Low-Income Housing Criteria in Maine

Rent assistance is available for eligible individuals in Maine.

Maine has a number of different low-income housing programs, each with different criteria. Assistance is available through MaineHousing, an independent state agency, for home purchase or rentals. It also offers specific assistance for homeless residents. All programs have income requirements which vary by location across the state.

Housing Choice Vouchers

Maine has a rental assistance program, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program, through which the state will pay a portion of the property rental fee for eligible residents. The only criterion for this program is income under the designated limit, which varies by area. Under this program, renters pay approximately 40% of the rental costs and the program pays the remaining 60%. Homeless residents are given first priority in this program. For others seeking assistance, income limits vary by family size, so that larger families may earn more than smaller families, and by location in the state. The monthly rent for a house or apartment cannot exceed the limit set by the state, which increases with the number of bedrooms in the rental unit. If you have engaged in criminal activity or alcohol abuse, the housing authority can deny you a voucher.

Rental Assistance Coupon Plus

The Rental Assistance Coupon Plus program is specifically designed to help those who have been homeless for seven consecutive days to obtain rental housing. Those between the ages of 18 and 24, families, anyone referred by correctional officers or case workers and victims of domestic abuse meet the criteria to receive preferential rental assistance under this program.

Gift of Green

The Gift of Green program provides assistance with closing costs and down payments to eligible residents who are purchasing a home. To qualify for Gift of Green, you must obtain a loan from a designated lender, pay a portion of closing costs from your personal income and participate in a state-run course on home financing.

First Home

Being a first-time home buyer is the key criterion for the First Home program, so if you've never owned a home before, you may qualify. You must also meet the income criteria, but the limits are broad enough that many residents are eligible. The income limits do vary, though, depending on the number of people in your family and where in the state you will live. First Home provides a low interest, low or no point mortgage loan and can be combined with the Gift of Green program to assist with a down payment and closing costs. The cost of some home improvements is also included in the loan amount.

Operation New Home

Operation New Home helps active duty military personnel or those who have been honorably discharged qualify for a home mortgage. Active duty applicants must have been on duty for 180 days or in a war zone and must remain on active duty. You will have access to a below-market rate mortgage and assistance for a down payment and closing costs. You do not need to be a first-time home buyer to participate in this program, but home costs must fall below a certain limit, which varies by location in the state.

References

• MaineHousing: Maine State Housing Authority