

MAINE - March 2010
DISCLAIMER
JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS
INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER
WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT
THEM. THANK YOU
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Program Description
The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each
school day. Over 92,000 schools offer lunches at school, and nearly 70,000 schools offer breakfast at school nationwide. School
breakfasts and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal nutrition standards. Some schools offer
afterschool snacks to children in the school's afterschool care programs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919
for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child's school. A listing of your state's schools can be found here:
http://www.maine.gov/education/eddir/schcontact.htm
Program Contact Information
For additional information about the programs please visit the Maine Child Nutrition Services office web site at:
http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/index.htm
You can contact the Child Nutrition Services office to speak with a State representative about the programs.
207-624-6842
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
The Food Stamp Program provides food stamps that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. The
amount of food stamps each household receives is based on the Thrifty Food Plan...the model diet plan the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) uses to project the cost of food for one month for different household sizes. Under food stamp rules, resources--
such as bank accounts, cash real estate, personal property, vehicles, and so forth--are considered in determining whether a
household is eligible to get food stamps. Some resources are counted toward the allowable limit and some are not. The food stamp
worker will explain which are counted. The resources of people who get public assistance, SSI, and, in some locations, general
assistance is not counted toward the limit. All households may have up to $2,000 worth of countable resources and still be eligible.
Households may have up to $3,000 and still be eligible if at least one member is age 60 or older. Most households must have
income at or below certain dollar limits before and after deductions are allowed. However, households in which all members are
getting public assistance or SSI (or, in some locations, general assistance) do not have to meet the income eligibility tests.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To apply for Food Stamps, download an application from the Bureau of Family Independence web site:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/snap/index.html
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the application. The reader can also be downloaded from the Bureau of Family
Independence web site.
You may also request an application from your local Food Stamp Office. You can request an application in person, by phone, or
someone else can get one for you. To find the office nearest you, visit our website at:
http://www.state.me.us/dhs/DHSaddresses.htm
Once completed return your application as soon as possible. If you qualify, benefits start from the date you turn in your application.
Also if you qualify, you can receive food stamps within 30 days.
For more information, visit our web site at:
http://www.state.me.us/dhs/
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child's need for good nutrition. The Maine Summer Food Service
Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to
learn, play and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household;$26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three
people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six
people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Summer Food Service program, contact the site nearest you by clicking below and looking under "Looking for a
Summer Food Service Program site?":
http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/sfsp.htm
Program Contact Information
You can obtain additional information about Maine SFSP by visiting:
http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/sfsp.htm
You also may call the Maine Child Nutrition Services office at 207-624-6842 to speak with a customer service representative about
SFSP.
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly called LIHEAP or HEAP) provides money to low income
homeowners and renters to help pay heating costs. Eleven Community Action Programs distribute the funds throughout Maine, in
most cases directly to the fuel vendors. The program is not intended to pay for all heating costs, but to assist in paying the heating
bills.
LIHEAP is Federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services. The Federal government establishes funding
levels annually. LIHEAP is targeted to low and very low income Maine homeowners and renters.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed $24,909 if one person lives in the
household; $33,511 if two people live in the household; $42,113 if three people live in the household; $50,715 if four people live in the
household; $59,317 if five people live in the household; $67,919 if six people live in the household; $76,521 if seven people live in the
household; $85,123 if eight people live in the household; and $93,725 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $8,602 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Contact your local CAP agency to apply:
http://www.mainehousing.org/DATACapAgencies.aspx?PageCMD=2
Program Contact Information
Please visit the Maine LIHEAP web site for more information:
http://www.mainehousing.org/PROGRAMSLiap.aspx?ProgramID=36
Public inquires can be made toll-free at:
800-452-4668
Also, you may contact MSHA's Energy and Housing Services division at:
jchoate@mainehousing.org
207-624-5708
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
MaineCare provides free or low-cost health insurance for families with children and pregnant women.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Maine, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance
(including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual household
income before taxes of less than $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if
four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if
seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,500 if more than eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may
have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state's program information for details.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Applications can be found here:
http://mainegov-images.informe.org/dhhs/OIAS/public-assistance/pdf/On-Line-CubCare-Application.pdf
Once completed, mail or fax in your application and supporting documentation to the nearest Department of Health and Human
Services office. Locate your nearest DHHS office here:
https://portalxw.bisoex.state.me.us/dhhs-apps/office_finder/index.asp
To get more information or help filling out an application, please call the Department of Human Services toll-free at:
877-543-7669
You may also call the Covering Kids and Teens Help Line toll-free and TDD/TTY at:
800-965-7476
Program Contact Information
For more information on MainCare, please visit our web site at:
http://www.state.me.us/dhhs/OIAS/services/cubcare/CubCare.htm
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income
pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To
be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.
e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum
woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and,
(2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members
who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/wic/locations.htm
Program Contact Information
Please see the following Web Site for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm
For more information on Maine WIC, please visit:
http://www.state.me.us/dhs/wic/
If you have questions about the WIC program call the Maine WIC program office toll-free at:
800-437-9300
TTY users call:
800-438-5514
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have
access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve. In 2001, nearly 7,000
schools and residential childcare institutions participated, along with 1,300 summer camps and 562 non-residential childcare
institutions.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, your household's
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.
