Emergency Assistance for Seniors in Maine

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Help Box

If you are in crisis or need fast help, start here.

Note: Maine has one of the oldest populations in the U.S. (more than 22% age 65+). That’s why many statewide services are tailored to older adults. Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Maine.

What to Do First in an Emergency (Maine-specific)

1. Call 211 Maine for local, same-day options
   211 will connect you to nearby food, heating help, shelter, and senior services based on your ZIP code. 211 Maine
2. Contact your town’s General Assistance (GA) office for rent, heat, utilities, or medications
   General Assistance is emergency help run by Maine towns for basic needs. Eligibility is income-based. Find your local office and how to apply: Maine DHHS – General Assistance for Municipalities. Town contact list: Locate your GA office.
3. If you’re out of heat or fuel, contact LIHEAP/ECIP now
   The Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating costs. The crisis benefit (often called ECIP) may help if you’ve run out of fuel or are facing disconnection. Start with MaineHousing: MaineHousing – Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/LIHEAP).
4. If you are unsafely housed or homeless, connect to shelter services
   MaineHousing lists shelter contacts and regional homeless services: MaineHousing – Homeless Services.
5. If you feel unsafe (abuse, threats, exploitation), call APS or 911
   Report elder abuse or financial exploitation to Adult Protective Services: Maine DHHS – Adult Protective Services. In immediate danger, call 911.

Reality check: In winter, response lines can get busy. If you can’t get through, try again, leave a voicemail if possible, and call 211 as a backup. For fuel emergencies, call your town GA and your LIHEAP agency the same day.

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Emergency Energy, Utilities, and Weatherization

Keeping the heat and lights on is a top concern in Maine. Here are the main programs and what to do.

Key Programs at a Glance

Notes and tips:

• ACP (the Affordable Connectivity Program) stopped new funding in 2024. Check for updates and alternatives at the FCC: ACP info. Lifeline continues.
• Call your electric or fuel company as soon as you know you can’t pay. Ask about medical hardship protections, payment plans, and senior-friendly options. See the PUC’s consumer page: MPUC – Consumer Assistance.

Housing, Rent, and Property Tax Relief

If you are behind on rent or at risk of homelessness

• General Assistance (GA): Emergency help for rent, security deposits, utilities, and some medication costs. Apply at your town or city hall. Learn more: Maine DHHS – General Assistance.
• Shelters and Coordinated Entry: Use MaineHousing’s list to find shelter or outreach teams. MaineHousing – Homeless Services.

Reality check: Maine’s rental vacancies are tight, especially along the coast and in Portland. If you can, work with both your town GA and your local Area Agency on Aging to widen your options. AAAs may know of senior housing openings and waitlists. Find AAAs: Maine DHHS – Area Agencies on Aging.

Property Tax and Homeowner Help (Senior-focused)

Note: Maine’s prior Senior Property Tax Stabilization program was repealed in 2023. See: MRS – Expired Programs: Property Tax Stabilization for Seniors.

Food and Nutrition on Short Notice

Tips:

• If you need food this week, call 211, your AAA, and check local pantry hours. Many AAAs can do a “short-term meals” referral while you wait for Meals on Wheels.
• Use your EBT card at many Maine farmers markets. SNAP details: Maine DHHS – Food Supplement.

Health Coverage, Medicare Savings, and Prescriptions

Prescription and dental tips:

• Ask your pharmacy to check for generic and 90-day fills. If you hit the coverage gap, contact your AAA/SHIP for a plan review.
• Dental for non-MaineCare seniors: check Donated Dental Services (no-cost care for eligible) via Dental Lifeline Network: Dental Lifeline Network – Maine.

Mental health:

• Call the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112 or 988 anytime. State info: Maine DHHS – Crisis Services.

Transportation and Mobility

Getting to appointments and the grocery store is harder in rural towns and winter months. Try these:

Reality check: Book rides early—some rural routes run only certain days. In storms, services may pause. Keep a backup plan (neighbor, church group, taxi voucher) when possible.

Money, Bills, and Consumer Protection

• Utility and fuel bills: Start with LIHEAP and your utility’s low-income program. See MaineHousing – Energy Programs and MPUC low-income assistance.
• Property taxes: Seniors may qualify for the Property Tax Fairness Credit and deferral. See MRS – PTFC and MRS – Deferral.
• Legal help: Legal Services for the Elderly offers free advice on benefits, housing, fraud, and more. Legal Services for the Elderly (Maine). Pine Tree Legal also helps with civil legal issues. Pine Tree Legal Assistance.
• Long-term care issues: Contact the independent Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program if you have concerns about a nursing home, assisted living, or in-home care. Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
• Consumer scams: The Maine Attorney General’s Consumer Protection office has guides and complaint forms. Maine AG – Consumer Protection.

Warning: If someone calls asking for gift cards, wire transfers, or your Medicare/SSN, hang up and verify with the agency using the number on their official website.

