADS aging services page: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads.


Legal, safety, and advocacy

Warning:

  • No one from Medicare, Social Security, or Maine DHHS will call to ask for your bank account or your full Social Security number out of the blue. Hang up, and call the agency back using a number from its official website.

More useful comparisons

Energy and utilities programs at a glance

Need If you… Program to try Where
Help with heat Pay for oil, propane, wood, pellets, or electric heat HEAP https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/heap
Fix a cold/drafty home Want insulation, air sealing, safety checks Weatherization https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/weatherization
Lower electric bill now Are low income and a customer of a participating utility LIAP https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/electricity/low-income-assistance-program
Reduce past‑due electric balance Have arrears and can make ongoing payments AMP https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/electricity/arrearage-management-program

Long‑term services funding pathways

You have… Likely path Who to call
Medicare only Check MSP and Extra Help to cut costs; explore private long‑term care options SHIP for counseling: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/ship
MaineCare (Medicaid) Ask about Section 19 HCBS, residential care, or nursing facility coverage OADS LTSS: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/long-term-care-services
SSI or very low income Apply for MaineCare and SNAP; ask AAA for home supports My Maine Connection: https://www.maine.gov/mymaineconnection

Sources (official and well‑established)


Practical tips to avoid delays

  • Keep a benefits folder: ID, Social Security card, Medicare card, bank statements, medical bills, rent/mortgage, utility bills, and doctor letters.
  • Write down every call: date, time, person’s name, and what was said.
  • If denied, appeal by the deadline on the letter. Ask SHIP (Medicare) or AAA (other programs) to help.
  • If you move or change phone numbers, update every agency—missed mail is a common cause of lost benefits.

Disclaimer

Program rules, eligibility, and funding can change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program website linked in this guide. This article is for general information and is not legal, tax, or medical advice.


About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

  • Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
  • Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
  • Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

  • Last Updated: August 2025
  • Sources Verified: Our citations point to official government or well‑established program pages; please follow the links for the most current updates.
  • Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.

About the Authors

Analic Mata-Murray

Analic Mata-Murray

Managing Editor

Analic Mata-Murray holds a Communications degree with a focus on Journalism and Advertising from Universidad Católica Andrés Bello. With over 11 years of experience as a volunteer translator for The Salvation Army, she has helped Spanish-speaking communities access critical resources and navigate poverty alleviation programs.

As Managing Editor at Grants for Seniors, Analic oversees all content to ensure accuracy and accessibility. Her bilingual expertise allows her to create and review content in both English and Spanish, specializing in community resources, housing assistance, and emergency aid programs.

Yolanda Taylor

Yolanda Taylor, BA Psychology

Senior Healthcare Editor

Yolanda Taylor is a Senior Healthcare Editor with over six years of clinical experience as a medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings, including OB/GYN, family medicine, and specialty clinics. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Psychology at California State University, Sacramento.

At Grants for Seniors, Yolanda oversees healthcare-related content, ensuring medical accuracy and accessibility. Her clinical background allows her to translate complex medical terminology into clear guidance for seniors navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and dental care options. She is bilingual in Spanish and English and holds Lay Counselor certification and CPR/BLS certification.