What Are Affordability Checks?
Written by Jennifer DeJoy | Published on July 28, 2026
The Maine Affordability Payment Program was approved by the Maine Legislature to support Maine residents who are considered to be disproportionately affected by Maine sales and excise taxes.
The program is administered by Maine Revenue Services (MRS). MRS will issue $300 one-time affordability payments in late July to eligible recipients who filed 2025 taxes.
If you are a full-time resident and did not yet file taxes for 2025, you have until October 15, 2026 to file so that you can claim your affordability payment. Thanks to our CA$H coalition partners, you can reach out for help to a contact from the list below that is closest to you, even if you don’t live in the immediate area. Many coalitions can provide assistance over the phone or will help you determine the best way to get help.
- Aroostook County CA$H: 207-764-3721
- CA$H Greater Portland: 207-347-2335
- Community CA$H Coalition of Western Maine: 207-739-6530
- Central Maine CA$H: 207-859-1632
- Midcoast Maine CA$H: 207-295-6340
- York County CA$H: 207-459-2899
You can also contact Maine Revenue Services directly:
- Online: www.maine.gov/revenue/affordability
- By Email: Affordability.MRS@maine.gov
- By Phone, MRS has a hotline set up for the $300 checks: 207-624-9924
According to MRS, in order to qualify for the affordability payment, you must:
- File a Maine individual income tax return as a full-year resident for the 2025 tax year by October 15, 2026.
- Not be eligible to be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s income tax return for the 2025 tax year.
- Report federal adjusted gross income for the 2025 tax year that is less than:
- $100,000 if married filing a joint return or a qualifying surviving spouse;
- $75,000 if filing as head of household; or
- $50,000 if single or married filing separately.
Note that if you had little or no income and did not file taxes, you can still file and you may be eligible for the one-time payment. Contact one of the CA$H Coalitions above or contact MRS directly.