General Assistance (GA) is a service administered by the municipality for the immediate aid of persons who are unable to provide the basic necessities essential to maintain themselves or their families— 22 M.R.S.A. § 4301(5).
The key terms are : immediate, unable and basic necessities.
GA is intended to provide immediate aid, thus assistance must be granted or denied within 24 hours of an application. It is for people who are unable – not unwilling – to maintain themselves or their families. Finally, GA is intended to help people with basic necessities: food, shelter, utilities, fuel, clothing, and certain other items, when they are essential.
The Town of Denmark administers a General Assistance program for the support of the poor. Pursuant to Title 22 M.R.S.A. §4305, the municipal officers have adopted an ordinance establishing that program. A copy of that ordinance and relevant statutes is available for public inspection at the Town Offices.
Persons who wish to apply for General Assistance may do so at the Denmark Municipal Building during the following times: Tuesday - Friday 9:00 - 4:30.
In an emergency, applicants may contact Betty LeGoff, Town Manager at 207-452-8850 (Office) or 207-256-9799 (Cell).
The municipality’s General Assistance administrator must issue a written decision regarding eligibility within 24 hours of receiving an application. The Department of Health and Human Services toll-free telephone number, to call with a question regarding the General Assistance Program, is 1-800-442-4305.
This notice is posted pursuant to 22 M.R.S.A. § 4304-4305.
General Assistance Ordinance and Maximums
Click here to download the GA Ordinance and Maximums.