The first wave of $450 energy relief check for Maine residents was released by the Mills administration on Monday.
In a handful of simple steps, you can determine the status of your payment if you have not yet received your relief check.
Where’s My Energy Relief Check?
You must enter https://portal.maine.gov/refundstatus/payment initially. To determine the status of your relief check, enter your Social Security number, filing status, and Federal Adjusted Gross Income.
The energy relief package adopted by the state assembly includes for payments of $450 per to be made to an estimated 880,000 residents. It offers an additional $40 million to bolster the federal heating assistance program that’s managed through community action partnerships.
In addition, it contains $10 million for emergency fuel assistance and $21 million to enhance an emergency housing aid fund for homeless persons.Gov. Janet Mills said Maine Revenue Services delivered the first 5,000 relief cheques Monday, and they are expected to appear in households’ mailboxes later this week.
Another 200,000 checks will be distributed per week beginning next week, with most customers expecting to get their reimbursement by the end of March.
High energy prices have made staying warm more challenging for Maine residents this winter. As a result, Mills offered and was glad to sign emergency relief legislation that will soon put money back in Mainers’ hands.
Beginning the following week, residents of Maine will receive a $450 payment to assist alleviate the strain of rising energy expenses.
Congratulate the Legislature for passing this emergency legislation, and look forward to collaborating with them to put policies into place that, over time, will reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
Read more: Tax refund update: Is your inflation relief check taxable?
Guidelines
The conditions for the heating relief checks are the same as when Mills sent $850 inflation relief checks last summer.
The standards, according to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, are based on Maine income tax returns from 2021.
If you filed as an individual and made less than $100,000 in income, as the head of household and made less than $150,000 in income, or as a married couple and made less than $200,000 in income, you are eligible for the benefits.
The state has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions at Maine.gov/energyrelief to assist individuals with any inquiries they may have concerning energy relief payments.
Read more: Social Security payments: Here’s when you can expect your February check!