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News 2008

Property Tax and Rent Rebate: File Now! (August 2008)
If you are a low-to-middle-income renter with high rent payments, or homeowner with high property taxes, you may be eligible for this cash benefit from the State of Maine.

Time to Apply for Energy Assistance (July 2008)
Many local CAPS are taking applications now. Check with your CAP agency to find out how soon you can apply.

Heating Assistance News
We will be updating this news page throughout the 2008-09 heating season, to help you locate local funding sources.

MAIN Update (June 2008)
What happened in the Maine legislature this session? TANF Special Housing Need increases to $100 per month; new funding for Dirigo Health; Maine minimum wage increases. And more!

Supplemental Budget Update (April 2008)
It was a tough legislative session for many Maine benefit programs and the people who rely on them. Here are some of the highlights.

Economic Stimulus Payments (March 2008)
You must file by October 15!

Have You Written Your Living Will?
A lot of people seem concerned about living wills these days. It is a good idea to have one. The standard form used by most people in Maine is one authored by the Maine Hospital Association.



Need legal help with your Divorce?
More help now available in Portland

The Volunteer Lawers Project will have volunteers available at Portland District Court to help people fill out family law paperwork and answer questions about service, case management, etc.

Courthouse assistance will take place on the following Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

  • Thursday, June 7th, June 21st and June 28th
  • Thursday, July 19th and 26th
  • Every Thursday in August and September

Location: ground floor Portland District Court - Newbury Street entrance.


Property Tax and Rent Refund:
File Now!

house If you own your own home or pay rent and have high property taxes or rental payments, you are probably eligible for a money refund from the State of Maine.

The maximum benefit is $2,000.

Who can qualify?

  • Your household income was $80,000 or less in 2007 (up to $60,000 if no spouse or dependents).
  • The rent you paid in 2007 was more than 20% of your household income, or
  • Your 2007 property tax was more than 4% of your household income.
  • You file an application with the State between August 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009.

If you are close to meeting the income and expense test, the State encourages you to apply, to find out if you are eligible. Low-income seniors can qualify even if their rent or property taxes are not as high.

Go to the Maine Revenue Services site for an application form and more details. You can also i-file your application, check on the status of your application, and e-mail Revenue Services with your questions.

More places to get application forms:



Apply for Energy Assistance

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Community Action programs are taking applications for low-income energy assistance (LIHEAP).

LIHEAP agencies remind you to make your appointment early and then to keep your appointment, to avoid having to wait weeks or months to get in.

Go to Maine State Housing site for more information on LIHEAP and other low-income energy programs, plus a list of CAP agencies.
Go to State's efficiencyMaine site for energy conservation tips.


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If you need help with a legal problem, call us.

Notice

© Pine Tree Legal  Assistance
August 2008

Sometimes the laws change. We cannot promise that this information is always up-to-date and correct.  If the date above is not this year, call us to see if there is an update.

We provide this information as a public service.  It is not legal advice.  By sending you this information, we are not acting as your lawyer.  Always consult a lawyer, if you can, before taking legal action.

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