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<h2>News 2008</h2>
<p>

<blockquote>

<p><b><a href="#rebate">Property Tax and Rent Rebate: File Now!</a></b> (August 2008)<br> If you are a 
low-to-middle-income
renter with high rent payments, or homeowner with high property taxes, you may be eligible for this cash 
benefit from 
the State of Maine.</p>


<p align="left"><b> <a href="#liheap">Time to Apply for Energy Assistance</a></b> (July 2008)<br>
Many <a href="http://www.mainehousing.org/DATACapAgencies.aspx?PageCMD=1" target="blank">
local CAPS</a> are taking applications now. Check with 
<a href="http://www.mainehousing.org/DATACapAgencies.aspx?PageCMD=1" target="blank">your CAP agency</a>
to find out how soon you can apply.</p>

<p align="left"><b><a href="heating.htm">Heating Assistance News</a></b><br>  
   We will be updating this news page throughout the 2008-09 heating season, to help you locate local funding sources.
   </p>

<p align="left"><b><a href="http://www.mejp.org/Update/12-2/toc.htm">MAIN Update</a></b> (June 2008)<br>  
   What happened in the Maine legislature this session?  TANF Special Housing Need increases to $100 per month; 
   new funding for Dirigo Health; Maine minimum wage increases. And more! </p>

<p align="left"><b><a href="http://www.mejp.org/supp_budget.htm">Supplemental Budget Update</a></b> (April 2008)<br>  
It was a tough legislative session for many Maine benefit programs and the people who rely on them. Here are some of the
highlights.</p>

<p align="left"><b><a href="http://www.kidslegalaid.com/ptla/ptlasite/taxpayer/stimulus.htm">Economic Stimulus Payments</a></b> (March 2008)<br>  
You must file by October 15!</p>







<p align="left"><b>Have You Written Your Living Will?</b><br> 
   A lot of people seem concerned about living wills these days. It is a good idea to have one. 
   The <a href="http://www.themha.org/issues/advdirectivesform.pdf"><b>standard form</b></a> used by most people in 
   Maine is one authored by the Maine Hospital Association.</p> 


<a name="screenings"></a><br>

  
  <a name="chap">
<hr>

<h2 align="center"><a name="chap"></a></font>Need legal help with your Divorce?<br>
More help now available in Portland</h2>

<p>The <a href="http://www.vlp.org">Volunteer Lawers Project</a>
will have volunteers available at Portland District Court to help people fill out family law paperwork and answer questions about service, 
case management, etc.<p>

<p>Courthouse assistance will take place on the following Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:</p>

<ul class="arrowlist">
<li>Thursday, June 7th, June 21st and June 28th</li> 
<li>Thursday, July 19th and 26th </li>
<li>Every Thursday in August and September</li>
</ul>

<p>Location:  ground floor Portland District Court - Newbury Street entrance.</p>

<hr>
<h2 align="center"><a name="rebate"></a>Property
Tax and Rent Refund:<br>
File Now!</font></h2>
<p align="left"> <img border="0" src="images/housing.gif" alt="house"
            width="110" height="80" align="left">
If you own your own home <b>or pay rent</b> and have high property taxes or rental payments, you are probably
eligible for a money refund from the State of Maine.</p>
<p>The maximum benefit is <b>$2,000</b>.</p>
<p><b>Who can qualify?</b></p>
<ul class="arrowlist">
<li>Your household income was $80,000 or less in 2007 (up to $60,000 if no spouse or dependents).</li>
<li>The rent you paid in 2007 was more than 20% of your household income, or</li>
<li>Your 2007 property tax was more than 4% of your household income.</li>
<li>You file an application with the State between <b>August 1, 2008 to June 1, 2009</b>.</li>
</ul>

<p>If you are close to meeting the income and expense test, the State encourages you to apply, to find out if you are eligible.
<b>Low-income seniors can qualify even if their rent or property taxes are not as high.</b><br> 

<p align="left">Go to the
<a href="http://www.state.me.us/revenue/taxrelief/tnr.htm">
Maine Revenue Services site</a> for an application form and more details. You can also 
<a href="http://www.maine.gov/revenue/netfile/TNRIfile.htm"><b>i-file your application</b></a>, 
<a href="http://www.state.me.us/revenue/taxrelief/tnr.htm">check on the status of your application</a>, 
and <a href="http://www.state.me.us/revenue/taxrelief/tnr.htm">e-mail</a> 
Revenue Services with your questions.</p>

<p>More places to get application forms:</p>
<ul class="arrowlist">
  <li><a href="http://www.ptla.org/ptlasite/cliented/contact.htm"><b>Pine Tree
    Legal Assistance</li>
    </b></a>
 
  <li><b><a href="http://maine.gov/local/search.php?show_towns=true">Your town office</a></li>
    
  <li><a href="http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/resource/aaa.htm">
      Area Agency on Aging offices</a></li>
  <li>
<a href="http://www.mainecommunityaction.org/members.htm">
Community Action Program offices</a></b></li>
 <li><b> or call Maine Revenue Services: 624-7894<br>
    </b></li>

</ul>

<hr>
<a name="liheap"></a><br>
<h2>Apply for Energy Assistance</h2>
<p align="left"><img border="0" src="../images/liheapmoose.jpg" alt="mooseinwinterclothing" align="right" 
 width="66" height="120">
<p>Community Action programs are taking applications for low-income energy assistance (LIHEAP).</p>
<p>LIHEAP agencies remind you to make your appointment early and then to keep your
appointment, to avoid having to wait weeks or months to get in.</p>

<p>Go to <a href="http://www.mainehousing.org/ENERGYPrograms.aspx" target="blank">Maine State Housing site</a>
for more information on LIHEAP and other low-income energy programs, plus a 
<a href="http://www.mainehousing.org/DATACapAgencies.aspx?PageCMD=1" target="blank">list of CAP agencies</a>.<br>
<a href="http://www.efficiencymaine.com/home_tips.htm" target="blank">Go to State's efficiencyMaine site for energy conservation tips.</a></p>






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