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 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).

How does domestic violence affect children? Violence and trauma can have long-lasting effects on children who witness or experience violent events.

What to do if you get a notice of overpayment from DHHS.

Food Supplement rules limiting eligibility for some 18 - 50 year olds. Learn more to see if the rule applies to you.

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:

General assistance (called GA after this) is a program run by every town to help people who don't have enough money to pay their necessary expenses. You may be eligible if your basic living costs are more than the money you have or can earn.

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.

Use our food supplement estimators to figure out if you may be eligible and for how much.