Grants for Seniors in Maine

Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by Rachel

Help for Seniors in Maine – 26 Assistance Programs

Maine has been chosen as one of the safest states for the last couple of years. People who are 65 years of age or older have free passes to enjoy in beautiful national parks. The World Report and U.S. News indicate that there is a huge amount of healthcare benefits for seniors in this state. Retirees who wish to spend their life in a healthy and senior-friendly environment may prefer to live in Maine. Besides its fascinating landscape and outside activities, living in this state can be tough for some senior citizens considering financial difficulties. There are many services and benefits for them that are offered by the state authorities, the federal government, and local charity organizations.

State Resources for Seniors

The State of Maine provides a wealth of resources directed towards seniors and ensuring a healthy life for older residents. Some state-sponsored programs provide assistance, while private programs are linked as well to give maximum coverage of needs. Resources available cover various areas of concern like health, feeding, transportation, etc. These can all be found hosted at https://www.maine.gov/portal/residents/seniors.html.

Financial Assistance

The Social Security Administration provides a special form of assistance to seniors over the age of 65. This is referred to as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and comes in form of monthly payments made to help seniors meet their living expenses. Unlike other forms of assistance which have a specific need that they must be used to meet (e.g., utilities), SSI funds can be used by seniors for any purpose. The program is available to seniors with very low income and asset values. More information on SSI can be found at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/.

The Maine Foreclosure Diversion Program is sponsored by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation for low-income residents who are at the risk of losing their homes. Seniors are prioritized by this program so that they can apply for financial assistance. This program offers loans for people who are facing foreclosure. Moreover, people who have been troubling to pay their mortgage payments can benefit from this opportunity. It makes a deal with a free housing counselor for eligible candidates. For more information, please visit https://www.maine.gov/pfr/consumercredit/foreclosure/index.html or dial 1 888 664 2569.

Housing and Rent Assistance

Sam L.Cohen Adult Day Center is a housing assistance program for people who have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia diseases. These housing units are specifically designed for these people’s health necessities. Seniors living in this day center can join art, painting, pet therapy, dance, gardening, entertainment, exercise, music, or baking programs with their peers. They are taken care of by experienced caregivers and full capacity health equipment. For more information, please go to https://www.smaaa.org/adultdaycenters/index.html or make a phone at 207 283 0166.

The Emergency Shelter and Housing Assistance Program (ESHAP) is funded by the Maine State Housing Authority for residents who are suffering from financial problems. Homeless seniors or seniors who are about to become homeless are eligible for this program. Eligible candidates can live in a temporary emergency shelter or permanent housing. To access the application form, click on https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homeless/homelessdetail/emergency-shelter-and-housing-assistance-program or dial 207 624 5723.

Catholic Charities Maine is an influential local organization that serves low and moderate-income people. It has a program called Independent Support Services for the elderly. Seniors who are not able to perform their daily housework at home can apply to this organization. It offers housekeeping services including laundry and grocery shopping. Find out more at https://www.ccmaine.org/independent-support-services or call 888 427 2263. Various religious organizations conduct projects and services to help elderly as well. See also Churches that Help Seniors.

In order to make homes safer and more livable for senior adults, home repair grants for seniors are additionally offered across the nation.

Elderly residents of Kennebec Valley can apply for the Home Repair Program. This program provides assistance that can help seniors make repairs to their homes. Funding is available to seniors over the age of 60 and with income less than 80% of the Area Median Income to cover repairs that address health and safety issues around the home. Interested seniors can find more details and fill out the application form provided at https://www.kvcap.org/for-the-home/energy-housing-services-overview/home-repair-program/.

Maine State Housing Authority runs a grant program to help low-income residents who do not have the resources to make essential repairs to their homes. This grant covers things like roof and chimney repairs, structural repairs, energy efficiency improvement, accessibility modifications, etc. The program is open to seniors who have income below 80% of the Area Median Income and who have resided in the home for at least a year. For more information, visit https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/HomeImprovement/homeimprovementdetail/home-repair.

Seniors can also take advantage of the Section 504 Home Repair Program. Through this program, grants of up to $10,000 can be obtained to make repairs and accessibility modifications on the home. The grant is provided to seniors over the age of 62 and on the condition that the home would not be sold for 3 years. Seniors below the age of 62 can apply for home repair loans of up to $40,000. The interest rate is fixed at 1%, with a 20-year tenure. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-programs/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants/me.

