Community Resources

Fuel Assistance

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps to provide direct payments for heating assistance. The program is based on income (medical expenses may be deducted). The program is available to homeowners and renters (even if heat is included in their rent). Applications are required every year.

Income Guidelines:

• One person household: $2,945 per month.
• Two person household: $3,851 per month.

To apply:

• Cumberland County – Opportunity Alliance, (207) 553-5900, HEAP — The Opportunity Alliance
• York County – York County Community Action, (207) 459-2950, HEAP Heating Assistance – York County Community Action Corp

Property Tax Fairness Credit

Eligible Maine taxpayers may receive a portion of the property tax or rent paid during the tax year on the Maine individual tax return whether they owe Maine income tax or not. Homeowners or renters who meet the following requirements may be eligible:

• Were Maine residents during any part of the tax year;
• Owned or rented a home in Maine during any part of the tax year and lived in that home during the year as a primary residence;
• Paid property tax or rent on the primary residence in Maine during the tax year;
• Meet certain income and property tax and/or rent paid limitations during the tax year.
• Are not married or are filing separately.

A file form 1040ME and Schedule PTFC for the tax year must be submitted. Maine Revenue Services can assist with the forms and completing them.

To apply:

You can learn more at Welcome (maine.gov). You are able to apply for the 3 years prior by completing paper forms found through the Maine Revenue Services, (207) 626-8475, Property Tax Fairness Credit Summary | Maine Revenue Services. SMAA is able to assist with completing applications!