City of Belfast, Maine

Office Hours - Tues, Weds, Thurs - 8am to 1pm
(Hours subject to change please call first)

The General Assistance (GA) program in Maine is administered by each municipality in order to provide immediate help to eligible people who do not have enough money for basic needs, such as rent/mortgage, food, heating fuel, an other items that are essential (as determined by GA) to maintain themselves or their families. In order to receive GA, people must follow program rules and meet the eligibility conditions.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU WHEN YOU APPLY:

* your most recent bills and/or other proof of expenses including: rent/mortgage, heating fuel, electricity, food, medical expenses;

* cancelled checks, receipts, or other documents that show how you have spent your money and income the past 30 days;

* proof of all household income including pay stubs, TANF, SSI and SSDI statements;

* financial statements from all your bank accounts;

* your driver's license or other identification;

* your Social Security number and the Social Security numbers of all members of your household;

* a doctor's statement if you are ill, disabled, or not able to work;

* insurance policies;

* title and registration for any car, truck or recreational vehicle you own;

REMEMBER, it is up to you to show that you are eligible. If you do not bring in all the information that has been asked for, the administrator may have to deny your request for assistance until you provide the necessary information.

WHEN YOU APPLY for General Assistance you are required to give full and accurate information. Any person who does not tell the truth and who knowingly and willfully makes a false representation of material facts in order to attempt to receive General Assistance will be disqualified for 120 days and may be found guilty of committing a Class E crime. A Class E crime carries a penalty of up to $1,000 fine and one year in jail.

updated 9-4-03