GENERAL ASSISTANCE NOTICE
THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA FALLS HAS A GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE IN NEED. IF YOU NEED HELP, YOUR TOWN IS REQUIRED TO TAKE YOUR APPLICATION FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE. APPLICATIONS MAY BE TURNED INTO THE OFFICE DURING BUSINESS HOURS. A GENERAL ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR APPOINTMENTS DURING THE FOLLOWING TIMES:
MONDAYS AND THURSDAY 8 AM - 12 PM
YOUR TOWN IS REQUIRED TO HAVE SOMEONE AVAILABLE 24-HOURS A DAY TO TAKE APPLICATIONS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY AND THE OFFICE IS CLOSED, PLEASE CONTACT:
Dispatch @ 207 - 255 - 8308
YOUR TOWN MUST GIVE A WRITTEN DECISION WITHIN 24 HOURS OF RECEIVING YOUR COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR GENERAL ASSISTANCE. IF YOUR TOWN REFUSES TO TAKE YOUR APPLICATION, OR IF YOU DISAGREE WITH A DECISION THAT WAS MADE AND\OR HAVE QUESTIONS, YOU CAN CONTACT THE STATE OF MAINE'S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES @ THEIR TOLL-FREE NUMBER: 1-800-442-6003. THIS PHONE IS ANSWERED MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 8:00 AM TO 5:00 PM. IF YOU CALL THIS NUMBER AFTER 5:00 PM, PLEASE LEAVE A DETAILED MESSAGE INCLUDING YOUR NAME AND PHONE NUMBER, AND YOU WILL BE CONTACTED THE NEXT BUSINESS DAY.
THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA FALLS HAS AN ORDINANCE DESCRIBING THE RULES FOR IT'S GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. YOU MAY VIEW A COPY OF THE TOWN'S ORDINANCE OR THE STATE OF MAINE'S GENERAL ASSISTANCE ORDINANCE AT THE TOWN OFFICE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS.
THIS NOTICE IS POSTED PURSUANT TO MAINE LAW AT TITLE 22 MRSA 4304 - 4305
How to Apply for General Assistance
All of the adults in the household must fill out a General Assistance Application and make an appointment with the Town Manager. The Town Manager will interview all of the adults in the household and complete an application.
Applicants must provide proof of identification for themselves and all household members (i.e. driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, etc.). Proof of all household income must also be provided. Income and financial resources are not limited to net wages from jobs. Additional income sources include:
- Cash on hand
- Income tax refunds
- Unemployment benefits
- Child support benefits
- TANF benefits
- Social Security Benefits
- SSI / SSDI Disability benefits
- Checking / Savings
- Veteran’s pensions
- Rental income
- Loans
- Worker’s compensation
- Savings bonds
- Trust funds annuity
- Life insurance policies
- Retirement accounts
- School loans
- Financial resources
- Car / Recreational vehicles
- Real estate holdings
Applicants must also supply:
- Proof of current expenses
- Name of Landlord and lease agreement
- Current eviction or disconnection notice
- Statement from a doctor (if you are unable to work)
- Applicants are required to seek any and all resources that would reduce their need for
General Assistance. Resources include:
- Benefits such as SSD, SSDI
- DHHS benefits (SNAP, MaineCare, TANF, and Aspire)
- Heating assistance
- Child Support
- Money from others or bills paid by others on your behalf
- Lump sum payments, such as Workers’ Compensation or SSI
- Financial aid for school
- Land claim settlements
We will issue you a written decision as to your eligibility within 24 hours after you apply and we will promptly furnish any assistance for which you are determined eligible within the guidelines of our ordinance. Please be aware that if you have not furnished sufficient information (including verification required) to enable us to determine your eligibility, we must consider your application incomplete and find you ineligible for any assistance until you reapply with adequate information. You can reapply at any time.
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