Money Assistance Maine – Help paying bills, rent, loans & more
According to Poverty USA, the state of Maine has a poverty level of 14 percent. That is a substantial portion of the population living in difficult conditions. Luckily there are numerous non-profits, corporations and the government who provide a great deal of financial assistance. If you experiencing financial hardship and need help paying bills, putting food on the table or other financially stressful situations, there is help.
Below are multiple ways to get financial help in Maine. Services that include help paying bills, rent, food/groceries, personal loans, debt relief and as mentioned various government benefits and support agencies across Portland, Lewiston, Bangor and all other cities in Maine.
Social Security Loans (SSI)
Many residents living in Maine collecting Social Security may qualify for more financial assistance through SSI. For those whose only income is Social Security and you are in need of a loan, there may be specialist lenders who will assist. Learn more about SSI and other social security loan options here.
Assistance with Utilities: Low-income residents can apply for energy assistance through the Energy Assistance Program which offers help for low-income homeowners and renters. The monthly assistance is based on a financial need, though they will accept emergency cases as well. Residents are required to provide proof of financial need. In addition, you may qualify for free weatherization to help use energy more efficiently in your home.
Food Assistance: If you are having a difficult time keeping food on the table, you may be able to receive assistance through the state Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps. The SNAP program provides a monthly stipend to help pay for groceries at participating stores. Pregnant women and women with children may also be able to get help through the Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC) which offers education and food resources. Families with school-aged children can apply for free or reduced lunch through the school district. If you don’t qualify for assistance or need more help, you may receive help through a local Food Pantry.
Loan Help: If you are in need of a loan and can’t get approval through the banks, there are other great options which do not include expensive payday loans. There are numerous banks, credit unions and non-profits that provide low income specialty loans. These loans were specifically created to provide borrowers with a higher borrowing risk profile an affordable loan alternative to expensive micro loans. Learn about these different loans here.
Rent and Mortgage: Residents who need help paying their rent or mortgage may qualify for help through the Maine Housing Department. You can apply for help with your rent or mortgage costs as well as assistance with other housing expenses. In addition, low-income families can get help by applying for Section 8 Housing, a subsidized housing program that provides a safe place to stay at a reduced rate for families who meet financial requirements.
Medical Assistance: Residents who need medical assistance may qualify for help through the state Medicaid program. Medicaid offers free health insurance to low-income families and individuals. The program is income based. If you don’t qualify for coverage and have children in your home you can apply for lower-cost insurance for your kids through the Maine Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). In addition, residents in need can get medical attention at low-cost or free clinics located throughout the state.
Educational Assistance: College students can get help with schooling funds through the Maine Education Services Foundation which offers free planning services. Students can get assistance applying for grants, loans and scholarships. Students may also qualify for free money through the Federal Pell Grant program which gives qualifying full-time students help. Families with small children can apply for help with early-education resources through the Head Start program.
Community Action Centers: If you need additional help with applying for assistance or you need emergency assistance, you can find someone to aid you at your local community action center. Residents can get help applying for assistance programs, finding emergency housing and finding work.
Charities: According to WalletHub, Maine ranked as the 33rd most giving state in the nation in 2014 Although residents give to charity or volunteer less often than individuals in other states, there are still plenty of resources available to those in need including public and private charities like Portland West and Westbrook Housing Authority.
Learn more about free items and other money assistance services in Maine, including: Free clothes, furniture, car, school accessories, help with fines, seasonal items & more!
The below services are in general and may not be available in Maine. However, if not available, many may have partnerships with other organizations through out the state that they can connect you with.
Free Hotel or Motel Vouchers for the Homeless or Emergencies
Those experiencing hardship and are without a roof over their head can access different types of short and possibly longer term accommodation throughout Maine. Learn more about accommodation assistance in here.
Dealing with tickets or fines
If you have unpaid tickers or fines, avoiding them will only create further financial and credit problems. Learn about ways to get assistance with dealing with fines in Maine, from requesting a waiver or challenging inaccurate fines. Get the information you need to tackle fines here.
How to get a free laptop or computer
Low income families have a range of organizations that provide free technology assistance such as computers and laptops throughout the country including Maine. Learn about what free computers and laptop organizations are near you and how to apply here.
Getting a free or low cost car
At any given time there are different organizations that assist low income earners with transportation. Across the country and in Maine there are different services that assist people with getting a vehicle. Learn more about free cars, how to get one and where to apply.
How to get free gas for emergencies
Gas prices in Maine like most of the country are extremely high. This can put serious pressure on the family budget. For those dealing with cashflow issues and finding it hard to put fuel in the car, there is help. Learn how to get free gas for emergencies through free gas vouchers.
