Welcome to BenefitKarma, Mainers!

If you’re new here, we want to connect you with information that will empower you and your loved ones on the benefits journey. We know government benefits, insurance, and healthcare can feel overwhelming — with legal jargon, paperwork, and deadlines — but BenefitKarma simplifies it all in easy-to-understand language.  

Our platform offers helpful tools, calculators, and educational resources so you can take control of your benefits journey at your own pace. The best way to stay informed is to sign up for BenefitKarma — it’s free, and you’ll get exclusive content and benefits updates straight to your inbox.  

[Explore Your Benefits – Coming Soon]  
We’re building a new way to help you discover benefits and resources personalized for you. Stay tuned!  

Wondering what’s available to you in Maine? Here’s a list that’ll give you a head start. 

Health & Disability

1. MaineCare (Medicaid)
   MaineCare provides no- or low-cost health coverage for eligible low-income individuals and families. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care. Many services come with little to no co-pays based on income. Coverage is available to adults, children, pregnant people, and individuals with disabilities. Read more on how Medicaid works.

2. Maine’s Medicaid Waiver Programs
   Maine offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) through Medicaid waivers—mainly Section 21 and Section 29—that help people with disabilities live independently. These programs provide support for employment, therapies, personal care, and assistive technology, often with minimal or no cost to the participant. These waivers allow many to work and maintain MaineCare coverage without strict asset limits.

3. Temporary Disability Benefits
   While Maine does not have a state-run Temporary Disability Insurance program, some workers may qualify for federal Social Security Disability benefits or private insurance plans if they cannot work due to illness or injury. Eligibility and benefit amounts depend on medical and earnings history. Check your eligibility for temporary disability insurance.

4. Family and Medical Leave
   Maine’s Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 10 weeks of unpaid leave for bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member. While the leave is unpaid, it offers job protection for eligible workers. Some employers may provide paid leave benefits as well. Read more on the Family and Medical Leave Act today.

5. Children’s Special Health Needs
   Maine has programs to help families cover medical expenses for children with serious illnesses, including the Maine Children’s Health Insurance Program (MaineCare Kids) and other assistance for specialized therapies and equipment. To explore all the government benefits available for your child, read Benefits for Children: Unlocking Support for Families.

Nutritional & Food Assistance

1. Maine SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
   SNAP helps low-income Maine residents buy groceries by providing monthly benefits loaded onto an EBT card. Benefit amounts vary by household size and income, helping families afford nutritious food. Learn more on how SNAP works. 

2. WIC (Women, Infants & Children)
   WIC supports pregnant and postpartum individuals and children up to age 5 with nutritious food benefits, breastfeeding support, and nutrition counseling. Monthly food packages include items like milk, cereal, formula, and fresh produce. Do you qualify for WIC? Find out now.

3. School Meal Programs
   Eligible Maine students receive free or reduced-price meals at school. These programs ensure kids get healthy meals that support growth and learning throughout the school day. Families can apply anytime during the school year. Explore all the government food programs you and your family may be eligible for.

4. Emergency Food Assistance
   Through food banks and community groups, programs like TEFAP provide free groceries to Maine families facing food insecurity. No long-term enrollment is required, and assistance is based on need.

Income & Employment

1. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
   Maine’s TANF program offers monthly cash assistance to low-income families with children. Amounts vary by household size and income. TANF also connects families to job training, child care support, and other resources to help stabilize households.

2. Unemployment Insurance
   If you lose your job through no fault of your own, Maine’s Unemployment Insurance program offers temporary income support. In 2025, benefits range roughly from $122 to $700 per week, for up to 26 weeks. Claimants must be actively seeking work. Looking for more information? Read our guide on how unemployment works.

3. SSI & SSDI (Supplemental Security Income & Social Security Disability Insurance)
   SSI provides monthly payments to Maine residents who are elderly or disabled with limited income. SSDI supports those with a qualifying work history who become disabled. After two years on SSDI, you may qualify for Medicare. You may also be eligible for SSDI back pay—retroactive benefits from the date your disability began.

Family & Education

1. Universal Pre-K & Early Childhood Programs
   Maine offers state-funded Pre-K programs in many communities, giving children ages 3 and 4 access to quality early education that prepares them for kindergarten. Space and availability vary by district.

2. Child Care Subsidies
   Low-income families in Maine can receive help paying for childcare while working or attending school. The Child Care Subsidy program can cover a significant portion of costs for licensed providers or approved relatives.

3. Maine State Grant Program
   For eligible Maine residents attending college, this grant helps cover tuition costs at approved in-state schools. Awards depend on financial need and enrollment status and do not have to be repaid. You may also be able to lower your overall costs through education-related tax credits, like the Lifetime Learning Credit, which many students overlook but can make a real difference.

4. Educational Support for Disadvantaged Students

   Maine offers tutoring, mentoring, and financial assistance programs for students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds to support college success. If you’re a foster youth—or caring for one—there are additional education and childcare supports designed specifically for your situation. Learn more in our guide: Education Benefits for Foster Youth.

Housing & Essentials

1. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
   Section 8 helps low-income families and individuals afford safe rental housing by paying a portion of rent based on income and local market rates. Participants choose their own housing and pay the rest of the rent directly.

2. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
   LIHEAP helps Maine families with heating and cooling costs by providing seasonal financial assistance. Payments vary based on income, fuel type, and household size. Emergency crisis assistance may also be available.

3. Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
   WAP offers free home energy efficiency improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, to reduce utility bills for eligible households. Certified contractors perform all work. Discover how the weatherization programs works and find utility assistance options.

4. Homelessness Prevention
   Maine provides short-term rental and utility assistance to prevent eviction or homelessness. Support can cover back rent or other urgent costs to help stabilize housing while more permanent solutions are arranged. One of those long-term solutions is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), which helps finance the development of affordable rental housing for low-income residents across Maine. Learn more in our article: Building Better Community: The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC).

Military & Veterans

1. Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services
   This office helps veterans access VA healthcare, pensions, disability compensation, and housing programs. Staff assist with claims, appeals, and connecting veterans to local resources. If you’re exploring pension options, especially for low-income or disabled veterans, read our article: VA Pension: A Financial Safety Net for Veterans and Their Families.

2. Veterans Education Benefits
   Eligible Maine veterans attending approved colleges may receive state tuition waivers or credits to supplement federal GI Bill benefits, helping reduce education costs. However, not all veterans are receiving the full education benefits they’ve earned—due to delays, miscommunication, or eligibility issues. Learn more about what’s happening and how to navigate GI Bill challenges.

3. Veterans Property Tax Exemptions
   Maine offers property tax exemptions or reductions for qualifying veterans, helping to ease housing costs for military families and retirees. You can also explore additional veteran housing assistance programs to support a stable transition after service.