Is the electric company trying to charge you for a previous resident’s utility debt? Sometimes when a previous resident owes money to a utility company, the company will contact the current resident to collect. They may threaten to shut off the electricity until the debt has been paid.  If you live in Maine and this is your situation, you are not… More

If you're more than $500 in debt on your electric bill, this program may be able to help you. You pay just your current monthly electric bill, each month and on time. For each month that you pay your current bill, your electric utility company will wipe out 1/12 of what you owe them on your back bill. Learn about how to enroll!

Tax credits for people with low incomes who own their own homes or pay rent.

This year, you won’t have to worry about losing your benefits if you get a big tax refund. Starting in 2011, any tax refunds you get will not affect most public benefits, or how much you get! Under the law passed in December 2010:

Statewide Help The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides assistance to low-income households for their energy bills.

How do I know if I can get a tax refund? In Maine, when you stay in some kinds of short term rentals, like a hotel or motel room, you pay a state sales tax.  If you stay more than 28 days you may be entitled to a refund of the tax you paid. First, you must have rented:

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!