Making Ends Meet
If you are having trouble making ends meet you may be able to get financial help.
Are you having trouble paying for basic needs like rent, mortgage, utilities, food or medicine? You may be eligible for:
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
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
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.)
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.
TANF and ASPIRE: Program Guide (Understanding your Rights)
Information about applying for TANF and information about ASPIRE. Most TANF recipients must work with the ASPIRE program to meet job-readiness and educational goals.
- PART I: What is TANF and how can I get it?
- PART II: I’ve been approved for TANF. What next?
- PART III: Troubleshooting TANF/ASPIRE
- PART IV: Special Circumstances
In 2019 changes were made to the law to provide more assistance to families transitioning from TANF to work. DHHS is currently writing rules. This section will be updated when the rules are available. If you are leaving TANF for work please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205 for more information.
- PART V: Transitioning from TANF to Work
This section is under construction. Information about how these circumstances affect your TANF benefits is included elsewhere in this document.
- 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 - Are you Working and Getting TANF?
Information for families with earned income who also get TANF - TANF and Teen Parents
Information about TANF benefits for minors who are parents - TANF Time Limit Rules
What to do if you still need TANF after 60 months
- Am I eligible for TANF?
- PART VI: Fraud and Overpayments (coming soon)
This section is under construction. If you have questions about these issues, please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205 for more information.
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.
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.
If you believe you are eligible for Alternative Aid or Emergency Assistance but you have been denied, please call Maine Equal Justice at 626-7058, extension 205, or leave us a message.
- Alternative Aid: A Short-Term Alternative to TANF
Information Alternative Aid, how to apply, and how it can be used. - 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.