SupportLink Program Rule #1

Date posted:

Attachment(s):

THE FOLLOWING RULE IS ADOPTED:

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 303

Office for Family Independence

SUPPORTLINK RULE #1A

 

The Department adopts a new rule, 10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 303; Office for Family Independence SupportLink Program Rule #1 consistent with a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. § 3110 made by P.L. 2023, ch. 412, Pt. VV, § 1. The adopted rule establishes regulations and standards for an optional referral process between the Department and other agencies known as an “Information Exchange.” The purpose of this program is to provide applicant and recipient information to help establish potential eligibility for other programs. The Information Exchange will provide timely transfer of income records and program enrollment information to other state agencies, quasi-state agencies or other entities approved by the Department for purposes of the administration and application for the low-income home energy assistance program; low-income assistance programs, local, state or federal subsidized housing program; and energy efficiency programs administered by entities approved by the Department or any other entity or program, that in the judgement of the Department, provides services or resources that substantially promote the health and well-being of recipients of its services.

The adopted rule makes the following changes in response to public comments:

Table of Contents:

  • APPROVED ENTITIES replaces APPROVED AGENCIES throughout.

Definitions:

  • Approved Entity replaces Approved Agency.
  • Energy Efficiency Program has been amended to “An energy assistance program which helps low-income households reduce their heating and cooling expenses administered by an Entity approved by the Department.”
  • Information Exchange: Approved Entity replaces Approved Agency.

Section 1:

  • Approved Entities replaces Approved Agency throughout Section 1.
  • 2(A)(II)(a) removes “(e.g. LiHEAP).”
  • 2(A) adds (c) “the low-income gas assistance programs described in Title 35-A, section 4706-B;”
  • 2(A) adds (d) “the low-income water assistance programs described in Title 35-A, section 6115;”
  • 2(A)(f) removes “or (e.g. Efficiency Maine).”
  • 6 adds “Opting out of the Program will exclude all members in the OFI case at the time of the Opt-Out, from having information exchanged with all entities approved by the Program.”

The Department has determined the following changes necessary to correct a typographical error and to ensure accessibility for all readers:

  • SECTION 1: GENERAL INFORATION is corrected to GENERAL INFORMATION.
  • Throughout the rule, headers have been added to the rule pages.

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

Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1), and 3110(5)

Effective Date: May 17, 2026

 

Office: Office for Family Independence

Comment deadline:

Effective date:

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