How to apply

Applications for General Assistance are taken daily. You may call 353-3000 ext. 124 to set up an appointment.

You will be asked to bring in proof of income from all individuals living in the household. A lease or mortgage payment book, utility bill (with your name on it), proof of identification for themselves and all household members such as drivers’ license and Social Security card, and if you are a repeat applicant all current receipts.

Income and financial resources are not limited to net wages from jobs. Other Sources of income includes:
Cash on Hand
Income Tax Refunds
Unemployment Benefits
Child Support Payments
Veteran’s Pensions
Social Security Benefits
TANF Benefits
SSI/ SSDI Disability Benefits
Rental Income
Worker’s Compensation
School Loans
Retirement Accounts
Cash Gifts from friends or relatives
Winning from lottery, or any lump sum payment

Persons requesting benefits must use their income for basic necessities and are not eligible to receive assistance to replace income used for anything other than basic necessities. Receipts showing how current income has been spent will be required. Applicants must bring all current receipts and only receipts for basic necessities are considered allowable expenses. Allowable expenses include: food, rent, utilities, oil, medication, water and sewer, prescriptions and work related expenses.

Lisbon may require recipients to work in return for the assistance. If you are unable to work due to a disability you will be asked to bring documentation from a physician.

The following are examples of items that are not considered basic necessities and that will not be allowed in budget computations: phone bills, cable television, cigarettes, alcohol, credit card debts, costs associated with pet care, legal fees, gifts purchased, payments on vehicles, furniture, and repayment of loans, furniture rental payments, court fines etc. . With the exception of the ‘first time’ applicant, anyone applying for General Assistance must document their use of income. A first time applicant is someone who has never applied for General Assistance in the State of Maine.

An individual may be ineligible for General Assistance benefits if the individual:

Refuses to search for employment when the search is reasonable and appropriate;
Refuses to register to work;
Refuses to participate in training, educational or rehabilitation programs which would assist in securing employment;
Refuses or willfully fails to perform a job assigned under a municipal workfare program;
Willfully performs Workfare employment tasks below the average standards for the job; or fails to be available for work on a full-time basis
An applicant who quits work or is discharged from employment due to misconduct is ineligible for assistance for 120 days starting the day after their separation from employment. However, other members of the family may still be eligible.