Health & Public Benefits
COVID-19 Stimulus Checks & Public Benefits Eligibility in Maine
Posted and up-to-date on 4/29/2020
Introduction
Many people who will get a stimulus check under the CARES Act may also receive public benefits. You may be worried about whether getting a stimulus check will change your eligibility for public benefits.
Social Security and COVID-19 FAQ
Up-to-date as of 12/15/2020
Is the Social Security Administration Open?
Yes, but there have been changes because of COVID-19.
How to Handle Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Overpayments
SSI benefits are the benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that come on the 1st of the month. If SSA finds that you have gotten too much money in your SSI benefit, they will send you a Notice of Overpayment.
SSI Eligibility for Immigrants
Immigrants who are not official U.S. citizens may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, if they meet certain qualifications. SSI can help people who are elderly or disabled, and have little or no income.
Will Getting A Big Tax Refund Make Me Lose My Benefits?
This year, you won’t have to worry about losing your benefits if you get a big tax refund. Starting in 2011, any tax refunds you get will not affect most public benefits, or how much you get!
Under the law passed in December 2010:
Heating Assistance News
LIHEAP funding continues to be lower than in previous years. This will mean that more households will be turning to local heating assistance programs after their LIHEAP money runs out. Here is a summary of the programs we know about - followed by information about how to access local programs.
How to Handle Social Security Overpayments
If the Social Security Administration (SSA) finds that you have gotten too much money in your Social Security benefit, they will send you a Notice of Overpayment. Social Security overpayments can happen for many reasons. Sometimes it is because you didn’t report something that could affect your eligibility, like how much you worked despite your… More
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance (EA) is a program run by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). EA helps children and their families with some emergencies. The program does not cover all emergencies. You have to have children in your home, but you do not have to be on TANF, to get EA.
If you qualify, EA will pay certain basic needs. For… More
Are You Leaving Money on the Table? A Guide to Maine Tax Credits and Benefits
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!