By Rep. Ellie Sato
As summer comes to a close and families begin to prepare for the colder months ahead, there are two issues I have been hearing more about from constituents: the $300 relief checks being sent to eligible Mainers, and how to access heating assistance.
This year, the Legislature passed a measure that will provide $300 relief checks to help working families and seniors with the rising cost of essentials like gas and groceries.
To receive a relief check, you need to file a 2025 state tax return by Oct. 15, 2026. The state began sending the checks at the end of July to full-time Maine residents making less than $50,000 a year, heads of household earning under $75,000 and married couples filing jointly making less than $100,000 annually.
If you have already filed your 2025 tax return, you should be all set. For Mainers who do not owe state income tax, like those living on Social Security income, the process is simple: you can complete an abbreviated Form 1040ME by checking Box A and then fill out the Schedule PTFC/STFC form. Through this abbreviated state income tax filing, you may also qualify for the Property Tax Fairness Credit and the Sales Tax Fairness Credit.
You can file online at www.maine.gov/revenue/ or by mail using the forms found on that page. Maine Revenue Services (MRS) also has a helpful list of frequently asked questions, which can be found at www.maine.gov/revenue/affordability.
At that same website, you can look up the status of your refund. If you are having any trouble, MRS has a hotline you can call during regular business hours: 207-624-9924. You can also email them at Affordability.MRS@maine.gov.
If you need help filing your taxes, CA$H Maine and AARP Maine offer free tax preparation and assistance to qualifying individuals. Closest to Gorham is CA$H Greater Portland, located at 550 Forest Avenue, Suite 100 in Portland. Make an appointment by calling (207) 347-2335. Or, reach out to AARP’s Tax-Aide Gorham location at St. Anne’s Church on 299 Main Street by calling (207) 518-8579.
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is also available to help families afford to heat their homes. This program is available to homeowners and renters. If there comes a time this winter when you have an extremely low supply of heating fuel, you may qualify for crisis assistance through the Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) — but don’t wait until then to apply. HEAP is only available until funds run out, and applications opened on Aug. 1.
Those who rely on electricity for heat may also be eligible for help with their electric utility bills through the Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP).
Gorham residents can learn more and apply through the Opportunity Alliance. To get started, give them a call at 207-553-5900. For more information, visit their webpage: www.opportunityalliance.org/heap. You can also go directly to MaineHousing’s website, www.mainehousing.org, to apply online or by phone, and to learn more about each program.
If you need to make energy-related repairs to your home, which can significantly reduce long-term heating costs, MaineHousing also offers two programs that can help: weatherization and central heating improvement (CHIP). These programs provide grants to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency or to repair or replace central heating systems. Some households may also qualify for low-cost energy loans to make repairs or upgrades.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance navigating state services or even just to introduce yourself. You can contact me by email at Ellie.Sato@legislature.maine.gov or by phone at 207-287-1430.
Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and is a member of the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee.