There are times in life when everyone can use a little help. Here you will find assistance with paying your utility bill, getting prescriptions, and finding food resources. Learn how to save on other services.
Weatherization for single mothers
People in Maine know all about winter. The weather they can manage. It is the cost of the utility bills that are difficult to survive. Most low-income homes would benefit from weatherization. The Weatherization and Central Heating Improvement Programs (CHIP) provide the assessment of a residence for weatherization. The goal of weatherization is to make homes energy efficient to lower costs and to save energy. The service finances repairs and in some cases replacement of unsafe heating systems. Typical improvements include insulation in the attic, basement and walls, weatherstripping and window caulking.
Assistance is available to both renters and homeowners. Why live in a cold, drafty and uncomfortable home? If you qualify for weatherization, you will save money on your utility bill while improving the quality of life by being warm in the long snow filled Maine winters. A home that has been through the weatherization process saves energy, and that is a good thing for everyone.
Locate Weatherization and CHIP local contacts or call 207-624-5708 for single mother benefits.
Credit Counseling for single mothers
If you are overwhelmed by a mountain of debt, it is time to get some professional help from a credit counselor. A free credit assessment is available through Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) of Maine.
Residents of Maine can receive free accredited credit counseling and debt management advice. Qualified individuals can receive a debt management plan. The financial information is free and callers are under no obligation for using the free or low-cost service. To find out what credit counseling can do for you call 800-769-3571 or continue reading.
Food Assistance for single mothers
Do you or your family need food? Does your food budget run out before the next paycheck? If you or your family are experiencing hunger, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help. SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps is a federally funded program that provides low-income individuals and families with the ability to have healthy nutritious foods. SNAP recipients use an Electronic Benefit Transfer card to receive benefits for purchasing food. The EBT card looks like a debit card and works like one as well.
SNAP benefits will buy almost any food in most groceries. The EBT can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP funds cannot be used for pet food, soap or paper products, alcohol, tobacco or other nonfood items. Benefits also cannot be used to purchase hot food or food ready to eat. Learn more about SNAP and how to fill out an application. If you need food immediately call 800-442-6003 for single mother benefits.
Telephone Discount for single mothers
Everyone needs a phone. Having access to a phone is a necessity, not a luxury. While some people are standing in line for the next generation of super-smart phones, others are unable to afford even a basic telephone in their home.
The federal government created a program called Lifeline to provide a discount on monthly phone service to qualified customers. Low-income residents who participate in certain public assistance programs are entitled to receive a discount on basic phone service every month.
Another program called Link-Up provides a fifty percent reduction in telephone service installation charges for eligible households that do not have phone service.
The SafeLink program offers a discount for customers using cell phones.
Anyone who cannot afford a phone should apply for this discount. In order to receive this offer the customer must contact their local telephone carrier.
Utility Assistance for single mothers
Are you behind on your utility bill? Have you received a disconnect notice? There are organizations that can help. Contact your power company. It is important to maintain communication with your utility company.
Additional utility resources for single mothers:
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides money to low-income single mothers and families to help pay their utility bills. The program is available to both renters and homeowners.
LIHEAP provides the highest level of heating and utility assistance to those families that have the highest energy costs, the lowest incomes and /or the most need for help in relation to their household income. The LIHEAP program recognizes the following two types of low-income single mothers as having the highest home energy heating needs: high energy burden households and vulnerable households. Learn more about the program or contact by phone at 800-452-4668.
1. Maine Housing Augusta, Maine 207-626-4600 TTY 800-452-4603 This organization provides emergency assistance for heat and electricity for both coastal and island communities from mid-state to Downeast coastal Maine. The Maine Sea Coast Mission was created in 1915. The mission offers emergency financial assistance to those facing a hardship or who are in critical need of help with bills, including utility and electric. The nonprofit has provided literally tons of coal, cords of wood, blankets, plumbing repair, sewer and water bill assistance, gas and propane to seniors, persons with disabilities, the unemployed, and many others who have been faced with a crisis situation. More on Maine Sea Coast or dial 866-207-4010.
2. Central Maine Power is one of the states largest energy providers. The company offers its customers a few of its own direct programs, and they also partner with non-profits across Maine in order to offer additional assistance to customers who need help. Every year thousands of families are supported so that they do not have their utilities disconected. 800-750-4000
3. Call 877-JOE-4-OIL (877-563-4645) to apply for the program that provides low-cost or free heating oil.
4. In partnership with CITGO Petroleum, Citizens Energy works with thousands of oil heat dealers and local fuel assistance agencies in 25 states to provide deliveries of home heating oil to those in need. The Oil Heat Program provides eligible families a one-time delivery of 100 gallons of fuel. Assistance with light oils, gasoline and fuel oils. Call 800-423-8434.
5. Learn more regarding how to save money by making your home energy efficient. Little efforts can make big savings.