CELL PHONE ASSISTANCE
SafeLink Wireless “Lifeline Service”: 1-800-723-3546
SafeLink is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month to income-eligible customers. Apply online or over the phone
ELECTRIC BILL ASSISTANCE
Energy Goal program
Earn up to $300 in credit toward your energy bill! Sign up for the Energy Goal program and work with the program advocate to complete the outlined steps (each step is worth $50 in credit toward your energy bill). Complete all 6 steps to earn $300 in credit. Contact Downeast Community Partners and ask for their Family Coach at 598-5648 to get signed up.
AMP Program:
If you owe more than $500 on back bills to your electric company, this program can help you wipe out what you owe. The AMP can also work with you to see if there are some free or cheap ways to reduce how much electricity you use. You must be enrolled in the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). If you are not enrolled, you must apply for HEAP and be accepted, before you can apply for AMP. (If you are not enrolled click here to enroll in HEAP.) Click here for more information on how to apply for AMP or contact your utility company and ask about AMP. If your company will not help you, you can call the Consumer Assistance Division at the Maine Public Utilities Commission: 1-800-452-4699
LIAP Program:
The Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP) helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for electricity costs by providing a credit on their electric bills. You must be enrolled in the HEAP program to qualify. Contact Downeast Community Partners to get signed up.
Maine Veterans Project: 207-262-6061
Thanks to a great partnership with the Maine Military Supply’s ‘Hero of the Month’ program Maine Veterans Project is able to assist with life-essential needs such as utility bills, food and clothing.
Versant Power Match (through DCP): 207-664-2424
DCP has partnered with Versant Power to help Versant customers in our communities receive a discount on their electric bills. This benefit is separate from the Heating Energy Assistant Program (HEAP), so eligible individuals can apply and receive the Power Match benefit while they are waiting for their HEAP appointment. HEAP applicants who are denied a HEAP benefit due to being over income for the HEAP program, may still be eligible to receive the Power Match benefit. If you have questions about the Power Match benefit or need assistance with the application process, please contact DCP at (207) 664-2424. Click here to access the online Power Match form.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
DCP (Downeast Community Partners): 1-800-828-7544
HEAP and THAW fuel assistance; Assistance with heating system upgrades, repair, and replacement (through ECIP & CHIP programs). Website has online forms to view or print. Ask to speak with DCP’s “Heat Coach” for help on fuel assistance, heating your home, and making your place more fuel efficient and draft resistant.
EMERGENCY FUEL ASSISTANCE
Please visit our “Heating Assistance” page in this guide for Emergency Fuel Assistance
LAND-LINE PHONE ASSISTANCE
Lifeline and Assistance Programs (Consolidated Communications): 1-844-968-7224
Offers a reduced internet ($9.25/month) and land-line phone ($15.01/month) costs for low income families. 911 physical mailing address is required to set up account (not a PO box). A one-time set-up fee of about $30 may also be required. Call for more information.