Understanding Maine's General Assistance (GA) program from your local town
If you live in Maine and are struggling to pay for everyday essentials like rent, utilities, food, car repairs or even medical bills your town’s General Assistance (GA) program may offer a temporary lifeline. It is run locally, by your local town office / government and it is only for residents of that municipality. Learn more about the Maine General Assistance Program (GA) below and how to get help.
GA is not a state-wide welfare check; it is administered locally by each municipality under Maine law (Title 22, Chapter 1161) and is designed to fill short-term gaps when no other resources are available. In other words, General Assistance is a safety net of last resort for residents of the municipality where you live (or are seeking residence). It’s intended for immediate, basic needs and is not an ongoing long-term benefit.
Application process for General Assistance
You need to apply at your local town or city office. The applicant must be a resident of that area, or be seeking residence there if you are homeless. The exact process can vary slightly by town, including what documentation is required and how income, assets, or expenses are treated, but each municipality must operate a GA program under Maine law. The state’s page with program contacts and administrator information is here: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/general-assistance/ga-administrators.
- You will be asked to provide your total household income, a list of expenses such as rent or mortgage, heating fuel, electricity, food, medical bills, and other essentials, and to state what cash you have on hand. Towns will also ask whether you have bank accounts, vehicles, or other assets.
- If you are faced with an emergency or crisis, you can apply immediately. When there is no heat, no safe place to stay, or another urgent need, the town must take your application at once and act quickly. Many towns decide applications within about a day once they have the information they need.
Employment-related expectations may be required to get General Assistance. Towns often ask you to look for work, keep or accept suitable work when available, or participate in reasonable activities that help you reduce your need for assistance. If you cannot work, bring medical information that explains why. The town will review how you spent your money over the last month or so. They look to see whether you spent responsibly, or carelessly. Families living beyond their means are less likely to get a grant from GA.
Bills that can be paid by the Maine General Assistance program
The program must help pay for what are known as basic necessities. The list is pretty extensive, and a wide variety of bills fall into that category. But note, this exact list can vary by town. Most towns in Maine issue benefits as a voucher or a direct payment to the landlord, utility, fuel dealer, pharmacy, or other vendor rather than handing out cash. Decisions are given to you in writing.
- Mortgage payments or rent.
- Food expenses or monthly groceries including School Lunches are paid for by General Assistance.
- Heating oil, fuel expenses, and winter heating bills. Other electricity, water and utility bills including sewer too
- Hospital, doctor, prescription and medical bills. GA can also pay for dental costs and related bills from treatment
- Household supplies as well as personal care needs
- Transportation (to work in Maine, school, or for medical treatment)
- Clothing (where needed)
- Property taxes (when due)
- Burial costs as well as funeral expenses (where needed)
- Baby items such as baby food, diapers and laundry
- Prescription medicines and generic drugs
- Telephone bills and it is even possible to get help paying for an iPhone, if the phone necessary for work or health.
Towns typically help for a short period (often up to 30 days per application) and then you can reapply if you are still eligible. Back bills or old balances may not always be covered, though local ordinances sometimes allow help if that is necessary to resolve an immediate health or safety risk.
Quick checklist before you apply as well as limitations
Because GA is determined at the municipal level, the availability of funds, the maximum amounts allowed, and the exact eligible items can differ significantly from town to town. Some towns may have more generous allowances; others may be more restrictive. But at the end of the day each town needs to offer the program and also ensure the individual gets the information they need.
- Make sure you have applied for or are using all other available programs (SNAP, MaineCare, LIAP the Maine version of LIHEAP, etc.)
- Gather proof of income (last 30 days) as well as income and expected income for next 30 days
- Gather proof of expenses for your essential needs
- Know your town’s GA office contact and hours; ask if they accept emergency applications any time .Ask for a copy of your town’s GA ordinance and the statewide GA manual.
- In your application, be ready to explain how you are trying to reduce your need for assistance (job search, applying for benefits)
- If denied, keep a copy of the denial and ask about your rights to appeal. The town in Maine that you live in needs to cooperate with the applicant and provide a reply to the application in short order, usually within 48 hours. Families with an emergency may get an answer in less time
Questions or denial
Your town must provide a prompt written decision once your application is complete; many towns post that this decision must be issued within 24 hours. If you cannot reach your local GA office or have questions, the State’s General Assistance Hotline is 1-800-442-6003. You will see this number on the state’s GA page and throughout municipal postings:
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