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Benefits

Work can make you feel better; it can give you new skills and create opportunities for friendships and making more money.

The Benefits of Working: Why Work?

Work can provide many benefits. Receiving a paycheck is just one benefit. Work is a place where you can find meaning, do something that you enjoy, and be an active member of your community. It is a place to make new relationships and meet people.

The money you make from working can assist you in paying your bills and also provide opportunities to do things you enjoy in your free time.  If you receive benefits, you should learn how working might affect the benefits they are receiving.   

Work Incentives: Assistance with Benefits Planning

Free assistance is available to help you identify what kind of benefits you have and what happens when you work. In Maine, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) staffs are provided through Maine Medical Center Department of Vocational Services and are available state wide. For more information and to schedule a free appointment go to:


Other Public Benefits Information:

Social Security

  • You may be receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). Sometimes people receive both. The amount you receive in benefit depends on many factors. See Social Security's "The Work Site" for more information

Social Security also offers a variety of programs that can assist you with becoming employed and self-sufficient.
PASS Plan: PASS plan is a "Plan to Achieve Self-Support." PASS helps you get training, items or services needed to help you achieve your work goals. (See PASS Information from SSA)

IRWE: IRWE is an Impairment Related Work Expense. Sometimes you need items or equipment to help you perform your job that are not covered by Medicaid, Medicare or another source.  If eligible, an IRWE may cover these costs for you. (See IRWE Information from SSA) for more information.  Or talk to a Benefits Counselor in your area!

Ticket to Work (TTW): The Ticket to Work program provides incentives to individuals who currently receive SSA benefits and wish to return to work. Eligible individuals can take their ticket to participating employment networks (ENs) to receive assistance. More information on these programs is available from:

Department of Health and Human Services Programs: The Department offers several benefits such as food stamps and housing assistance to people who meet the eligibility requirements.  See the links below for more information!

MaineCare
Maine has a MaineCare Option for Workers with Disabilities. This option allows you to earn more and still keep your MaineCare benefits. You may qualify for this MaineCare Option if:

  1. You meet the Social Security guidelines for a disability; and
  2. You have earnings, usually from a job; and
  3. You meet the financial guidelines.

For more information visit MaineCare Option for Workers with Disabilities or download the MaineCare Option for Workers with Disabilities Word version brochure or the MaineCare Option for Workers with Disabilities PDF version brochure

Other Benefits