Who to Call for Guidance and Case Management

• Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs): Help with benefits, Meals on Wheels, caregiver support, Medicare counseling, and more. Find your AAA.
• 211 Maine: One-stop referral line for local services. 211 Maine.
• Adult Protective Services: To report abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Report to APS.
• Social Security: For SSI/SSDI, Medicare enrollment, and Extra Help. Find a Social Security office.

Tip: Keep a folder with your ID, Social Security card (or photocopy), proof of income (award letters), recent bills, and a list of medications. It speeds up every application.

Inclusive Support

LGBTQ+ Older Adults

• SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline offers support and referrals: 877-360-LGBT (5428). SAGE Elder Hotline.
• Maine domestic and sexual violence programs serve all survivors, regardless of orientation or gender identity. MCEDV help page and MECASA help page.
• For local community connections, 211 can share LGBTQ+-affirming providers and support groups. 211 Maine.

Veteran Seniors

• Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services can help with VA health access, pension, and emergency financial aid (including the Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance program). Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services.
• Togus VA Medical Center is the hub for VA care in Maine; use the VA locator for clinics and benefits. VA Maine Healthcare System.
• In crisis, call 988 and press 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line.

Tribal Elders (Wabanaki Nations)

• Many tribes operate their own elder services, LIHEAP, and nutrition programs funded by ACL Title VI. Learn about Title VI programs and find tribal contacts: ACL – Title VI Programs.
• Tribes in Maine: Aroostook Band of Micmacs, Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, Penobscot Nation, and Passamaquoddy (Pleasant Point and Indian Township). Tribal websites can be found via 211 Maine or your AAA. Health resources: Indian Health Service – Portland Area.

Rural Seniors and Island Communities

• Transportation: Check MaineDOT transit providers and ask your AAA about volunteer drivers and ride vouchers.
• Home repairs: For very low-income rural homeowners 62+, USDA’s Section 504 grants/loans can fix critical safety issues. USDA RD Maine.
• Broadband: The ACP program has ended for now; see the Maine Connectivity Authority for broadband build-out updates and affordability options, and use Lifeline for ongoing phone/internet discounts.

Step-by-Step: Common Emergency Situations

How to get emergency heating oil help in Maine (seniors)

1. Call your local LIHEAP agency and ask for “crisis” (ECIP) help: LIHEAP in Maine.
2. Call your town GA office the same day in case LIHEAP funds are delayed or not enough: Find your GA office.
3. Ask your fuel vendor about a minimum delivery and any senior plan while assistance is pending.
4. If you have no heat in extreme cold, consider a warming center or shelter via MaineHousing Homeless Services and call 211.

If your power is about to be disconnected

• Call your utility immediately and ask about medical hardship protections and payment arrangements.
• Apply for LIHEAP and ask about AMP to reduce arrears: MPUC – Low-Income Assistance.
• If someone in the home uses medical equipment, ask your doctor to submit a medical certification to the utility. See MPUC disconnection rules.

If you’re facing eviction

• Call Pine Tree Legal for advice and court help: Pine Tree Legal Assistance.
• Apply for town General Assistance for rent/security help: Maine DHHS – GA.
• Ask your AAA about senior housing waitlists and urgent referrals: Maine AAAs.

Resources by Region (Where to Start Locally)

Maine’s 5 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are the backbone for energy help, meals, transportation, and more. Use these links to find your local office and confirm service areas by ZIP code (county lines can shift for certain programs).

Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs)

• Aroostook Agency on Aging (Aroostook County) – Aroostook AAA and via DHHS AAA page: Maine AAAs
• Eastern Area Agency on Aging (Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington) – Eastern AAA
• SeniorsPlus (Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford) – SeniorsPlus
• Spectrum Generations (Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset, Waldo) – Spectrum Generations
• Southern Maine Agency on Aging (Cumberland, York) – SMAA

Each AAA can connect you to Meals on Wheels, SHIP/Medicare counseling, caregiver support, and options counseling for housing and in-home help. State page: Maine DHHS – AAAs.

Community Action Agencies (for LIHEAP, weatherization, and more)

• Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) – ACAP
• Community Concepts (Oxford, Franklin, Androscoggin) – Community Concepts
• Downeast Community Partners (Hancock, Washington) – DCP
• Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP) – KVCAP
• Penquis (Penobscot, Piscataquis) – Penquis
• The Opportunity Alliance (Cumberland) – The Opportunity Alliance
• Waldo Community Action Partners (WCAP) – WCAP
• York County Community Action Corp. (YCCAC) – YCCAC

If you’re unsure which agency serves your town, call 211 or check the program’s website (LIHEAP/Weatherization) on MaineHousing.

