When it comes to the New England states, Maine offers a lower cost of living than the others. However, that doesn’t mean that people will be on easy street, and never struggling to pay their bills. Many people still have financial challenges and need money assistance for paying bills in Maine. The good news is that programs exist to help with their unique situations.
The federal and state governments offer a variety of programs to help when people are struggling financially. They do this so that people do not end up hungry and homeless. The programs will help people pay their bills and ensure that their basic needs are being met. It is important that people know about the programs so that they can turn to them during difficult financial times.
Programs Offering Money Assistance for Paying Bills
The programs below are open to those who need some money assistance, for whatever reason. They do generally require that you meet the low income requirements they have in place in order to qualify. They also usually require that those who receive assistance be a citizen or legal non-citizen. However, some programs will help refugees as well. You will not have to pay back any of the money assistance you receive, since it is not a loan. Additionally, reach out to local churches to see if they can help with bill payment assistance or refer you to local programs that can.
211 – You can call this number to get referrals about programs that are in your local area. They can help you find programs that provide money assistance for paying bills in Maine. This referral service is free and open to everyone. It is provided by the organization called United Way. To get more information about the program and organization, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This agency is funded by the federal government and provides more housing assistance each year than any other program. Those who qualify for the programs HUD has to offer can get money assistance for paying bills related to rent and housing repairs. They also help people find affordable housing options, offer government-owned housing units to live in, will help pay for house repairs, and can help lower your energy bills through weatherization services. To qualify for the programs, you have to be a citizen or legal non-citizen and have a low income. To get more information and apply for money assistance, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Some people refer to this program by its old name, which is food stamps, while others call it EBT. This is because the money assistance you receive, if you are approved, is provided by the federal government through an electronic benefits transfer. They automatically add funds to the account each month and then you can use it to pay for your groceries. To qualify for the assistance you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. They also provide some families with additional nutrition support through P-EBT. To get more information and apply, click here.
MaineCare Services – This is the program called Medicaid in other states. This program will provide money assistance for paying medical bills. They will also cover the cost of prescription drugs, visiting the dentist, eye doctor, and more. The program provides the money assistance to those who have a low income, are disabled, or who are elderly. If you are approved, they will help cover the costs of your healthcare bills, ensuring you can see the doctor, get prescriptions, have hospital stays, and more. There is no time limit on how long you can get help through this program. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program will provide certain groups of people with money assistance for paying bills. It is open to families who have dependent children under the age of 18, and it is open to pregnant women. Those who are approved for the program will receive money assistance each month that can be used to pay for bills and living expenses. You can apply for the program, through fax, in person, or mail it in. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal resident of the state. To get more information and apply, click here.
General Assistance – Not all states offer General Assistance, but the state of Maine does. This program is similar to TANF, but it doesn’t require that you be pregnant or have dependent children. This program is open to individuals who need money assistance and have a low income. If you are approved to receive funds, you can use it for food, housing, fuel, utility bills, medical care, burial costs, etc. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – This program will help homeowners and renters pay for their heating costs if they meet the qualifications. They will also help pay for fuel delivery and assist in emergency fuel situations. To qualify, you have to meet the income guidelines. Once you apply, you will have an appointment where you will have to provide certain documents, including names and social security numbers of everyone in the house, proof of income, proof of present address, a copy of the recent bill, and the type of fuel being used. To get more information and apply for money assistance, click here.
Catholic Charities – This faith-based organization provides people in need with a variety of helpful resources. You can reach out to locations near you to see if they can provide money assistance for paying bills, or if they can refer you to a local place that can. They often help people with things like food, clothing, shelter, etc. You do not have to be religious to get help through this organization. They help anyone who needs assistance in the community. They will usually help those who have a low income. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
