While Maine has an average higher household income level than many other states, there are still many people who experience financial challenges. Seniors are especially vulnerable to this, because they have a fixed income, which means their income level stays around the same each year. Meanwhile, the cost of goods and services continue to rise, making it more challenging for them to keep up. The good news is that there are programs that offer financial assistance for seniors in Maine.
The programs that provide financial assistance will help ensure that the basic needs of seniors are being met. They will help with covering the costs of food, housing, and paying some bills. They will also help provide seniors with medical bill assistance, so they can get the healthcare that they need as they age. These programs are largely provided by the federal and state and government, with some organizations also offering some helpful programs.
The financial assistance being offered through these programs never has to be paid back, because it is not considered a loan. Those who get help through the programs are often expected to have a low income and be citizens or legal non-citizens. Some of the financial assistance programs provide long term assistance, while others focus on short term solutions and limit the amount of time people can receive assistance.
Programs Offering Financial Assistance
Food Assistance Programs
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Formerly called food stamps, there are many people who get food assistance through this program offered by the federal government. If you meet the qualifications there is no limit to how long you can receive assistance through SNAP. Those who are approved for the program will get help paying for their groceries each month. To qualify for SNAP, you have to meet the low income requirements and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. The financial assistance they provide will help pay for most food items, with the exception of those bought hot and ready to eat in most cases. The amount that you will receive each month is determined by a variety of factors, including how many dependents are in the home. You can apply online, in person, and by sending in your application through the mail or email. To get more information and apply for SNAP, click here.
Salvation Army – With many locations around the state and country, this organization is a good resource to turn for assistance. They provide a variety of programs to help people in the community, including food assistance. Many locations offer soup kitchens, which provide people with fresh free meals that are ready to eat, as well as providing a food pantry where people can get supplies to take home. They also provide other services, including free clothing, shelters, and more. To get more information and find a location near you, click here.
Food Pantries in Maine – These are great places that seniors can turn to for free food supplies. Once you locate a food pantry in your area you can contact them to see how you can go about getting food. They may have you stop by, while others may deliver it to seniors. To find a food pantry near you, click here.
Rent Assistance Programs
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Rent assistance is one of the most popular services that HUD provides. Seniors who need help paying for their rent can contact HUD for assistance. If qualified, they will help pay your rent, as well as for necessary home repairs, weatherization services, and more. They can help people find affordable housing options in their area, provide government owned housing units, and more. To get help through HUD, you have be considered low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information and apply for assistance, click here.
Maine State Housing Authority – This stated funded agency will help seniors with their housing needs, including providing rent assistance. They offer a housing choice voucher program, subsidized housing, and more. To get more assistance on the programs offered, click here.
Utility Bills Assistance Programs
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This federally funded program helps people pay for their heating bill if they have a low income. They will help by paying for one bill per year, but you can re-apply the following year for additional assistance. If you are approved for the help, they will send the funds to the utility provider on your behalf. To get more information and apply, click here.
211 – This is the number to a free referral service provided by the United Way, an organization that helps people around the country. Seniors can call the number to get referrals to programs in their area that will help with the financial assistance that they need. They will find programs that help with utility bill assistance, food programs, rent assistance, and more. The program is free and open to everyone. To get more information about the 211 program, click here.
Medical Bills Assistance Programs
MaineCare – This program is essentially the same as Medicaid in other states. Seniors under the age of 65 who need help paying for medical bills can apply for this program. It is provided through the federal government and will help pay for most medical bills for those who qualify. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal non-citizen. You can continue getting help through this program as long as you continue to qualify. The type of medical bills they will help pay for include those from the hospital, doctor, medical specialist, prescription drugs, and more. To get more information and apply, click here.
Medicare – This is the same program as above, but there are a few differences. First, it is for those who are over the age of 65. Secondly, there are no income requirements for this program. It is open to every citizen and legal non-citizen who need help paying for medical bills. To get more information and apply for the program, click here.
