Self Help Tools

This classroom lays out your options for many different student loan debt situations. Is this classroom for you? You may use this classroom if:

Published and up-to-date as of 5/27/2020 What is the stimulus check? As part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, the federal government will issue payments - by check or direct deposit - to millions of income-qualified Americans.

Posted and up-to-date on 4/3/2020 Introduction On March 27th, emergency legislation called the CARES Act was signed into law in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.The law includes some relief for borrowers with federal student loans that are held by the federal government.

Up-to-date as of 7/30/2020 Is the Social Security Administration Open? Yes, but there have been changes because of COVID-19.

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 world of student loans is becoming more complicated. So here is a brief overview of the basic lingo of student loans and repayment options.

Many Maine employers are using payroll cards instead of paper checks or direct deposit to pay wages.  This is a growing trend around the country. Payroll cards may be good for some employees, but there are risks and hidden costs involved.  Here’s what you need to know.

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:

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 do I know if I can get a tax refund? In Maine, when you stay in some kinds of short term rentals, like a hotel or motel room, you pay a state sales tax.  If you stay more than 28 days you may be entitled to a refund of the tax you paid. First, you must have rented: