What is General Assistance?
General Assistance is a program that provides assistance for basic needs for eligible applicants who can not provide for themselves and their families. General Assistance provides "a specific amount and type of aid for defined needs during a limited period of time and is not intended to be a continuing 'grant-in-aid' or 'categorical' welfare program" (§4301(5)).
Whoever knowingly and willfully makes any false representation of a material fact to the overseer of any municipality or to the department or its agents for the purpose of causing that or any other person to be granted assistance by the municipality or by the State is ineligible for assistance for a period of 120 days and is guilty of a Class E crime. (§4315)
Pursuant to Title 22 MRSA § (4305) the municipal officers have adopted an ordinance which is available for public inspection. Also available for inspection is a copy of the State's General Assistance statutes.
This program is funded by local property taxes with a 50% reimbursement from the state.
Who can apply?
Residents of the Town of Sebago who are having difficulty meeting basic needs such as housing, utilities (electricity and heating fuel), and food may apply for assistance.
Where can I apply?
At the Town Office during the following hours:
•Thursday 10: 15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Please call (207) 787-2457 or 1-800-698-4946 X 318
If an emergency occurs outside of these hours, applicants may contact Naples Dispatch at 1-877-941-1100.
When am I notified whether I qualified or not?
The General Assistance Administrator must issue a written decision regarding eligibility to all applicants within 24 hours of receiving an application.
Who do I contact if I have questions regarding General Assistance?
The Department of Human Services toll-free telephone number to call with a question regarding General Assistance is 1-800-442-6003.
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