Self Help Tools

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.

Posted and up-to-date on 7/30/2020 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).

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.

NOTE: This information is offered by the IRS for Tax Year 2017.  This includes both rules for making the payment (if you don't have health insurance) and rules about who is "exempt" (does not have to pay).  Many people with very low incomes and people with certain immigrant statuses do not have to pay. 

Do you get a health care tax subsidy for health insurance you bought through the "federal marketplace." Learn about your duty to report certain financial changes.

The IRS explains the tax consequences of failing to obtain health care coverage before the March 31, 2014 deadline.

Some low income people are eligible for Mainecare. Most other people with low incomes can get help paying for health insurance. The IRS gives instant tax credits to help with the cost.   There are many places to get help finding health insurance:

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. 

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:

Can you explain the MaineCare Deductible? Do I actually have to spend all that money before MaineCare can help me? Will Medicaid pay the deductible once I meet it?