Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): 1-800-432-7846
Calais Office: Open Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30a – 4p (closed for lunch 12:30 – 1:15), 5 Lowell Street, Calais
Machias Office: Monday – Friday 8:30a – 4p, 38 Prescott Drive, Machias
- Alternative Aid – short-term support for families that do not have TANF that are working or looking for work
- Emergency Assistance – benefits to families in emergency situations (evictions, utility terminations, & more)
- TANF – temporary funds while the family works toward being self-sufficient (must apply for TANF through Fedcap. Call Fedcap at 1-844-585-2505 (Machias) or 1-877-369-0935 (Calais) to make an appointment. Open Mon-Fri 8am -5pm. To reach the Fedcap help line call 1-844-653-0316
- Division of Support Enforcement and Recovery (DHHS): 624-4100
Enforce existing support orders, establish support orders for children of unmarried parents, update old orders of support
PLEASE NOTE: The ASPIRE & TANF programs have been outsourced from DHHS to FedCap. If you have difficulties getting benefits during this transition contact Maine Equal Justice Partners, Karen Wyman for assistance at 1-866-626-7059, ext. 205 or kwyman@mejp.org (link sends e-mail).
General Assistance: Contact your local town office to apply
Emergency assistance for low income families. Families can re-apply every 30 days.
Indian Township Welfare: 796-2301
Financial assistance
Machias Food Pantry (Centre Street Church): 255-6665
Emergency assistance; Coats for Kids; Christmas Giving Tree
Maine Eviction Prevention Program: 207-274-1240
If you rent your primary home in Maine and are behind in your rent or facing eviction, you may be eligible for assistance from the Maine Eviction Prevention Program. This program will cover past due rent and provide rental assistance going forward for as long as a year. To qualify you must meet certain requirements around income and monthly rent level.
Maine Family Development Account: 598-5648
This FDA program is available through Downeast Community Partners. It enables income eligible individuals and families to have matched savings that can be used to buy a home, pay for education, or start or expand a small business. Every dollar saved is matched by $4 from the FDA Coalition. For a limited time this account can also be used to purchase or repair a vehicle if a minor is in the home. Contact DCP or visit their website for more information.
Neighbor4Neighbor Fund (Mini Grants for Seniors): 667-7171
One-time mini-grants up to $500 to seniors in Washington county who are facing a crises. Funds may be used for eyeglasses, dentures, medical equipment, emergency household repairs, or other one-time challenges. Email: nina@healthyacadia.org
Shaw Fund for Mariner’s Children: 677-2070
Short-term assistance to families during times of illness or injury. This assistance is for families who mainly make their living on the water fishing, lobstering, etc… (ship must be in US waters, sailing under US flag). The Fund accepts referrals from community service providers and self-referrals. Proof of a substantial work history in the industry, as well as financial need, is required to be considered for assistance. The Fund’s social workers assist applicants with establishing required documentation.
Typical grants include: payments for housing costs and utilities; assistance with medical transportation costs and purchase of durable medical equipment; purchase of books and school supplies and payment of student fees. This is just a partial list and all requests are considered individually. The goal of the Shaw Fund is to aid mariners and their families during times of financial challenge, and to work toward establishing their long-term financial stability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): 1-800-772-1213
SSI is for disabled people who do not have a past earnings record; SSDI is for people with recent earnings. You can also apply online (or appeal a decision) at their website