Student Loan Project

Welcome to PTLA’s Student Loan Project! We provide free legal services to student loan borrowers. We help people with:

Farmworkers and Human Trafficking – Know the signs, know your rights!

Are you or do you know someone who is trapped or unable to leave a work situation? You may be victim of human labor trafficking. There are laws to protect workers in these situations. Know the signs, know your rights!

Farmworker Rights - General Protections

Read this page to learn about laws that protect farmworkers, information about where to get legal help, and information about COVID-19, workers’ compensation, minimum wage, and federal farmworker protections.

Farmworker Rights - Minimum Wage

What is the minimum wage for farmworkers? The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. You must be paid at least $7.25 per hour. Even if you are paid on a piece rate basis, your hourly wages each week must average at least $7.25 per hour or your state’s minimum wage for agricultural workers.

Farmworker Rights - Domestic Violence

Safety first. If you are in danger, call 911 for the Police. Physical abuse by your spouse or partner is illegal. Your safety is most important.

COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Checks FAQ

Published and up-to-date as of July 2022.    

COVID-19 Stimulus Checks & Public Benefits Eligibility in Maine

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.

Maine Public Benefits & COVID-19 FAQ

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).

Maine and New England Farmworkers: COVID-19 and Protection from Retaliation

The law requires employers to provide a safe and healthy working environment. It is against the law for employers to retaliate against you for raising concerns about safety and health conditions. This includes concerns about COVID-19.

Rights of Special Education Students during COVID-19

Posted and up-to-date on 8/26/2020 - Cross posted on KidsLegal.org What do I need to know? There is still a lot of uncertainty around what school will look like in the Fall. What will happen at your child’s school will depend on where you live in Maine.