Healthcare Assistance

Seniors can apply for MaineCare, the state’s version of the Medicaid Program designed to provide low-cost insurance for residents. Through MaineCare, elderly citizens can get assistance paying for doctors’ visits, prescription drugs, treatment regimens, medical transportation etc. Eligibility for MaineCare is usually determined by income, but some people over the income limit may still be admitted into the program. Seniors can apply online at https://www1.maine.gov/benefits/account/login.html or download an application from  https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/applications-forms. More information on MaineCare can be obtained from https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/health-care-assistance.

In addition to the MaineCare program, the state has a law that requires all hospitals to provide healthcare as required to residents whose income falls below 150% of the federal poverty level. This must be done, irrespective of the patient’s inability to pay. The law makes it possible for low-income seniors to access medical care easily. For more details, visit https://www.mainehealth.org/Patients-Visitors/Billing-Insurance/Financial-Assistance/Free-Care. The Federal Poverty Level Calculator can help you determine whether your household is living below the poverty line.

The MedAccess Prescription Assistance Program is funded by MaineHealth to help residents get access to prescription medication. MedAccess may connect with pharmaceutical companies to obtain drugs from them at discounted prices so they can be made available to eligible residents. Participating in MedAccess does not cost seniors any extra fees, but rather reduces medication costs. More information on MedAccess is available at https://www.mainehealth.org/Patients-Visitors/Billing-Insurance/Financial-Assistance/MedAccess.

Medicare and Health Insurance Counseling Program is a healthcare service that is led by the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. This local community organization runs throughout the state. Seniors who cannot live at home but worried about their health conditions can contact this program. It offers free health information or meets via zoom. The program also presents Welcome to Medicare Seminars to increase awareness of health issues for older people. To see details, click the link https://www.smaaa.org/resources/medicare.html or dial 1 800 427 7411.

The Maine Consumers for Affordable Health Care is a local healthcare establishment that aims to serve low-income people. It operates a program called Health Care for Maine (HC4ME) for seniors who are having health problems. People who are not able to afford the cost of their treatment can make contact with this organization. To learn more, go to https://mainecahc.org/advocacy/health-care-for-maine-alliance.html or by phone at 1 800 965 7476.

Adult Guardianship and Alternatives is a guardianship service for seniors provided by the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services. A guardian can be appointed by a local court for people who are not able to perform their daily physical activities or self-care. Anyone who is worried and thinks that a senior citizen should be evaluated for this program can find more information at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/get-support/aps/guardianship or make a phone call at 207 287 3707.

Help with Dental Care

Every day, oral health deteriorates. Dental health shouldn’t be overlooked along with general health, even for seniors with low incomes or who are unable to pay. Visit Dental Grants in Maine to find out how seniors in Maine can get grants for dental treatment.

The Dental Lifeline Network, through their Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provides free dental care to seniors in Maine. Comprehensive dental treatment is provided for residents over the age of 65 who would otherwise not have access to dental care. The services covered include cleanings, root canals, dentures, etc.  Seniors can visit https://dentallifeline.org/maine/ for more information, or download an application from https://dentallifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Maine.pdf.

Community Dental offers preventive and restorative dental services for seniors in Maine. The clinic provides services on a sliding scale basis to uninsured residents who meet income requirements. Through this arrangement, seniors are charged a small fee based on their income level. For more details on the services offered by Community Dental, visit https://www.communitydentalme.org/.

Strong Dental Center provides comprehensive dental care services to seniors at a reduced cost. This is done through a program known as HealthReach Affordable Care. With assistance from this program, income eligible seniors can get dental care with a payment of $50, while the rest is paid off. Proof of income is required to participate in the program; however, the process can be simplified by presenting documents which show that the senior is a beneficiary of financial assistance from other programs. Seniors who wish to visit the clinic for services can check https://www.healthreach.org/our-locations/strong-area-health-and-dental-center/ for more information, along with the income guidelines.

Several other dental clinics across the state offer special assistance for seniors. A comprehensive directory of these clinics is provided by the state government at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/odh/documents/directory.pdf.

Utility Bills Assistance

Bangor Hydro Electric is a local company that provides utility assistance programs for low and moderate-income individuals in Maine. The Emergency Assistance Program supports families whose electricity is disconnected or shut-off. LIHEAP Maine receivers can also get monthly discounts on their utility bills. This discount can vary depending on the applicants’ financial condition. To apply, follow the link https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/electricity/standard-offer-rates or by phone at 1 800 499 6600.

