Congress passes new Unemployment Benefits extension
(November 2009). Go here for information about how to qualify and file a claim.
Heating Assistance News
We will be updating this news page throughout the 2009-10 heating season, to help you locate state and local funding sources.
MAIN Update (September 2009)
The Maine Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods is a group of low-income individuals and organizations
that seeks social, political and economic equality throughout the state of Maine.
Read their latest newsletter to find out what happened in the Maine legislature this session, get health care updates, and more!
New Federal Law Helps Renters
in Foreclosure On May 20, 2009 President Obama signed a law that gives some new protections
to most tenants whose landlords are going through foreclosure.
Property Tax and Rent Rebate: File Now! (August 2009)
If you are a
low-to-middle-income
renter with high rent payments, or homeowner with high property taxes, you may be eligible for this cash
benefit from
the State of Maine.
Time to Apply for Energy Assistance (July 2009)
Many
local CAPS are taking applications now. Check with
your CAP agency
to find out how soon you can apply.
Wabanaki Legal News is a publication of Pine
Tree Legal Assistance that reports legal news and events of particular importance to Maine's Native Americans.
A Guide for Maine
Workers and Their Families was published on June 1, 2009 by Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP).
This guide gives information about important workers issues including unemployment, discrimination,
education and job training, childcare, and healthcare.
Have You Written Your Living Will?
A lot of people seem concerned about living wills these days. It is a good idea to have one.
Maine Legal Services for the Elderly has developed an interactive version of the
standard form used by most people in
Maine. It is authored by the Maine Hospital Association. To make your end-of-life wishes known to
your loved ones and your care providers, follow all of the instructions carefully.
Property
Tax and Rent Refund:
File Now!
If you own your own home or pay rent and have high property taxes or rental payments, you are probably
eligible for a money refund from the State of Maine.
The maximum benefit for the general program this year is $1,600.
Who can qualify?
- Your household income was $81,850 or less in 2008 (up to $61,400 if no spouse or dependents).
- The rent you paid in 2008 was more than 20% of your household income, or
- Your 2008 property tax was more than 4% of your household income.
- You file an application with the State between August 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010.
If you are close to meeting the income and expense test, the State encourages you to apply, to find out if you are eligible.
Low-income seniors can qualify even if their rent or property taxes are not as high. This includes low-income
seniors 62 or older in 2008 (55 or over if disabled). Qualifying seniors will get either the general benefit, or the
senior beneift, whichever is more.
How do I apply?
Go to the
Maine Revenue Services site for an application form and more details. You can also
i-file your application,
check on the status of your application,
and e-mail
Revenue Services with your questions.
In order to save money, the State is no longer providing paper applications to legal services offices or
social service agencies. But you can still order a paper application directly from the State:
- Call Maine Revenue Services: 624-7894 (leave your name and mailing address), or
- Write to Maine Revenue Services, SHS 24, Augusta, ME 04333-0024
PREVIEW:
Beginning with the 2010 return period, application forms will be included with the individual
income tax booklets that are mailed each year. If you don't receive this booklet because you
don't pay income taxes, the propery tax and rent refund application will be mailed to you
separately.
New eligibility rules will take effect with the filing period that begins August 1, 2010. Here
are some of the changes that will go into effect then:
- The 10-acre limit on a house lot will be removed
- Household income will no longer include cash inheritances or the income of dependents
- Income will not include the non-taxable portion of jury duty payments, awards (such as
employee awards), lawsuit awards, strike benefits and life insurance proceeds, as long
as the total of all of these is not greater than $5,000.
Apply for Energy Assistance
Community Action programs are taking applications for low-income energy assistance (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP agencies remind you to make your appointment early and then to keep your
appointment, to avoid having to wait weeks or months to get in.
Go to Maine State Housing site
for more information on LIHEAP and other low-income energy programs, plus a
list of CAP agencies.
Go to State's efficiencyMaine
site for energy conservation tips.
More heating news from PTLA here.
Sorry, we cannot respond to e-mails asking
for legal assistance.
If you need help with a legal problem,
call us.
