Maine has numerous grants for felons who need financial assistance. The programs have been designed to help people during difficult times when they need help meeting their basic needs. There are programs that will help people pay for their rent, purchase groceries, get cash assistance, and also get free healthcare. Some grant programs offer short term assistances, while others provide help on a longer basis.
Grants are considered to be gifts that are given to people who are in need. They differ from loans in that they never have to be paid back. The grants for felons in Maine will help people meet their basic needs while trying to get their finances on the right track. Be sure to apply for multiple grant programs, because there is no limit to how many you can receive assistance from at one time.
Grants for Felons in Maine
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This federally funded program has been designed to help families as they try to become more self sufficient. Those who are approved for TANF will receive a monthly cash grant that they can use for a wide variety of living expenses. Some of the expenses that the grant can be used for include rent, food, transportation, and paying bills. To qualify for the program, you have to have at least one minor child that you are caring for, meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This federally funded program used to be referred to as food stamps. Felons who need help obtaining food may qualify for SNAP. The program provides those who qualify with an electronic debit card where funds are added to each month. That card can then be used to purchase food at the grocery store and some farmers markets. To qualify for the program, you have to meet the low income requirements, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply for SNAP in Maine, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program aims to help everyone find affordable housing. In addition to owning some low income housing units, called Section 8, they also help people to pay their rent, avoid foreclosure, and save money on utility bills through weatherization services. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income and be a citizen or legal alien. This federally funded program helps people be able to locate affordable housing, as well as become homeowners. To get more information about HUD programs in Maine or to apply, click here.
Medicaid – Those who need assistance paying for healthcare in the state of Maine may qualify for Medicaid. The program is federally funded, and provides those who qualify with free healthcare. The services that it pays for includes visiting the doctor, staying in the hospital, obtaining prescription drugs, receiving substance abuse treatment, and having dental work done. To qualify, you have to have a low income, and be a citizen or legal alien. To apply, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Felons who need help paying for their utility bills may be able to get a grant from LIHEAP. The program helps people pay for their winter heating bills. The program doesn’t pay the entire bill, but it provides a grant toward it. The average size grant that the program provides is $441. They also provide weatherization services for those who want to save money on their heating and cooling bills. To qualify for the program, you have to have a low income. To apply, click here.
Lifeline – Having a phone is considered to be essential, but the monthly bill can be difficult for some people to pay. Those who have a low income may qualify for a phone through the Lifeline program. If approved, you will receive a mobile phone for free that has data, unlimited texting, and voicemail. To apply for a Lifeline phone, click here.
General Assistance – Maine has a General Assistance program that will help people in need. The program helps by providing what is needed to meet basic needs. This program is typically designed for those who are a homeless shelter. To get more information, or to apply for the program, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization provides a wide variety of assistance programs, including adult mental health, recovery assistance, substance abuse counseling, food banks, clothing assistance, and more. To learn more, click here.
There are also grants for felons in Maine provided by church groups. Many churches offer outreach groups that help people in the community. Contact your local churches to see what type of programs they have. Most do not have strict qualification requirements, and they will help with food, clothing, transportation vouchers, and more.