The Electricity Lifeline Program is funded by the Central Maine Power Company (CMP) and provides discounts on electric or utility bills. Low-income residents who are suffering from financial troubles are eligible for this benefit. The monthly discounts are decided according to the total household income of the applicant and financial condition. For more information, go to https://www.cmpco.com/account/waystopay/help-with-bill or contact 1 800 750 4000.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program Maine is a federally funded utility assistance program. Older people who are landlords or renters can get monthly discounts or financial assistance on their electric, utility, or heating bills. To learn more, please see https://www.maine.gov/legis/housedems/liheap.htm or dial 207 626 4684.

Maine also offers a General Assistance Program that can help seniors with different financial challenges, including fuel and utility bills. Qualified seniors do not receive the funds directly. Rather, vouchers are issued to the utility companies on their behalf. Applications are submitted physically at local municipal offices. More information on the General Assistance program in Maine can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/general-assistance.

The Utility companies that provide gas to residents of Maine run programs to help their financially challenged customers. Seniors can receive discounts of up to 30% on their gas bills once they are approved by the Maine State Housing Authority. The program is available to those eligible for LIHEAP and discounts are provided for 12 continuous months. Seniors can find more details on the programs offered by each utility company by visiting https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/regulated-utilities/natural-gas/distributors.

Assistance with telephone bills may be gotten through the Lifeline Program. Seniors receive a considerable credit to help service parts of their phone bills and internet broadband service costs. This helps bring down the overall monthly phone payments and helps sustain connectivity. For more information on the above programs and other available utility assistance programs for seniors, visit https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/consumer-assistance/programs.

There are several programs available to help seniors with their utility payments. Further choices can be found at Help with Bills.

Food Assistance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly benefits for low-income residents, including seniors. Eligibility for the program, and benefits allocated are determined by income, expenses, asset value and household size. Eligible seniors receive their benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This is a debit card which can be used to purchase authorized food items from participating grocery stores around the state. To get more information on SNAP in Maine, visit https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement.

Seniors over the age of 60 can get nutrition and food support through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. This program aims to improve the health of seniors by providing them with food items to supplement their diets. Every month, food boxes containing items like milk, fruits, vegetables, cereal, etc. are distributed to seniors. These food items are not meant to serve as the primary nutrition source, but rather as a way of ensuring that proper nutrition is gotten. Seniors in the state can visit https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/tefap/supplemental_food.shtml for more information on the program, as well as contact details to apply in various counties.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides free emergency food assistance to low-income residents of Maine. This food is distributed through local agencies that ensure the items get to those who need them. Usually, seniors can get assistance either by picking up items from a food pantry, which they can take home to prepare, or by eating in a group setting like a soup kitchen. For more details, visit https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/tefap/index.shtml

Meals on Wheels is a food assistance program for senior citizens that was created and has been managed by the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Southern Maine Agency on Aging is a non-governmental organization that presents various programs and opportunities for older people who are 60 years of age or older. These programs are mostly about financial, health, and personal issues. Meals on Wheels is a special program for seniors who are not able to reach nutritious and healthy daily meals. They provide five hot meals each day for eligible persons. Apart from food service, this program wants to make sure that seniors are healthy and well at home. To learn more, go to https://www.smaaa.org/wellness/meals.html or call the main office at 1 800 427 7411.

The Salvation Army Maine presents comprehensive programs and services for older citizens. It has many food pantries across the state. Seniors can have daily healthy meals at these food pantries. Apart from that, it offers social activities, emergency shelters, counseling, and clothing help for seniors having financial issues. You can read more at https://nne.salvationarmy.org/portland-me/senior-center or dial 207 774 4712.

In addition to Meals on Wheels and The Salvation Army Maine, several Food Programs for Seniors are formed across the country to satisfy the dietary needs of low-income elderly persons.

Transportation Assistance

The Regional Transportation Program (RTP) provides safe and efficient transportation services to low-income seniors in Cumberland County, Maine. Seniors can get rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, malls, entertainment venues, etc. Depending on the destination, seniors may ride on RTP buses, vans, or in the cars of volunteer drivers. Vehicles owned by RTP usually have accessibility modifications to support elderly customers with reduced mobility and drivers may offer some assistance with getting on and off the buses. For more details, visit https://www.rtprides.org/.

Seniors who are covered by the MaineCare program can get non-emergency transportation to get them to and from medical appointments. Ride scheduling usually requires a 2-day lead time to coordinate services. However, the transportation provided is reliable and helps ensure that schedule doctors’ visits can be made. More information can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oms/member-resources/transportation.

Western Maine Transportation Services (WMTS) offers scheduled rides along with flexible routes across various areas of the state. For older customers aged 60 and above, reduced fares are available on selected routes, with a 50% discount. Apart from this, seniors can also ride on certain routes for free. This gives a chance to connect to other parts of the state as required. Seniors can explore transit options at https://www.wmtsbus.org/transit-options/.

