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Pine Tree Legal information

It's time to file for your Tax or Rent Rebate from the State of Maine. It's money in your pocket! More people are eligible for more money this year. Get more details here.

new Maine Benefits Checklist (October 2006)
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 March 2008)
Calculate your food stamp amount. And find other important information about how the program works in Maine, where to apply, and who is eligible.

Using Your EBT Card to Get Food Stamps and TANF: Frequently Asked Questions (4/03)
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.

Important Information For Families Leaving TANF for Work -- Transportation Costs (updated 3/04)
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 DHS worker right away and, if you're not satisfied, contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance.

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 (6/00)

Emergency Assistance (updated March 2005) 
If you have children and have an emergency, you may be able to get help from DHS.  Read more about this program!

How to Cope with Social Security Overpayments (April 2000)
If you get an overpayment notice from Social Security, here's what to do.

Unemployed Worker Benefits (updated September 2006)
Detailed explanation of how the unemployment benefit system works in Maine.  Includes general information about DWB and TRA benefits for displaced workers.

Ley Para la Compensacion de Trabajadores (updated April 2004)
To read about Worker's Compensation in English, go to Maine Bar Association site (.pdf file).

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

  • Covering Kids and Families: A Guide to MaineCare

  • What Happens to My Benefits When I Get a Job and Leave TANF?

  • 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.

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:

The Maine Bureau of Family Independence posts information, including its Policy Manuals (operating rules), for these DHS programs:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Food Stamps
MaineCare (previously Medicaid)
ASPIRE
Parents as Scholars

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

DHS 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 recieve 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).

You can order from your nearest Pine Tree Legal Assistance office information on these additional topics:

  • TANF and Time Limits: What's the Real Story?
  • Food Stamp Worksheets for Calculating How Much You Should Get
  • Give Your Paycheck a Boost!  Claim Your Earned Income Credit
  • WIC:  A Program to Grow On!

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