Legal and Financial Services

Legal Services

Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE)

Legal Services for the Elderly provides free legal services statewide to people aged 60 and over.  LSE has offices in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Presque Isle and Scarborough.  Staff attorneys provide representation in matters concerning access to long-term care, physical abuse or financial exploitation, public benefits, evictions, fore closure and other issues.

www.mainelse.org
LSE Business Office: Bangor
450 Essex Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 941-2880

Helpline: voice and TTTY (for legal assistance)……………….1-800-750-5353

Pine Tree Legal Assistance

PTLA is a statewide, non-profit organization committed to providing high quality, free, civil legal assistance to low-income people in Maine.

www.ptla.org
Bangor Office
115 Main Street 2^nd Floor
Bangor, ME 04402
(207) 942-8241
Fax: (207) 942-8323
TTY:  711

The Penquis Law Project

The Penquis Law Project is a public interest law practice which seeks to create access to civil legal services for low and moderate-income residents of Penobscot and Piscataquis counties who would otherwise be without counsel and/or representation.  Legal assistance is provided in matters of domestic relations, including divorce, protection from abuse, child support and visitation.
www.penquis.org
Penquis
262 Harlow Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 973-3671

Maine Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Looking for an Attorney?  The MSBA can help you find an attorney to hire.

www.mainebar.org
1-800-860-1460

Disability Rights Maine

DRM provides the following services:  Information and referral, Individual advocacy, Legal representation, Education and Training, Assistance with self-advocacy.

www.drme.org
1-800-452-1948

Help ME Law

To find people who may be able to help you with a specific legal problem or for information about laws that affect you.

www.helpmelaw.org

Maine Equal Justice

MEJ advocates in the legislature, courts, and administrative agencies on behalf of people with low income.

www.mejp.org
(207) 626-7058 or 1-866-626-7059

Office of the Attorney General

One of the priorities of the Attorney General’s Office is to help with cases that concern financial abuse of the elderly.

www.maine.gov/ag
(207) 626-8800
TTY: 711

Office of Vital Records

Copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates issued in Maine.

www.vitalrec.com/me.html
(207) 287-3181

Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project

A legal aid organization that provides free legal information,  assistance and representation to Mainers with low income facing civil legal issues.

www.vlp.org
1-800-442-4293 or (207) 774-4348

Master Sergeant Gary Gordon Veteran Center

Offers support for all veterans in Maine , provides resources to educate on services and benefits that are available.  Assists with veteran claims and filings, career evaluations and placements.   Provides group peer sessions for TBI and PTSD.

Lincoln Office:
118 Main Street
Lincoln, ME  04457
(207) 794-3852
Hours:  Monday, Wednesday, Friday  10:00 – 4:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday by appointment
*Millinocket Outreach – The 4^th Thursday of the month at the Millinocket Elks #1521, 213 Aroostook Avenue, Millinocket, ME 04462

Financial Services

Free Tax Preparation

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation to anyone of any age – especially if you are 50 or older or can’t afford paid tax preparation.

www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp
AARP Maine: 1-866-554-5380

Federal Tax Preparation

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) publicizes a list of Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) who can assist you to prepare your federal income tax returns.  There is no charge for the service.  The list is available at the beginning of every year at the EAAA.

www.irs.gov
1-800-829-1040

Money Minders at the Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA)

Provides help with financial matters so that consumers can live independently.  Money Minders program matches trained, insured, volunteers with consumers needing assistance in establishing a monthly budget paying bills and reviewing monthly statements in a timely and accurate manner.  This service is for persons 55 years and older who meet income and asset guidelines.

www.eaaa.org
450 Essex Street
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 941-2865

Social Security/ Social Security Income

Security Income (SSI) guarantees a minimum monthly income to people who are at least 65 years old, or blind, or disabled with limited income and resources.  You may get SSI even if you work, get Social Security, or own your house and car.  If you receive SSI, you are automatically eligible for MaineCare.  www.ssa.gov

To find out if you qualify, contact:

Bangor
202 Harlow Street Room 208
Bangor, ME 04401
1-877-405-1448
*For assistance in applying for SSI, contact Eastern Area on Aging
(207) 941-2865

Maine Revenue Services (MRS)

Maine Revenue Services can help with:

Property tax and rent refunds are available for people at least 62 years of age who meet low-income guidelines. General tax assistance may be available for income eligible owners and renters of any age unless they were assisted with housing costs by government subsidy.  Elderly people living in subsidized housing may be eligible for elderly tax assistance.  Property Tax Fairness Credit offers a tax credit to Maine residents who pay rent or own a home.

www.maine.gov/revenue
(207)626-8475
TTY: 711