Other available transportation options in different regions of the state can be found at https://www.exploremaine.org/commuters/, listed along with contact details.

Charities and Organizations

The Catholic Charities of Maine helps seniors by connecting them to younger volunteers in their areas. This connection service provides the seniors with a chance for socialization, as well as giving them someone who can run errands like going grocery shopping and help with minor maintenance tasks in the home. Volunteers may also provide seniors with transportation assistance. The organization runs a food bank from where seniors can come to pick up food items that they need for sustenance. At some locations, clothing pickups are available as well. Seniors can visit https://www.ccmaine.org/ for assistance.

The Salvation Army runs senior centers which host seniors from age of 55 years and above. Disaster services provide emergency relief in form of feeding, clothes, shelter, etc. after disasters occur. Vouchers may also be issued to seniors. Apart from these vouchers, seniors can visit thrift stores operated by the Salvation Army to purchase items at highly discounted prices. Elderly residents who need help can find more information at https://nne.salvationarmy.org/portland-me/.

Assistance for Senior Veterans

With over 11% of the population being veterans, Maine has the highest concentration of veterans in any state. To this end, the state has a financial guide book to help steer veterans on the right track, pointing them to valuable support resources. This guide can be found at https://www.maine.gov/veterans/docs/Veterans_%20Guide_%202019-01.pdf.

The Veterans’ Emergency Financial Assistance (VEFA) helps financially challenged veterans who are facing emergency situations. Money is provided to help veterans meet urgent needs and to ensure that they have access to food, clothing and shelter. Through VEFA, applicants may receive up to $2,000 of financial assistance. Information and contact details for assistance can be found at https://www.maine.gov/veterans/benefits/tax-finance-benefits/vefa.html.

Maine also has veterans’ homes to house veterans who require rehabilitative services or long-term medical care. These homes are open to veterans and their spouses, allowing them reside in a secure environment with caregivers to provide them continuous assistance. The homes also have a pharmacy where residents can get access to prescribed medication. Interested veterans can visit https://mainevets.org/.

Veterans who have disabilities related to their service period and who are at risk of homelessness can apply for the Special Adapted Housing (SAH) grant. This program provides grants of up to $101,754 to purchase a home in the state. The funds can also be used to build or change the permanent home of eligible veterans. Similar to the SAH, the Special Home Adaptation (SHA) grant also provides funding for disabled veterans who need financial aid to buy or build a home. Through this program, eligible veterans can get up to $20,387 in grant funding for their homes. More information on both programs, as well as eligibility requirements can be obtained from https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/disability-housing-grants/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What financial assistance programs are available to seniors in Maine? Seniors in Maine can access financial assistance through the Drugs for the Elderly Program (DEL), which helps cover prescription medication costs, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for heating and utility bills, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food assistance.

2. How can seniors apply for Medicaid in Maine? Medicaid applications in Maine can be submitted online through the My Maine Connection portal, by mail, or in person at a local Office of Family Independence. Documentation required typically includes proof of age, income, residency, and assets.

3. What housing and rent assistance programs are available to seniors in Maine? The Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) offers the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) for rental assistance and has a variety of resources for affordable senior housing options, including subsidized housing developments.

4. Can seniors receive assistance with utility bills in Maine? Yes, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides financial aid to eligible seniors to help with heating costs. Additionally, the Emergency Fuel Assistance Program (EFAP) offers support during heating emergencies.

5. How do seniors get help with prescription medications in Maine? The Maine Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled program offers significant discounts on prescription medications for qualifying seniors. Eligibility criteria include age, residency, and income limits.

6. Are there property tax relief programs for seniors in Maine? The Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit provides a refundable tax credit to eligible seniors on their property taxes or rent paid. Additionally, the Homestead Exemption reduces the property tax bill for seniors’ primary residences.

7. What in-home care services are available for seniors in Maine? The Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services offers the Home-Based Care Program, providing personal care, homemaking, and respite care services to help seniors live independently in their homes.

8. How can seniors access transportation services in Maine? Many local Area Agencies on Aging in Maine provide transportation services for seniors, including rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and senior centers, often at reduced costs or for free.

9. What nutritional programs support seniors in Maine? The Maine Senior FarmShare Program allows eligible seniors to receive a share of fresh, local produce from participating farms. The Elderly Nutrition Program also offers congregate dining and home-delivered meals.

10. How can seniors in Maine receive legal assistance? Legal Services for the Elderly in Maine provides free legal help to seniors on issues like healthcare, housing, income maintenance, and protection from abuse or neglect.