Maine is a state known for lighthouses. There are 65 lighthouses in the small state and many people visit there each year to visit them. There are also many people who live in the state and at times some of them may experience financial issues. The good news is that there are programs in place that will provide financial help for African Americans in Maine. The programs will help ensure that your basic needs are being met, despite your financial challenges.
The programs that are offered in the state of Maine that will provide financial help for African Americans are usually funded by the federal government. There are others that are state funded or provided through organizations that exist to help people in the community. None of the financial help provided to people ever has to be paid back, because it’s not a loan. The financial help is considered a gift to help people in need.
Be sure to apply for all of the programs you feel qualified for. There is no limit to the number of programs you can apply for at one time or receive help from. The more programs you are able to get help from the better your chances are of reducing stress and worry and ensuring your basic needs are being met.
Financial Help for African Americans in Maine
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program used to be known as food stamps. It’s a federally funded program that provides financial help for African Americans in Maine, by providing them with food each month. Those who are qualified will receive a debit card where funds are electronically loaded each month. The card is then used to pay for groceries at the store. The amount that you receive is determined by how many people are in your family, and there’s no limit to how long you can receive this benefit. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides a monthly cash benefit for those who qualify. The cash is to be used to pay for basic living needs, including food, housing, paying bills, transportation, etc. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be pregnant or have at least one minor child you are caring for. The amount you receive each month is determined by how many people are in your household. To get more information or apply, click here.
General Assistance (GA) – This program is similar to TANF, but you don’t have to have any minor children to apply for it. The program provides financial help to African Americans who are single as well. The cash benefit can be used for living expenses, including food, housing, healthcare, burial costs, utility bills, and more. To qualify you have to have a low income. To get more information or apply, click here.
Medicaid – This federally funded program pays the healthcare bills for those who qualify. In order to qualify, you have to be considered low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. If you are approved, the program will pay for you to go to the hospital, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and more. There is no limit to how long you can receive help from the Medicaid program. To get more information or apply for Medicaid in Maine, click here.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) – This program helps both renters and homeowners with paying their energy bills. They will also help with emergency situations, such as if your service is being disconnected. If you qualify, they will pay for your utility bill. You have to apply each year that you need the help. The application window first opens each July. To get more information or apply for a HEAP grant to help pay your utility bill, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This organization is federally funded and will provide financial help for African Americans by helping with housing issues. They help people in a variety of ways, including by providing rent and mortgage payment assistance, locating affordable housing options, and providing free weatherization services. The weatherization services will help to reduce your monthly utility bills. HUD also offers government-owned housing units that people can live in for free. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. To get more information, click here.
Salvation Army – This is a faith-based organization that provides locations around the country. They help people by offering free hot meal services, boxes of food from their pantries, clothing, furniture, counseling, shelters, and more. To qualify for help, you have to have a low income. They have locations around the nation, so find the one that is close to you and reach out for assistance. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program focuses on providing health food each month to women who qualify. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income, be considered nutritionally at risk, and either be pregnant or have at least one dependent under the age of five. In order to apply for WIC in Maine, you have to visit one of their clinics and apply in person. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This is an organization that has over 3,000 locations around the country. They are faith-based, but you do not have to be religious to receive help. They provide financial help for African Americans in Maine by offering free food, shelter, counseling, clothing, bill payment assistance, and more. They have a variety of programs to help people who have a low income and are struggling financially. You have to contact the one that is close to you to see what programs are offered and if they can help with your particular need. To find a location near you, click here.