New Website Will Help Maine People Claim Their $850 Relief Checks

Governor Janet Mills announces a new website that will help Maine residents know how to claim their $850 relief checks.

Where Can I Find the Website?

The money that represents half of the state's budget surplus was approved as part of the supplemental budget on Wednesday. An estimated 858,000 Mainers will receive the checks, beginning in June, for a total of over $729 million being sent to Maine residents. Governor Mills says claiming the money, for most, is as easy as filing their taxes.

We want to make sure that every eligible person is able to receive this assistance, and we are hopeful that this website can help accomplish that by answering some of the most common questions Maine people have.

The Maine Relief Checks website is up and running and full of important answers.

How Do I Claim My $850?

As we already stated, for most residents the act of filing a state income tax return is all they need to qualify for the $850. But what about people who filed for an extension and didn't get their actual return in by the April deadline? If this is you, don't panic. Maine residents have until October 31st, 2022 to file their taxes and be eligible for the funds. Of course, those people will have to wait until they've filed their tax returns to receive the relief check.

Many senior citizens aren't required to file a state income tax return, so are they exempt from the relief checks? Nope. But they will need to use the SSA-1099 form that they likely received in January. More information about that process can also be found on the website.

I Didn't Get a Check Last Time. Will I Get One This Time Around?

The short answer is yes. There are some exceptions to this round of relief checks, over the last round sent out last year. But it's all good news. People who were not eligible last time, like senior citizens, stay-at-home parents, and self-employed business owners will be eligible this time. Governor Mills says the goal is to help offset the rising costs of...well...everything right now.

Check out the Maine Relief Check website to get your questions answered, including how to access tax help if you have not yet filed your state income taxes.