Maine Benefits Checklist (May 2008)
It is not easy to balance a household budget when you have a low income. But
you can supplement your income by claiming all of the benefits and supports
you have the right to claim. Here is a checklist. Make sure you are not
leaving money on the table!
Food Stamps Information
(updated September 2008)
Calculate your food stamp amount. And find other important information about
how the program works in Maine, where to apply, and who is eligible.
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June 30, 2008 - Congress passes law to provide 13 weeks of extended unemployment benefits.
Read more here
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Unemployed Worker Benefits
(updated September 2006)
Detailed explanation of how the unemployment benefit
system works in Maine. Includes general information about DWB and
TRA benefits for displaced workers.
Emergency Assistance
(updated March 2005)
If you have children and have an emergency, you may be able to get help
from DHHS. Read more about this program!
How
Much Child Support Should I Get from DHHS: Information for Families
Getting TANF (updated November 2005)
This helps you figure out how much child support DHHS
should be passing through to you each month. The amount depends on how much
other income you have, such as earnings.
General Assistance
(updated October 2005)
Read about how to qualify for and how to apply for help from
your town.
Programa de Asistencia General
en el Estado de
Maine (6/00)
Important Information
For Families Leaving TANF for Work -- Transportation Costs
(updated March 2004)
If your TANF benefits are cut off because
you went to work, or started earning more money, you can get transitional
services, including health coverage, child care costs, and transportation
costs. Talk to your DHHS worker right away and, if you're not satisfied,
contact Pine Tree Legal
Assistance.
Using Your EBT Card to Get Food Stamps and TANF: Frequently Asked Questions (April 2003)
If you've run into problems using your Quest care, see if we've answered your
question here. Let us know if you have other questions,
or want to share things you've learned about using these cards.
We'll post your question or tip here.
How to Cope with
Social Security Overpayments (April 2000)
If you get an overpayment notice from Social
Security, here's what to do.
Ley Para la Compensacion de Trabajadores (updated April 2004)
This is a Spanish language version of Worker's Compensation information that was previously posted by the
Maine Bar Association.
The Maine Equal Justice Project
posts lots of information about benefits for families with low incomes.
Here are just a few of the topics you'll find there:
- Understanding ASPIRE-TANF: What are Your Rights?
- More on TANF/Food Stamps Electronic Benefits Card
- Alternative Aid for Families
- A Guide to MaineCare
(and other MaineCare information)
- What Are your Rights If A Health Problem Makes It Hard for You To Participate in
ASPIRE Or PaS?
- Are You Working and Getting TANF? Here is how to figure your TANF Grant!
- Parents as Scholars Program
How you can go to college while raising
your children.
- TANF and Time Limits: What's the Real Story?
- MAIN Update newsletter - including the latest legislative news
The Maine Department of Labor
provides information about:
Unemployment
Insurance Benefits, explaining how to apply and how the system works.
Frequently
Asked Questions about Filing an Appeal
If you are denied unemployment benefits and want to appeal the decision,
read this helpful information.
Use these Social Security Administration links to find out about SSI and Social Security
Disability Benefits:
The Maine
Department of Health and Human Services posts information, including its Policy
Manuals (operating rules), for these DHHS programs:
Food Stamps
MaineCare (previously
Medicaid)
You can also get application forms for Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Parents and Scholars (PaS), MaineCare and Food Stamps.
If you disagree with a DHHS benefits decision, here is information about
Preparing for an Appeal Hearing.
DHHS also posts information about Child Care and Head Start:
how to find it and get
help paying for it.
Find out if you may be eligible to receive the
Earned Income Tax Credit. Low-income taxpayers who qualify can get up to
several thousand dollars back from the IRS.
Go to the USDA Food and Nutrition site to find out about
Who Gets WIC and
How to Apply. This is a food supplement program for pregnant women,
infants and their mothers, and young children up to 5.
Find out where to apply for
Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).
