General Assistance Rule #27A - P.L. 2025 Chapter 2 Part SS, 149, and 449

Date posted:

Attachment(s):

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 323; Maine General Assistance (GA) Manual

Sections III, XII, and XIII

GA Rule #27A – P.L. 2025 Chapters 2 Part SS, 149, and 449

The adopted rule effectuates changes to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 323; Maine General Assistance (GA) Manual, Sections II, III, IV, and XIII consistent with legislative changes to 22 M.R.S. § 4304 made by P.L. 2025, Chapter 149 as well as changes to 22 M.R.S. § 4302-A made by P.L. 2025 Chapter 2 Part SS. In addition, the adopted rule updates Section V consistent with legislative changes to 22 M.R.S. §§ 4305(3-E) and 4311(1-D) made by P.L. 2025, Ch. 449.

In response to public comment, to provide further clarity the definition for MISSPENT INCOME has been amended to read “Misspent income includes income-in-kind received, or paid for, by a General Assistance repeat applicant from sources, including friends or relatives, for the payment of bills that are considered unnecessary costs, such as cable bills, subscription services (e.g. digital media services, ecommerce membership fees, etc.), credit card debt, court fines and related court costs, payments to reimburse a municipality for false representation, tobacco and alcohol products, etc., and will be considered as available to the applicant when determining use of income for the previous 30-day period.”

This rule will not have an adverse impact on municipalities or small businesses.

Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1), 4302-A, 4304(1), 4305(3-E) and 4311(1-D)

Effective Date: February 8, 2026

Office: Office for Family Independence

Comment deadline:

Effective date:

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