A.
The Municipality of Cumberland administers a general assistance ("GA")
program available to all persons who are eligible pursuant to the
standards provided in this chapter, state law (22 M.R.S.A. §§ 4301
through 4326), and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
regulations.
B.
The program will make every effort to recognize the dignity of applicants
while helping eligible persons achieve self-maintenance by promoting
the work incentive. When possible, the program will connect recipients
with rehabilitative, preventive and protective services to alleviate
nonfinancial needs. The GA program will not place unreasonable restrictions
on the personal rights of applicants or recipients, nor will it discriminate
based on sex, age, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation
or disability. The municipality is committed to including qualified
individuals with disabilities in municipal services, programs, and
activities. As a result, the municipality will promote a GA program
that, when viewed in its entirety, is readily accessible to and usable
by individuals with disabilities. GA applicants with physical or mental
disabilities that require a reasonable accommodation in order to access
and/or utilize the GA program are encouraged to contact the municipality
to make an accommodation request.
C.
The Administrator will act promptly on all applications for assistance and requests for fair hearings, and will provide GA applicants with information regarding their rights and responsibilities under the program. Within 24 hours after receipt of an application, the Administrator will provide the applicant a written decision, whether or not assistance is granted, that will state the specific reasons for the decision. The Administrator will also provide the applicant written notice that the applicant may appeal to the municipal fair hearing authority if dissatisfied with the decision. When an applicant is determined to be eligible, assistance appropriate to the need will be furnished within 24 hours after the completed application is submitted except when the Administrator issues nonemergency assistance conditionally on the successful completion of a workfare assignment (see § 113-5.6 of this chapter).
D.
The Administrator will maintain complete and accurate records pertaining
to each applicant and recipient. These records are confidential as
a matter of law (22 M.R.S.A. § 4306).
E.
The Administrator will post notice stating the day(s) and hours the
Administrator will be available. The Administrator, or other designated
person/entity, will be available to take applications in the event
of an emergency at all other times. A copy of this chapter and Maine
General Assistance Law[1] will be available to any member of the public upon request.
Notice to this effect will be posted.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 22 M.R.S.A. Ch. 1161.
