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Property Tax Assistance
Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund "Circuit Breaker" Program: Eligible Maine residents can receive a partial refund of property taxes assessed and/or rent paid during 2007 on their primary residence. The program to apply for refunds of property tax assessed and/or rent paid during 2007 begins August 1, 2008. Call 624-7894 for an application or visit www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief/homepage.html
Energy Assistance Programs
If you cannot afford to heat your home, pay electric bills, or would benefit from energy improvements such as new insulation, a new heating system, or energy efficient appliances, help may be available from Maine Housing programs. Lower income households may qualify for heating assistance and energy improvements at no cost to them. Moderate-income households may qualify for low cost energy loans. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly called LIHEAP or HEAP) provides money to low income homeowners and renters to help pay heating costs. The funds are distributed throughout Maine by 11 Community Action Programs, in most cases directly to the fuel vendors. The program is not intended to pay for all heating costs, but to assist in paying the heating bills.
Low Income Assistance Program
Low Income Assistance Plans (LIAP) help low-income homeowners and renters with their electric utility bills. Maine Housing, through Community Action Program agencies, accepts customer applications for LIAP as part of the LIHEAP application process.
Weatherization
Maine Housing’s Weatherization Program and Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) provide grants to low-income homeowners and renters to improve home energy efficiency and perform energy-related repairs.
Appliance Replacement Program
The Appliance Replacement Program is designed to help low-income households reduce their energy costs through replacement of older refrigerators and other home appliances that are inefficient and expensive to operate, and through consumer education.
Home Energy Loan Program
The Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) provides very low interest rate loans to low- and moderate-income homeowners to finance improvements to make their homes more energy efficient. Income eligible homeowners may borrow up to $30,000 at 3.95% interest. FOR INFORMATION GO TO: www.mainehousing.org Or contact them at: Maine Housing ▪ 353 Water Street ▪ Augusta, Maine 04330 ▪ (800) 452-4668 ▪ (207) 626-4600 ▪ TTY (800) 452-4603 ▪ Fax (207) 626-4678
Transportation Programs
GO MAINE provides services and information to commuters and other travelers who live, work, or travel in the State of Maine: carpool ridematching, vanpool formation, transit information and bicycling and walking information. GO MAINE works with commuters, employers, business groups, planning agencies, transit operators, and other local and regional partners throughout the state to build demand and advance the mutual goals of improved air quality, reduced traffic congestion and lower commuting costs. Toll-free: 1.800.280.RIDE / 800.280.7433 www.gomaine.org
Health, Social, Economic and Human Services Programs Dial 211. United Ways of Maine, in collaboration with Ingraham, have established 2-1-1 Maine, Inc. as an efficient and effective response to the growing complexities and needs in health, social economic and human services. 2-1-1 Maine is part of a national movement to centralize and streamline access to health and human service information and resources. You can search the website, www.211maine.org or dial 211 and a representative will search the database and find programs in your area. Some of the services offered include emergency shelter, health care, substance abuse, financial assistance, disability services, veteran’s services, senior services, children’s health and insurance and legal assistance.
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