General Assistance in Maine

The Maine General Assistance program provides financial aid to individuals and families who are struggling to meet their basic needs. This program is a safety net designed to help those who lack the income or resources to pay for essentials like food, housing, utilities, and medical expenses. It's a program of last resort, offered at the local level by each municipality in Maine. 
 
To inquire about General Assistance, contact the Town Manager by calling (207) 505-8187 or send an email to: manager@searsport.maine.gov
To begin the application process, use this FORM.
 
Key aspects of the Maine General Assistance program:
  • Purpose:
    To provide immediate assistance for basic needs when individuals or families are unable to afford them. 
  • Eligibility:
    Generally, individuals must demonstrate a lack of sufficient income and resources to meet their basic needs. 
  • Scope of Assistance:
    The program can cover various needs, including food, housing (rent, mortgage, temporary housing), utilities (fuel and electricity), medical expenses (including prescriptions and supplies), and personal or household supplies, according to Maine.gov. 
  • Administration:
    Each municipality in Maine administers its own General Assistance program, according to Maine.gov. 
  • Application Process:
    Applicants typically apply at their local municipal office. 
  • Last Resort:
    It's a program of last resort, meaning it's intended for individuals who have exhausted other resources for assistance.
  • Confidentiality:
    Case records are kept confidential, according to Maine.gov. 
  • Documentation:
    Applicants are usually required to provide identification, proof of income and expenses, and other relevant information, according to Auburn, Maine (.gov). 
  • Voucher System:
    Assistance is often provided in the form of voucher payments to vendors, according to Maine.gov.