The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm
Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:
http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/milk.htm
Program Contact Information
For more information visit:
http://www.maine.gov/education/
You also may call the Child Nutrition Services office to speak with a customer service representative about the Maine Special Milk
program at:
207-624-6842
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote
school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social
services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering
the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also
provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker
families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, you must be a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child who is too young for public school and your household's annual income before taxes must not exceed
$10,830 if one person lives in the household; $14,570 if two people live in the household; $18,310 if three people live in the
household; $22,050 if four people live in the household; $25,790 if five people live in the household; $29,530 if six people live in the
household; $33,270 if seven people live in the household; $37,010 if eight people live in the household; and $40,750 if more than
eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $3,740 for each additional person in the home.
If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status
is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less
than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may
apply.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For enrollment information, contact the program nearest you:
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices
Program Contact Information
You can visit the Maine Office of Child Care and Head Start:
http://maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/
You may also contact the Maine Department of Human Services by calling:
(207) 624-5866
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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The Maine State Housing Authority operates the Weatherization and Central Heating Improvement Programs (CHIP) to finance
energy related repairs for low income homeowners and renters. The programs are run through Maine's Community Action
Program (CAP) agencies. The Weatherization program finances improvements that increase the energy efficiency of the home -
such things as insulation, weatherstripping, and in some cases safety related repairs or more general improvements.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, your household's annual income before
taxes must not exceed $23,920 if one person lives in the household; $32,200 if two people live in the household; $40,006 if three
people live in the household; $47,626 if four people live in the household; $55,246 if five people live in the household; $62,866 if six
people live in the household; $64,295 if seven people live in the household; and $65,724 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $1,429 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply, contact the CAP agency nearest you:
http://www.mainehousing.org/DATACapAgencies.aspx?PageCMD=3
Or, you may call (207) 624-5708.
Program Contact Information
For more information on the program please visit:
http://www.mainehousing.org/PROGRAMSWeatherization.aspx?ProgramID=49
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Program Description
Maine TANF is financial assistance to keep children in their homes while the family is temporarily unable to support themselves.
While receiving assistance, parents or caretaker relatives work on an employment plan to become self-supporting.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Maine, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19
years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed
(working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To download an application for TANF, click here:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/public-assistance/APP-01-07.pdf
To locate your local Bureau of Family Independence regional office and ask about TANF, please go to:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/offices/index.html
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Maine MaineCare
MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a "Federal/State" program, which provides assistance to people with limited resources.
Specifically, MaineCare can help eligible Maine residents with their health care payments.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Maine, a US national, citizen, permanent resident,
or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very
low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 19, blind, have a
disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a "Federal/State" program which provides assistance to people with limited resources.
Specifically, MaineCare can help eligible Maine resident with their health care payments.
For more information on MaineCare and to print an application please visit:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/public-assistance/index.html
You may call to ask about MaineCare toll-free at:
800-321-5557
TTY users should dial:
800-423-4331
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Subscribe to Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) e-mail updates
Program Description
Maine TANF is financial assistance to keep children in their homes while the family is temporarily unable to support themselves.
While receiving assistance, parents or caretaker relatives work on an employment plan to become self-supporting.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Maine, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19
years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed
(working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.
Program Contact Information
To find more about Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), please visit:
http://www.state.me.us/dhs/bfi/tanf/TANF.htm
To locate your local Bureau of Family Independence regional office and ask about TANF, please go to:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/offices/index.html
Managing Agency
Maine
http://www.maine.gov
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REMEMBER NO MATTER WHAT TOWN, CITY, COUNTY OR STATE SEND US
YOUR UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION TO BE APPLIED TO YOUR STATE'S PAGE!
BECOME ACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
IF YOUR GROUP, ORGANIZATION, OR HOUSE OF WORSHIP HAS ANY ACTIVITIES UPCOMING SUCH AS:
MEALS FOR THE NEEDY, FOOD PANTRIES & BASKET GIVEAWAYS, CLOTHING CLOSETS, BAZAARS,
FLEA MARKETS, CAR WASHES, FREE CLASSES/SEMINARS, FILM FESTIVALS,
FIRST TIME HOME PURCHASER SEMINARS, STATE FAIRS....EVEYTHING!!!!
PLEASE CONTACT ME BY EMAIL: homelesstoindependence@yahoo.com