Social Security and VA Electronic Payments
What does the electronic benefits system mean for me?
Starting on May 1, 2013 all Social Security and VA benefits recipients will get their benefits electronically. Paper checks will no longer be available. You will have two options for receiving payments:
Income Guidelines for the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic
Yearly income guidelines for PTLA's Low Income Taxpayer Clinic.
Will Getting A Big Tax Refund Make Me Lose My Benefits?
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:
Debt Collection in the Maine Courts
If you owe someone money, they can try to collect it from you by taking you to court. This guide will help you understand the court process and the rights you have. You are the debtor. The person who you owe money to is the creditor.
Heating Assistance News
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.
Do You Owe Money to the IRS?
I've just received a "Notice of tax due" letter from the IRS. What is this? The IRS sent you this letter because it believes you have not paid the total amount of taxes that you owe.
Alternatives to Payday Loans
Payday loans can look like a good deal. But they aren’t. Here is what payday loans looks like, why you should avoid them, and some possible alternatives.
Free Hospital Care
Can I Get Free Care at the Hospital?
Yes. All hospitals in Maine must give free care to poor people without health insurance. You have to meet these criteria: Your income is below the guidelines, you don’t have other health insurance coverage, you need services that are medically necessary.
I Can't Pay the Taxes on my House: What Can I Do?
In Maine, if you cannot pay your tax bill for the property you live on, there is something you can do. Your city or town can decide that you don't have to pay some or all of it. This is called a "poverty tax abatement."