21 School Street
Damariscotta, ME 04543
PH: (207) 563-5168 FAX: (207) 563-6862
Greg Zinser, General Assistance Administrator
The Damariscotta General Assistance Program provides short-term assistance for basic needs of eligible
applicants who cannot provide for themselves and their families.
General Assistance provides "a specific amount and type of aid for defined needs during a limited period of time and is not intended to be a continuing 'grant-in-aid' or 'categorical' welfare program"(§4301(5))
Whoever knowingly and willfully makes any false representation of a material fact to the overseer of any municipality, or to the department or it's agents for the purpose of causing that or any other person to be granted assistance by the municipality or by the State is ineligible for assistance for a period of 120 days and is guilty of a Class E crime, which carries a penalty of up to $1,000 fine and one year in jail. (22 M.S.R.A §4315)
General Assistance has developed into a program to try to make recipients more accountable, and encourages self-reliance. A person applying for this assistance is required to utilize all available resources (i.e. TANF, food stamps, Medicaid, fuel assistance, subsidized daycare, etc.).
With overall maximum levels of assistance being quite low, it is critical to network with local and area resources to access all available assistance.
Residents of the Town who are having difficulty meeting basic needs such as housing, utilities (electricity and heating fuel), and food may apply for assistance at the Town Office during normal business hours.
The Town must issue a written decision regarding eligibility to all applicants within 24 hours of receiving an application.
Additionally, financial assistance is awarded for help with dental care and in other areas where a person’s health, appearance or a child’s learning ability is compromised. Also, assistance is granted for emergency situations such as housing, heating products and other expenses. This money is generated through the Philbrook Trust Fund held by the Town. Applications for this fund are available through the Town Office, and residents are eligible based on need.
The Department of Human Services has a toll free telephone number to call with questions regarding General Assistance - 1-800-442-6003.
February 8, 2007: The Town of
Damariscotta wishes to announce the new General Assistance Workfare
Program. This program will amend how the Town currently handles general
assistance recipients. The Town Officials and Municipal Officers will
require able-bodied general assistance recipients to work or volunteer for
the Municipality or a designated organization as a condition of receiving
general assistance either currently or in the future. All able-bodied
general assistance recipients must comply with all work requirements
assigned including, but not limited to, looking for work in good faith,
registering for work, accepting all suitable job offers, maintaining
employment, and participating in training, educational, or rehabilitation
programs that will assist in securing employment.
This program is pursuant to the ‘workfare first’ policy of
22M.R.S.A§4316-A(2)(D).