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).
Free Financial Coaching & Advice (DCP): 598-5657
Meet with a financial coach on issues from debt help, choosing student loans, avoiding foreclosure, starting up a business, retirement planning, etc… Services are free to anyone in Washington County regardless of income. This program is available through Downeast Community Partners. Email:joe.connors@downeastcommunitypartners.org
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 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
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