Everyone should have safe, affordable, accessible housing in communities of their choosing. For individuals who are aging or living with disabilities there are housing resources and supports to help find and keep that housing.
Talk about housing goals and options with your support team.
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance (PRA)
Section 811 Project Rental Assistance is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Maine, a partnership exists between the State of Maine- DHHS and Maine State Housing Authority creating housing for extremely low-income individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility for 811 PRA. (Word)
Please see the following document from Maine Housing for required documentation to be housed through this program.
In addition to 811 PRA, the state also has a limited number of set- aside Section 811 vouchers. A Section 811 voucher is a federal rent subsidy for low-income individuals living with a disability. Section 811 vouchers are issued by the Maine State Housing Authority.
Please see the following application for both Section 811 PRA and Section 811 vouchers.
811 Preliminary Application (PDF)
For questions, please contact OADS.Housing@maine.gov.
1915c Vouchers
1915c vouchers are considered Category 2 Non-Elderly Disabled (NED) Vouchers. NED vouchers are special purpose voucher program types to serve non-elderly individuals with disabilities. NED Category 2 vouchers enable non-elderly individuals with disabilities to transition from nursing homes and other healthcare institutions into the community. Only individuals currently living in institutions are eligible to apply for these vouchers. For more information, please contact OADSHousing@maine.gov
Eligibility for 1915c Vouchers (Word)
Housing Services Specifically for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability and/or Autism
Everyone should have safe, affordable, accessible housing in communities of their choosing. In addition to the State of Maine’s partnership with Maine State Housing Authority to oversee the Section 811 Project Rental Assistance, the Office of Aging and Disability Services oversees additional housing programs for those living with disabilities.
Talk about housing goals and options with your support team.
Housing Support Funds
Each year, funds are available to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism in covering their housing costs. Historically, the Department provided rental subsidies through individual contracts with home providers on behalf of individuals residing in waiver-funded group homes. These subsidies were designed to supplement the amount paid by individuals to providers, covering costs not included by Medicaid, such as room and board.
The Department received feedback from providers of waiver-funded group homes indicating that the Room and Board Subsidy was not an effective method of support. Over two years, the Department communicated with providers to inform them that it was exploring more effective ways to distribute these funds. During this time, a Housing Survey was conducted with individuals, family members, and waiver-funded group home providers. Additionally, listening sessions were held to share survey results and gather feedback.
With this input, the Department has developed a new approach to distribute these funds directly to individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism through a one-time payment. This direct payment method empowers individuals to remain in or move to the housing option of their choice. By providing Housing Support Funds directly to participants, the program offers a more flexible resource, enabling individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism to make their own decisions and address their housing needs independently.
How Housing Support Funds Work
Housing Support Funds are one-time lump-sum payments distributed throughout the year to individuals needing assistance with rent, security deposits, or utility costs. If an individual has a representative payee, the funds are sent directly to that payee on their behalf.
Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be applied for annually. Receiving funds one year does not guarantee funding or the same amount in subsequent years. All applications are subject to OADS approval. Along with a completed application, individuals requesting funds must provide proof of a provider room and board agreement, lease agreement, or mortgage.
For more details on Housing Support, please see our Housing Support Fun FAQ Guide (PDF).
To apply for Housing Support funds, complete a Housing Support Funds Application (PDF).
Please join us for a discussion on Housing Support Funds. OADS will be holding two zoom meetings to discuss the Housing Support Funds program that has replaced the Room and Board Subsidy.
May 29, 2025, at 4:00 pm (for individuals receiving waiver services, family members, and advocacy groups)
Please register in advance here.
Meeting ID: 848 2876 0896
Passcode: 91975803
May 30, 2025, at 10:00 am (for providers, case managers, guardians, and representative payees)
Please register in advance here.
Meeting ID: 816 3043 4836
Passcode: 39648640
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Please circulate this invitation to anyone who may be interested. If you require accommodation, such as real-time transcription and captioning (CART), American Sign Language (ASL), or other language interpretation, contact April Keyes at april.keyes@maine.gov.
Apply Today to Receive an Accessible Home Attachment
The State of Maine's Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) is happy to announce the launch of the “Accessible Home Attachment Pilot Program”, working with the company WheelPad. WheelPad builds small, accessible housing units. You can learn more about WheelPad here: https://www.wheelpad.com/
As part of this program, a limited number of small, accessible housing units -- known as SuitePADs -- are available to qualifying individuals at no cost for the unit. A SuitePAD is a housing unit with an accessible bedroom and bathroom, designed to improve your home’s accessibility. You can learn more about SuitePADs here: https://www.wheelpad.com/suitepad
Anyone interested in receiving a SuitePAD should submit an application to OADS as soon as possible. Applications and instructions to apply can be found here:
Application for SuitePAD (PDF)
A SuitePAD must be connected to your current home’s electrical power supply and to your home’s water supply and plumbing. A SuitePAD may also need a ramp or walkway added to it. OADS may be able to provide financial help to cover these installation and construction costs. If you want financial help with installation and construction costs, then you must submit a price quote from a licensed contractor. Your contractor must commit to have the installation and construction work completed no later than Monday, June 30, 2025.
If you apply soon and if you are selected by OADS to receive a SuitePAD unit, then OADS will provide the SuitePAD to you at no cost and may cover up to 90% of approved contractor costs. Applications and contractor price quotes must be completed and submitted by email to: OADS.housing@maine.gov.
If you are interested but have questions about how this program could help you, please email: OADS.housing@maine.gov