General Assistance

This notice is posted pursuant to Title 22 MRSA §§ 4304-4305.

The municipality of Naples administers a General Assistance program for the support of the poor. Pursuant to Title 22 MRSA § 4301, the municipal officers have adopted an ordinance (see document at the bottom of this page) establishing that program. To apply for General Assistance, contact the Welfare Director at (207) 415-7222. It is helpful to fill out an application ahead of time. 

 

Applications are accepted in person on Wednesdays 8:00 Am - 4:00 PM.
 
*In an emergency*
Applicants may contact:
Cumberland County Regional Dispatch at (207) 893-2810
General Assistance Hotline: 1-800-442-6003
Department of Human Services: 1-800-452-1999
 
The General Assistance Program provides Naples residents with assistance for basic needs such as rent, food, non-food, medication, fuel, utilities, and other essential services. All assistance is granted in voucher form and no cash assistance is granted. 

WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW

 

Applicants must be prepared to provide proof of identification for themselves and all household members (i.e. driver's license, birth certificate, social security card, etc.). Proof of all household income must also be provided. Income and financial resources are not limited to net wages from jobs. Additional income sources may include:

 

  • Cash on hand
  • Income tax refunds
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Child support benefits
  • TANF benefits
  • Social Security Benefits
  • SSI/SSDI Disability benefits
  • Checking/Savings
  • Veteran's pensions
  • Rental income
  • Loans
  • Worker's compensation
  • Savings bonds
  • Trust funds annuity
  • Life insurance policies
  • Retirement accounts
  • School loans
  • Financial resources
  • Car/Recreational vehicles
  • Real estate holdings

 

ELIGIBILITY

 

Anyone applying for General Assistance must document their use of income. Receipts must show the past 30-days of how income has been spent for repeat applicants. Only receipts for basic necessities are considered allowed expenses, which include but are not limited to food, rent, utilities, heating fuel, medication, and work-related expenses. If payment of a utility bill is requested, the applicant must provide the entire bill or disconnect notice. Bills are only paid if they are in the applicant's name. Individuals may be able to receive General Assistance while receiving other forms of public assistance, such as federal food stamps, SSI, and TANF.

 

FAIR HEARING OFFICER

 

One fair hearing officer is scheduled to a case and attends hearings on an as-needed basis. The fair hearing officer is charged with the review of any dissatisfaction arising from the application decision. Note that decisions must be in accordance with applicable state laws and town ordinances. The fair hearing officer is required to render a written decision regarding the outcome of a hearing within five working days.

 

Eligibility to be a Fair Hearing Officer: these positions are appointed by the General Assistance Director. Appointees must have the ability to conduct hearings with a five-day notice, have the ability to be fair, impartial, unbiased, and have no personal or financial interest, direct or indirect, in the hearing or its outcome.

 

 

 

General Assistance Application 2024.pdf
General Assistance Ordinance Info 2023-24.pdf
Naples General Assistance (1)(1).pdf