Self Help Tools

Published and up-to-date as of 12/15/2020   Please note: this article is about the first stimulus payments under the CARES Act.

Posted and up-to-date on 4/29/2020 Introduction Many people who will get a stimulus check under the CARES Act may also receive public benefits. You may be worried about whether getting a stimulus check will change your eligibility for public benefits.

Posted and up-to-date on 12/15/2020 I need MaineCare, TANF, and/or SNAP (food stamps), where do I go to apply? These services are run through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Up-to-date as of 12/15/2020 Is the Social Security Administration Open? Yes, but there have been changes because of COVID-19.

Section 17: What’s Really Going On? What do I need to know? Are you worried you might lose Section 17 services because of the recent changes?  Have you gotten a notice that you are no longer eligible for Section 17 services? This guide answers some common questions and explains the changes to Section 17 eligibility.

Do you get a health care tax subsidy for health insurance you bought through the "federal marketplace." Learn about your duty to report certain financial changes.

Maine DHHS is offering this online tool My Maine Connection as another way to apply for benefits.  You may still apply in person, if you prefer, or over the phone (in programs that allow phone applications).  But this is now the most streamlined way to apply. 

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:

LIHEAP funding continues to be lower than in previous years. This will mean that more households will be turning to local heating assistance programs after their LIHEAP money runs out.  Here is a summary of the programs we know about - followed by information about how to access local programs.  

Can you explain the MaineCare Deductible? Do I actually have to spend all that money before MaineCare can help me? Will Medicaid pay the deductible once I meet it?