Making Ends Meet

General Assistance

If you have tried to apply for General Assistance and have been denied or told that you can’t get help, call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205 or leave us a message.

• Things to Know About General Assistance
  Basic information about General Assistance
• General Assistance in Maine
  Understanding General Assistance and your rights
• General Assistance if you live in Portland
• General Assistance if you live in Bangor

Are you a parent or caretaker of a minor child? You may be eligible for TANF. To get TANF you must be the parent or guardian of a minor child who is living with you at least 50% of the time and have a very low income.

Most people who get TANF must participate in a work training and education program, called ASPIRE, for a minimum of 20 hours/week (or more). In Maine, the ASPIRE program is run by a company called Fedcap.

If you are disabled, you have a family member who is disabled, you are a victim of domestic violence, or you have another good reason, you may not be required to participate in ASPIRE.

Think you might be eligible for TANF? You can enter your household and income information into this eligibility screening tool at Pine Tree Legal Assistance to see if you might be. (You do not have to enter any identifying information like your name or address to use this screening tool.)

You can learn more about TANF in Pine Tree Legal Assistance's Guide to TANF in Maine.

• Am I eligible for TANF?
  Information about who can get TANF and a screening tool to help you figure out if you are eligible.
• How Much Child Support should I get from DHHS? Information for TANF Families.
  Information for families who get child support and TANF
• TANF and Teen Parents
  Information about TANF benefits for minors who are parents

If you believe you are eligible for TANF but you have been denied by DHHS, please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205, or leave us a message.

Other DHHS programs may provide financial help low-income families with children.

Alternative Aid

You must be eligible for TANF, but not getting TANF, to receive Alternative Aid. You can apply for Alternative Aid for expenses that will help you get or keep a job. It is often used for car repairs that will allow you to continue working, but Alternative Aid can also help with security deposits or other large expenses.

Alternative Aid: A Short-Term Alternative to TANF - Information about Alternative Aid, how to apply, and how it can be used.

Emergency Assistance

Whether or not you are receiving TANF, you can apply to DHHS for Emergency Assistance in one month in a 12-month period. You can get help with emergency housing, home repairs, utilities, special medical needs or disaster relief.

Emergency Assistance - Information about Emergency Assistance, how to apply and how it can be used.

Tax Credits

Are you claiming all your tax credits? There are many tax credits that can help low-income people. Even if you are not required to file a tax return, it might help you to file because you could get a tax refund.

• Are you leaving money on the table? A guide to Maine tax credits and benefits
  An introduction to tax credits and other benefits available to low-income people in Maine.
• Earned Income Tax Credit
  You may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) even if you don’t earn enough that you must file taxes. Maine’s rules for the EITC have changed. Even if you were not eligible in the past, you may be now.
• Get a Refund on your Property Taxes or Rent
  If you have low income you may be entitled to a refund on your property taxes or rent. You may be able to claim this credit for previous tax years.
• The Maine Homestead Exemption: Tax Relief for Maine Homeowner
  The Maine Homestead Exemption may lower your property tax bill. Learn how to apply!
• Tax Credit for Making Home Accessible
  This tax credit helps homeowners modify their homes to make them accessible to a disabled household member.
• Child Related Tax Credits: Who is a “Qualifying Child?”
  Information about whether a child can be a “qualifying child” for tax purposes.
• Maine Homestead Exemption for Veterans
  Additional help with property taxes for veterans
• Maine Tax Refunds for People living in Motels and Tourist Camps
  If you lived in a motel or tourist camp for at least 28 consecutive days, you may be eligible for a tax refund. You do not have to file taxes to get this refund.