Pine Tree Legal information

It's time to file for your Tax or Rent Rebate from the State of Maine. Get up to $2,000. It's money in your pocket! Deadline: June 1, 2009. Get more details here.

Maine Benefits Checklist (May 2008)
It is not easy to balance a household budget when you have a low income. But you can supplement your income by claiming all of the benefits and supports you have the right to claim. Here is a checklist. Make sure you are not leaving money on the table!

Food Stamps Information (updated April 2009)
Calculate your food stamp amount. And find other important information about how the program works in Maine, where to apply, and who is eligible.

Three Unemployemnt Compensation benefit period extensions are now in effect. This will allow some Mainers to get up to 72 weeks of benefits. Go to the Maine DOL website to learn more about these 3 add-on benefit periods. Increased Weekly Amount: The federal Stimulus Bill also temporarily increased weekly unemployment payments by $25 for most workers. Get more information.

Unemployed Worker Benefits (April 2009)
Detailed explanation of how the unemployment benefit system works in Maine.  Includes general information about DWB and TRA benefits for displaced workers.
Beneficios para Trabajadores Desempleados  (Abril 2009)
Información detallada de como el sistema de beneficios para trabajadores desempleados funciona en el estado de Maine. También, incluye información sobre beneficios de DWB y TRA para trabajadores desplazados.

Preparing for an Unemployment Compensation Appeal Hearing (video; June 2009) 
This video is posted by the Connecticut Department of Labor. But you can use it to help you prepare for an appeal of your Maine unemployment compensation case.

Emergency Assistance (updated May 2009) 
If you have children and have an emergency, you may be able to get help from DHHS.  Read more about this program!

How Much Child Support Should I Get from DHHS:  Information for Families Getting TANF (updated November 2005)
This helps you figure out how much child support DHHS should be passing through to you each month. The amount depends on how much other income you have, such as earnings. 

General Assistance (updated October 2005)
Read about how to qualify for and how to apply for help from your town.
Programa de Asistencia General en el Estado de Maine (octubre 2005)

Important Information For Families Leaving TANF for Work -- Transportation Costs (updated April 2009)
If your TANF benefits are cut off because you went to work, or started earning more money, you can get transitional services, including health coverage, child care costs, and transportation costs.  Talk to your DHHS worker right away and, if you're not satisfied, contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

Using Your EBT Card to Get Food Stamps and TANF: Frequently Asked Questions (April 2003)
If you've run into problems using your Quest care, see if we've answered your question here. Let us know if you have other questions, or want to share things you've learned about using these cards. We'll post your question or tip here.

How to Cope with Social Security Overpayments (April 2009)
If you get an overpayment notice from Social Security, here's what to do.

Ley Para la Compensacion de Trabajadores (abril 2006)
This is a Spanish language version of Worker's Compensation information that is posted in English by the Maine Bar Association.

Links to More Information

The Maine Equal Justice Project posts lots of information about benefits for families with low incomes.  Here are just a few of the topics you'll find there:

• Understanding ASPIRE-TANF:  What are Your Rights?
  
• More on TANF/Food Stamps Electronic Benefits Card


• Alternative Aid for Families


• A Guide to MaineCare
(and other MaineCare information)

• What Are your Rights If A Health Problem Makes It Hard for You To Participate in ASPIRE Or PaS?


• Are You Working and Getting TANF? Here is how to figure your TANF Grant!


• Parents as Scholars Program  How you can go to college while raising your children.


• TANF and Time Limits: What's the Real Story?
• MAIN Update newsletter - including the latest legislative news

The Maine Department of Labor provides information about:

Unemployment Insurance Benefits, explaining how to apply and how the system works.

Frequently Asked Questions about Filing an Appeal
If you are denied unemployment benefits and want to appeal the decision, read this helpful information.

Use these Social Security Administration links to find out about SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits:

• Disability Benefits
• Supplemental Security Income
• What You Need to Know When You Get Disability Benefits

Go to the Direct Express website to find out about the debit card alternative to getting monthly SSI and SS Disability checks in the mail. Although this can be a good option for some people, you should understand the fees before you sign up.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services posts information, including its Policy Manuals (operating rules), for these DHHS programs:

Food Stamps
MaineCare (previously Medicaid)

You can also get application forms for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Parents and Scholars (PaS), MaineCare and Food Stamps.

If you disagree with a DHHS benefits decision, here is information about Preparing for an Appeal Hearing.

DHHS also posts information about Child Care and Head Start: how to find it and get help paying for it.

More help

Find out if you may be eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. Low-income taxpayers who qualify can get up to several thousand dollars back from the IRS.

Go to the USDA Food and Nutrition site to find out about Who Gets WIC and How to Apply. This is a food supplement program for pregnant women, infants and their mothers, and young children up to 5.

Find out where to apply for Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).