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.
Maine Public Benefits & COVID-19 FAQ
Posted and up-to-date on 12/15/2020
I need MaineCare, TANF, and/or SNAP (food stamps), where do I go to apply?
These services are run through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
MaineCare Section 17: What's Really Going On?
Section 17: What’s Really Going On? What do I need to know?
Are you worried you might lose Section 17 services because of the recent changes? Have you gotten a notice that you are no longer eligible for Section 17 services? This guide answers some common questions and explains the changes to Section 17 eligibility.
Food Supplement Overpayments: Do I have to repay?
What to do if you get a notice of overpayment from DHHS.
Food Supplements and the 3 Month Time Limit: Can I Still Get Help?
Food Supplement rules limiting eligibility for some 18 - 50 year olds. Learn more to see if the rule applies to you.
My Maine Connection: Online Benefits Application Tool
Maine DHHS is offering this online tool My Maine Connection as another way to apply for benefits. You may still apply in person, if you prefer, or over the phone (in programs that allow phone applications). But this is now the most streamlined way to apply.
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.
About Maine's Food Supplement Program (formerly Food Stamps)
Learn about how the Food Supplement Program works in Maine, where to apply, who is eligible, and how to calculate the amount of benefits you could be eligible for.