General Assistance is intended to provide immediate aid to people who are unable to provide themselves – or their families – with basic necessities such as rent/mortgage, food, heating fuel, medications, and other items that are essential, in accordance with the standards of eligibility as provided within the City Ordinance, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and Maine State Statutes 22 M.R.S.A. 4301 et seq. General Assistance provides a safety net when citizens have no other resources available to them. It is considered to be the last resort when all other resources have been utilized.
General Assistance applications are taken by appointment only. People wishing to apply may do so by calling the Brewer General Assistance office at (207) 989-7020. The General Assistance office is open Monday through Friday, 8AM to 12PM. In an emergency after City Hall hours, applicants may contact the Brewer Police Department at (207) 989-7001.
Applicants are responsible for providing the General Assistance Administrator with the information necessary to determine eligibility. You may be required to seek any and all resources that would reduce your need for General Assistance, such as:
- Benefits such as SSD, SSDI
- Veteran’s benefits
- DHHS benefits (SNAP, MaineCare, TANF, and FedCap)
- 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
It is your responsibility to show that you are eligible. If you do not bring in all the information that has been asked for, the administrator may have to deny your request for assistance until you provide the necessary information. It is the administrator’s job to verify the information you supply. This may include obtaining information from your landlord, employer, doctor, or any other person having information about your income, expenses or other information necessary regarding your application.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ toll free number, to call with questions regarding the General Assistance Program is 1(800) 442-6003.