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.
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:
Border Crossing Rights Under the Jay Treaty
Border crossing rights between the United States and Canada for Aboriginal People
Pine Tree Farmworker Unit
Welcome to PTLA's Farmworker Unit!
En español
Pine Tree Indigenous Peoples Unit
We provide legal services to members of the Mi'kmaq Nation, The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Penobscot Nation, and the Passamaquoddy Tribe, as well as to other Indigenous people residing in Maine.
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."