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 I Have to Repay Unemployment Benefits if I’m Overpaid?
Some workers have to pay back unemployment benefits. If you are paid benefits, but then lose benefits when your employer appeals, you can be asked to repay the benefits you got earlier. Also, if you are overpaid because of some other mistake or you or the Department of Labor made, you may have to repay those benefits.
Family Medical Leave in Maine
Two medical leave laws apply to Maine workers: 1) Federal Law; 2) State Law. We will explain the basics of each one here.
If You Lose Your Job
This is a very general outline of your rights as a worker in Maine. It covers basic questions you might have after losing your job. We also explain how the unemployment benefit system works. You may be unemployed because you were laid off or fired, or you quit. The facts of your particular situation will affect your rights under the law.
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."
The Maine Homestead Exemption: Tax Relief for Maine Homeowners
Introduction
The Maine Homestead Exemption may lower your property tax bill. It makes it so the town won't count $25,000 of value of your home for property tax purposes. You can qualify if:
How Much Heat and Other Basic Utilities Does My Landlord Have to Provide?
Important Resources to Prevent Eviction
Getting evicted? Worried you might be soon?
Fair Housing: Your Right To Rent or Own a Home
What does "Fair Housing" mean?
In Maine we have both state and federal “fair housing” laws. They say that a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you, and a seller cannot treat you differently, because of your:
-race
-color
-national origin
-ancestry (where you or your family came from)...
Fair Lending
Discrimination in mortgage lending is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act (link is external) and the Maine Human Rights Act.