Practical Documents to Keep Ready

• Photo ID and Social Security number
• Proof of income (Social Security/SSI/SSDI award letter, pension)
• Recent bank statement if requested
• Recent utility/fuel bills, landlord letter/lease
• Medical bills or prescriptions (for GA or medical hardship)
• A list of medications and doctors

Having these on hand can speed up same-day or next-day help.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I apply for Maine’s General Assistance if I can’t get to town hall?
A: Call your town’s GA office and explain the situation. Some towns can take applications by phone or help schedule a home visit in special cases. Start here: Find your GA office.

Q: I ran out of heating oil. Who helps today?
A: Call your LIHEAP agency and ask for crisis help (ECIP): MaineHousing – LIHEAP. Also call your town GA for emergency fuel help the same day: Maine DHHS – GA. If you have no heat in dangerous temperatures, call 211 and consider a warming center or shelter via MaineHousing – Homeless Services.

Q: Can my power be shut off in winter?
A: Shutoffs are restricted in winter and in medical emergencies, but you must contact your utility and show you qualify. See your rights and steps to prevent disconnection: MPUC – Disconnection Rules.

Q: Is there help for high electric arrears?
A: Ask about the Arrearage Management Program (AMP) for Central Maine Power or Versant customers. If you qualify and make on-time payments, part of your past-due amount can be forgiven monthly. Details: MPUC – Low-Income Assistance.

Q: Who helps with Medicare and drug plan choices?
A: Call your Area Agency on Aging (SHIP counselors). They provide free, unbiased help to pick plans and apply for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help. Find your AAA: Maine AAAs.

Q: Does Maine help with property taxes for seniors?
A: Yes. Look at the Property Tax Fairness Credit and the Property Tax Deferral Program for Seniors. Learn more and see eligibility: MRS – PTFC and MRS – Deferral.

Q: What if I suspect elder abuse or financial exploitation?
A: If it’s urgent, call 911. Otherwise, report to Adult Protective Services at 1-800-624-8404 or online: Report to APS. Legal help is also available from Legal Services for the Elderly.

Q: Is there still help for internet bills?
A: The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped new funding in 2024. You can still apply for Lifeline, a federal phone/internet discount: Lifeline Support. Check the Maine Connectivity Authority for local affordability updates.

Q: Where can a veteran get emergency financial help?
A: Contact the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services about the Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance program and other supports. For crisis help, call 988 and press 1.

Q: Are there special food programs just for seniors?
A: Yes: Meals on Wheels through your AAA and Maine Senior FarmShare for local produce. Learn more at Maine AAAs and Senior FarmShare. Also ask about CSFP senior food boxes: USDA CSFP.

Q: I need dental care but can’t afford it. Options?
A: If you have MaineCare, adult dental benefits are available—ask your dentist if they accept MaineCare. If not, try Donated Dental Services for no-cost care if you qualify: Dental Lifeline Network – Maine. Your AAA may know local clinics, too.

Key Program Roundups (Bookmark These)

Energy, Utilities, and Weatherization

• MaineHousing – LIHEAP (HEAP)
• MaineHousing – Heating System Repair/Replace
• MaineHousing – Weatherization Assistance
• Maine PUC – Low-Income Assistance and Shutoff Rules

Housing and Homelessness

• Maine DHHS – General Assistance
• MaineHousing – Homeless Services

Food and Nutrition

• Maine DHHS – SNAP/Food Supplement
• Maine Senior FarmShare
• USDA – CSFP State Contacts

Health Coverage and Prescriptions

• Maine DHHS – Medicare Savings Program
• SSA – Extra Help (Part D)
• Maine DHHS – Health Care Assistance

Legal and Safety

• Adult Protective Services – Report
• Legal Services for the Elderly
• Pine Tree Legal Assistance
• Maine Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Maine AG – Consumer Protection

Veterans, Tribal, and Rural

• Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
• VA Maine Healthcare System
• ACL – Title VI Native Elder Programs
• USDA Rural Development – Maine

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Reality Checks, Warnings, and Tips

• Winter demand strains fuel and weatherization crews. Apply early in the season for LIHEAP and Weatherization; ask to be notified if crisis slots open.
• Some programs have waitlists (Meals on Wheels, weatherization, senior housing). Ask about temporary alternatives: pantry boxes, senior café meals, or short-term meal deliveries.
• Bring all documents to appointments. Missing a pay stub or award letter can delay help by days.
• Beware of scams: No agency will demand payment by gift card. Verify numbers on official websites before calling back.

Tables Summary

For quick scanning, here are the main tables included above:

1. Quick Help Box (hotlines and immediate contacts)
2. Energy/Utilities Programs overview
3. Food/Nutrition Programs overview
4. Health Coverage and Prescription Help overview
5. Property Tax and Homeowner Help overview

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Disclaimer

Programs, eligibility, funding levels, and phone numbers can change. Always confirm details on the official agency websites linked in this guide or by calling the program directly. If you get different information from an official source, follow the agency’s guidance.

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About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:
• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.