The state of Maine will begin mailing out one-time $300 checks to eligible taxpayers later this month.
The so-called affordability payments were a key part of Gov. Janet Mills’ last budget proposal and were billed as a way to provide relief to Mainers struggling with rising everyday costs.
Full-time Maine residents are eligible for a check if they have filed a 2025 tax return and report an adjusted gross income that’s less than $100,000 if married and filing jointly, $75,000 if filing as head of household, or $50,000 for individuals.
People who are claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s 2025 tax return are not eligible.
The paper checks will be mailed to the address that is on file with Maine Revenue Services, the agency said Monday.
The state is tapping its rainy day fund to pay for the $155 million Maine Affordability Payment Program, which had prompted debate among state lawmakers earlier this year. Roughly 500,000 Mainers are expected to receive checks, a number that was scaled back as lawmakers debated the scope of the payment program and eventually higher taxes on wealthier Mainers.
Maine Revenue Services has more information about the affordability payment program here.
This story appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.