Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) FAQ
Introduction
The Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (“Maine HAF”) is a program meant to help homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship connected to COVID-19 and are at risk of losing their homes. This is a grant based program, homeowners will not have to pay this money back.
Do you owe $500 or more to your electric company?
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!
Can I Get Rid of a Lien on my Car or Truck?
Introduction
Sometimes a creditor who successfully sues you on a debt will place a lien on your vehicle to "secure the judgment." They do this by filing a document with the Maine Secretary of State's office where vehicle registrations are recorded.
Debt collectors are calling me. What can I do?
We have drafted three form letters to help you respond to debt collectors. These letters will not fit all situations, but they address some of the most common issues.
Can a Creditor Put a Lien on My House?
Yes. But there may be something you can do about it. Maine law has some protections for homeowners in this situation.
Common Defenses in Small Claims Cases (Third Party Collections)
You have been sued in small claims court. The company suing you says that you did not pay a debt, like a credit card debt. But, this is not the company who sold you the credit card (or who loaned you the money).
Free and Low Cost Phone Services
Introduction
This page covers free and low-cost phone services available to Mainers. We know there are many new low or no cost ways of communicating, but we are just trying to cover the basics.
Border Crossing Rights Under the Jay Treaty
Border crossing rights between the United States and Canada for Aboriginal People
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.