From the gas pump to the grocery store, Mainers are feeling the pain of inflation this summer. The cost of covering basic living expenses is a daily struggle for many, and price increases are dealing blows to industries like logging and tourism that have been making comebacks from the early part of the pandemic.
But many working families can expect some relief in the coming weeks. As part of the bipartisan budget plan passed by the Maine Legislature in April, more than 850,000 Mainers will receive $850 relief checks to address rising costs.
“The budgets of so many hardworking Maine people have been stretched to the brink by inflation, and while we cannot control inflation or global markets, we can make sure that Maine people have what they need to grapple with these rising costs,” said Governor Mills in a press release. “Through hard work, Democrats, Republicans, and independents came together to do what is right for Maine people, and, today, I am proud to say that help is on the way. I hope that this will provide at least a small measure of relief during these tough times.”
You may be eligible for these checks under the following criteria:
You’re a full-time Maine resident.
You are not claimed as a dependent on another person’s 2021 tax return.
Your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is less than $100,000 if filing single or if married and filing separately, $150,000 if filing as head of household, or $200,000 for couples filing jointly.
The Department of Administrative and Financial Services sent the first 5,000 checks earlier this month, and eligible Maine residents can expect to receive a check by mid-July. However, those who have not yet filed an individual tax return for 2021 have until October 31 to file for eligibility. This includes folks who wouldn’t normally file a tax return, including seniors on social security.
Thank you Maine Legislature and Governor Mills for helping Mainers during this difficult time.