Are you having trouble paying for basic needs like rent, mortgage, utilities, food or medicine? You may be eligible for:
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.
It is a program in state law that is run by Maine’s towns. It helps those without other resources to pay for necessities such as:
| Rent/Mortgage | Electricity | Heat | Food | Medicine |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Updated: February 2024
Towns handle applications. Larger towns have specialized General Assistance or social service offices to take applications. Smaller towns often have the town clerks take applications.
Updated: February 2024
You can apply in the town where you are currently located. Towns can’t make you apply in the town you came from or where you last lived.
Updated: February 2024
Always Remember: You should never rush your application for immigration relief in order to get GA.
You can get GA for up to two years even if you have not applied for immigration relief if you can show that you are still in the process of applying for immigration relief.
You will need to show you do not have resources to pay for basic necessities.
If you have applied for asylum or another immigration status and are waiting for a decision, you will need to show any of the following forms of proof:
A notice of receipt
The first page of an asylum application
If you are currently applying for asylum or another immigration status (like SIJS, a U visa, VAWA, etc.) but have not submitted your application, you will need to show proof of pursuing an immigration process. You will need to show the following proof:
A signed form (called an affidavit) saying you are pursuing immigration process.
AND if you have them, any of the following:
A notice to appear in court (Only if you have one)
Alien number (Only if you have one)
Date of your hearing in your case (Only if your hearing is scheduled)
Updated: February 2024
GA will want to contact your landlord to complete paperwork and possibly inspect your apartment. You should bring your landlord’s contact information to the appointment.
If you have received an eviction notice make sure you bring it to your appointment.
Updated: February 2024
You should be able to apply for emergency assistance 24-7, and every town must provide information on how to do that. If you have any trouble accessing your GA office or applying, you can call the State GA Hotline at: 1-800-442-6003.
Updated: February 2024
Everyone has a right to complete an application for GA and get a written decision from the town within 24 hours.
If you are not eligible, a town should still let you apply. The town then must give you a written denial.
| So, when the town says: |  |
| You have right right to say... |  |
| Ask for a written decision |  |
If you follow the above steps and you still aren’t able to apply, or you didn’t receive a written decision, contact the State GA Hotline at: 1-800-442-6003. You can also contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance or Maine Equal Justice.
Updated: February 2024
Once you get a written denial you only have 5 days to submit a written appeal.
What do I put in the written appeal?
You can handwrite the appeal. Simple is ok. Say something like:
After I submit the appeal, then what?
The town must schedule a fair hearing within 5 days. This is informal and normally happens at the town office but can be done over the phone if necessary.
Can I have someone with me to my fair hearing?
You can bring anyone you like, including an interpreter of your choice or your representative. Pine Tree Legal or Maine Equal Justice may be able to help you at your hearing.
Updated: February 2024
State of Maine, through the DHHS Hotline: 1-800-442-6003
Pine Tree Legal Assistance: https://ptla.org/contact-us
Maine Equal Justice: https://maineequaljustice.org/contact-us/
Updated: February 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
Address: 126 Sewall Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Phone: (866) 626-7059 (toll-free)
EIN: 04-3346273
Proud member of MaineShare | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Donate Online
