Social Services

If it is on a weekend or after hours and you have a life threatening emergency, you may contact the South Portland Police Department at 207-799-5511.

Applications are by appointment only. Please call 207-767-7617 to schedule an appointment. If you receive our voicemail, please provide your name, address, phone number and a detailed message. We will return your call as soon as possible.

About

The General Assistance Program is a program designed to assist eligible residents of South Portland with basic necessities when they are unable to do so on their own. General Assistance is intended to be a program of "last resort", other available programs, finances, or assistance programs must be utilized first before seeking General Assistance. General Assistance is granted in voucher form, and no cash assistance is granted from the program. Individuals or families must apply for General Assistance by appointment.

The General Assistance Program is the most accountable assistance program in the State of Maine, and applicants are required to reduce their reliance on General Assistance. This may mean searching for employment, or applying for disability benefits. Applying for SNAP, applying for TANF, and applying for other state and federal benefits, may also be requirements given the individual situation of an individual or family.

  1. What is General Assistance?
  2. Where does the money come from?
  3. Do I have to be a South Portland resident?
  4. How can I apply?
  5. What if I have an emergency and City Hall is closed?
  6. How long does it take to apply?
  7. What information will I need when I apply?
  8. Is this information I give on my application kept confidential?
  9. If I receive Food Stamps, TANF, Social Security, Veterans Benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation am I still able to receive General Assistance?
  10. When will I get help?
  11. How much assistance can I get?
  12. If I am eligible will I get cash or a check?
  13. How long can I continue to get help?
  14. What would cause me to be ineligible or disqualified from the General Assistance Program?
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