General Assistance

TOWN OF ORONO GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Every town in Maine has a General Assistance program that helps people in need.

The Town of Orono General Assistance program, located at 59 Main Street in Orono, is able to conduct in-person and phone interviews for assistance on Wednesdays from 1:00PM to 4:00PM, by appointment

If you have completed an application and scheduled a General Assistance appointment, please be prepared to answer your phone, and or arrive on time. If you miss the scheduled call or in-person appointment, you will need to make a second appointment. 

To apply, a phone interview will be conducted, and if approved, vouchers will be sent directly to the vendor who charged for services. If you have a General Assistance emergency and do not have a scheduled appointment, please do not show up at the office. Call 207-866-2556 and arrangements will be made to conduct a phone interview or set up an appointment with you as soon as possible. 

How to Apply: 

Please complete a general assistance application which can be found at this link.  All adults who live in the household listed on the application must apply at the General Assistance office. A caseworker will interview you to complete an application if you are unable and need assistance.

Every town in Maine has a General Assistance program that helps people in need who have no other resources.  Here is the public notice which is displayed outside our office.

GENERAL ASSISTANCE NOTICE

The Town of Orono has a General Assistance program for people in need. If you need help, Orono is required to take your application for General Assistance. Applications will be taken at the Town Office, 59 Main Street at the following times:

Day(s):  WEDNESDAYS 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm - By Appointment               

Appointments may be made at the Town Offices or by calling 207-866-2556.

The Town of Orono is required to have someone available twenty-four (24) hours a day to take applications in case of an emergency. If this is an Emergency and the office is closed contact Public Safety at 207-866-4000.  The Town of Orono must give you a written decision within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving your application for General Assistance.

If the Town of Orono refuses to take your application, or if you disagree with a decision that was made, or have questions, you may call the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Their toll-free number is 1-800-442-6003. This phone is answered Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you call after 5:00 pm, leave a message with a phone number.  You will be contacted on the next business day.  The Town of Orono has an ordinance describing the rules for its General Assistance program. You can see a copy at the Town Office. You can also see a copy of the State's General Assistance law at the same place.  This notice is posted pursuant to Maine law at Title 22 MRSA §4304-4305.