Emergency Assistance:
A Chance to Make Needed Improvements
Senate President Beth Edmonds (D. Freeport) has introduced legislation to make several long-needed
changes to the Emergency Assistance (EA) program. Currently, the EA program only helps families with
children. It provides limited help to cover only certain kinds of emergencies with basic needs. For example,
if you have been evicted from your housing, the EA program may be able to help you with back rent or a
security deposit for a new apartment. But this help is limited to a voucher for $250. If the emergency
can’t be avoided with this $250 payment, the family is not eligible. Other emergencies covered by EA include
utility disconnects, floods, fires, repair or replacement of a furnace, plumbing or similar item, and
special medical equipment or clothing.
Families are eligible for the EA program if their income is below 100% of the federal poverty level
($16,608 per year for a family of 3 as of January 2007). They may also qualify if they receive TANF,
Parents as Scholars, SSI or Food Stamp benefits.
This summer the Statewide Homeless Council took a careful look at changes needed in the EA program.
Their Homeless Prevention Plan recommends making more Maine people eligible for EA and increasing the
amount of help the program can give.
Proposed Changes
Senate President Beth Edmonds has introduced legislation this session
to make the following recommended changes. Her bill proposes four critically needed improvements to the
EA program. The bill:
-
Provides additional funds for the EA program.
The EA program was first created by the legislature in 1983 with an appropriation of
750,000. That amount has never been increased. Senator Edmonds’ bill increases that
amount to $2,250,000.
- Expands EA eligibility to the elderly, people with disabilities and other adults with
no children at home. Under current law this valuable program is available only to
families with children, yet emergencies strike all Maine people. This bill would make
EA available to any Maine person with income under 100% of the federal poverty level
($9,800 per year for an individual as of January 2007) or receiving SSI, Food Stamps, TANF or Parents as
Scholars benefits.
- Adds transportation-related emergencies to the list of emergencies qualifying for
help. Right now the EA program can't help with transportation-related emergencies,
such as car repairs needed to get to a job or medical appointment. Senator Edmonds’
bill would require EA to help with these kinds of emergencies.
- Increases the amount of emergency assistance for housing-related emergencies
from $250 to $600.
Get more information about the current
Emergency Assistance program.
YOU can help make this important bill become law!
If you or someone you know would be helped by this legislation,
please contact Crystal Bond at Maine Equal Justice
toll-free: 1-866-626-7059 x205.
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