Department of Health and Human Services Resource Guide for Families

No matter how hard you try, sometimes it's hard to make ends meet. Here are some programs that may be helpful to your family. We've listed a phone number for most of them, but if you need help finding one of the programs, or if you have any questions about health insurance programs (Medicaid/Cub Care) or TANF benefits (money for low-income families with children), ask your DHS food stamp caseworker to help you.  

Taxes:

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

If you or someone in your family works, you may be eligible for a tax credit. The amount you receive depends on how much you earn, how many children you have and it you have other income. The EITC could mean you'll pay less tax, no tax, or even get a refund from the IRS. For more information about the EITC or to find how to get free help with your taxes, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (TTY/TDD: 1-800-829-4059).

Property Tax or Rent Refund

If your income is very low, you may qualify for a property tax or rent refund. Applications are taken each year between August and the end of January. To get an application, call 624-7894. (TTY: 287-4477)

Child Care:

For more information about low cost (subsidized), quality child care options, call 1-888-917-1100. You will be referred to the Child Care Resource Development Center closest to you.

Food-The W.I.C. Program

If you are pregnant or have a child under the age of 5, the W.I.C. (Women, Infants and Children) Program can help you buy the extra nutritious foods you and your growing child need. To be referred to the program nearest you, call 1-800-437-9300.

Unemployment/Employment:

Unemployment Benefits

If you lost your job or if number of hours you work has been cut, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply for benefits at your nearest unemployment office. Call for directions (in the phone book: look under "Maine", then "Labor", then "Unemployment").

CareerCenters

People at the CareerCenter will help you find job leads and possible training opportunities. Each center has no-cost resources to help you apply for jobs (telephone, fax, computers and copiers). For the Center closest to you call 1-888-457-8883. (TTY: 1-800-794-1110)

Maine Center for Women, Work and Community (formerly Displaced Homemakers)

The Maine Centers offer workshops and courses in career/life planning, job searches, and starting your own business. To find the one closest to you, call (toll-free) 1-800-442-2092. 

Emergency Assistance and Services:

General Assistance

General Assistance is a welfare program run by every city and town. If your income is too low to pay for your basic necessities, General Assistance may help you. If you do not know how to apply, or have questions about how your town or city is handling your application, call DHS at 1-800-442-6003. (TTY:287-6948)

Family Crisis Assistance Program (Emergency Assistance)

This program is run by DHS for low-income households with children under the age of 21. DHS can help pay a security deposit or back rent if that will prevent an eviction or if your present home is unsafe and you need to move. The program can also pay a bill to prevent a utility shut-off or help repair or replace essentials like septic systems and furnaces, if it's necessary to resolve a crisis. Assistance is only available once in a 12-month period, so be sure to apply for everything you need to resolve the crisis! To apply, contact your local DHS office.

Domestic Violence Help

Local organizations across the state provide counseling, emergency shelter and referrals for women affected by domestic abuse. To find the group closest to you, call 1-800-863-9909.

Housing:

There is a limited amount of "subsidized housing" in Maine. This is housing where the landlord or manager is not allowed to charge you rent that's higher than 30% of your income. For more information on how to find and apply, call the Maine State Housing Authority at 1-800-452-4668.

Legal Services:

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

If you are low income, Pine Tree may be able to help you with your legal problem (like problems with government benefits, an eviction, or if you need a protection from abuse order). Pine Tree does not take criminal cases. For more information visit their web site at www.ptla.org or call the office nearest you: Presque Isle (764-4349), Machias (255-8656), Bangor (942-8241), Augusta (622-4731), Lewiston (784-1558), or Portland (774-8211).

Volunteer Lawyers Project

If you meet the income guidelines, the Volunteer Lawyers Project can give you free legal advice and written information. They may also refer you to a private lawyer who may handle your case for free. To get a Helpline appointment call 1-800-442-4293.

Utilities:

Energy Assistance-Community Action Program (CAP) Offices

The CAP offices run the fuel assistance programs (HEAP and ECIP) and provide help with electric bills, insulation and furnace repairs. Receiving HEAP or ECIP may result in more Food Stamps. Many CAP offices also help with a wide variety of services including job training, day care, and housing information. Call the Community Action Program nearest you.

Telephone Assistance

The Lifeline Service Program allows you or a member of you household a $10.50 credit each month toward your phone bill. Under this program, if you do not have a telephone, service can be installed for $10. If you or a member of your family receives food stamps (or any of a list of other benefit programs) you should be eligible. To sign up, call your local phone company.

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