General Assistance

Clients are seen by appointment only. Please call 236-0806 to schedule an appointment.

The Town Office is open 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday, an application can be picked up anytime during those hours.

In an after-hour emergency, or on weekends, please call the Knox County Sheriff's Department at 594-5656.

Overview:

GA is the program of last resort, meaning people should have exhausted all other programs before they are assisted by the Town. GA assists eligible people who are in need and have nowhere else to turn. The purpose of General Assistance (GA) is to provide necessities such as food, shelter, utilities, fuel, and certain other items, it is not intended to provide total support to people. All assistance granted is in a voucher form and no cash assistance is granted.

Eligibility:

With the exception of "first time" applicants, anyone applying for GA must document their use of income. Current receipts showing how much income and how the income has been spent. Only basic necessities are considered allowed expenses which include but are not limited to food, rent, heating fuel, utilities, medication and work-related expenses.

Remember, it is up to you to show that you are eligible. If you do not bring in all of the information that has been asked for, the administrator may have to deny your request until you can provide the required information.

The Select Board adopted a General Assistance Ordinance in 1993 establishing this program for the Town of Rockport. The Ordinance was last amended October 10, 2013. The program is available as determined by the standards of eligibility as provided in the Ordinance.

Unemployment - State of Maine Department of Labor

Coping During Quarantine Our hope is that we can use this group to share tips, tricks and activities that can help to manage feelings of stress and anxiety and promote self-care

Midcoast Maine Helpers Local needs and support, such as childcare, food, toilet paper, diapers, mental health, rides, money, etc.

Knox County Health Clinic A volunteer-based non-profit providing free/low cost medical, dental, prescription assistance, mental health and wellness services to the uninsured and underinsured in Knox County, plus our border towns. The Wednesday night Health Clinic is cancelled through April 1, but you can call for help. The Knox Clinic: 22 White Street, Rockland; The Dental Clinic: 1019 Commercial St. Rockport.

Knox County Homeless Coalition Rockport Campus: (207) 593-8151 The Landing Place: (207) 466-9285. Reach out by phone first

WIC Appointments over the phone, checks will be mailed. Make sure they have an up-to-date phone number for you. Call or text: (207) 319-04757 or e-mail sarah.lash@mmcacorp.org.

New Hope for Women Domestic violence helpline remains open 24/7: 1 (800) 522-3304. New Hope for Women offers non-judgemental advocacy, support as well as legal assistance for those who are victims/survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

Application.pdf

Work Requirements

If you are unemployed or working less than full-time but you are able to work, you must:

Register for work at the Career Center.
Actively look for work - at least 5 jobs searches a week.
Accept any job offer (paying at least minimum wage).
Participate in any no-cost training that would help you get a job.

Quitting Work or Getting Fired

If you have been working but quit your job without a good reason or get fired from your job for misconduct, you are automatically ineligible to receive assistance and must regain employment.

Remember that the administrator does not want to disqualify you from receiving the assistance you need, so it is in your best interest to fully comply with the work program rules.

Fraud

If the administrator finds out that you have not told the truth, or withheld information, you will be disqualified from receiving assistance for 120 days and until you reimburse the municipality for any assistance that was received fraudulently. In addition, the administrator may refer your case to the police department or District Attorney's Office for committing General Assistance fraud, which is a Class E crime.