Federal income maintenance programs for people with mental retardation in the United States were described. Combined SSI and DI spending in fiscal year 2000 totaled an estimated $20.6 billion for people with mental retardation. This population is particularly vulnerable to the vagaries of changing public policy and are particularly reliant upon public support. The relative importance of income programs in the lives of people with mental retardation is discussed and the changing role of federal social welfare policy with regard to these programs analyzed.