The Town of Canton administers a program of general assistance
available to all persons who are eligible to receive assistance
in accordance with the standards of eligibility as provided
herein and in 22 M.R.S.A. § 4301 et seq.
Every effort will be made to recognize the dignity of the
applicant and to encourage self-reliance. The program will
help each person achieve self-maintenance and will encourage
the work incentive. When possible, it will sek to alleviate
needs other than financial through rehabilitative, preventive
and protective services. General assistance will promote
strengthening the family, especially with regard to the
care and protection of children.
The general assistance program will place no restrictions
on the personal rights of the applicant or recipient,
nor will there be any unlawful discrimination based on
sex, age, race, religion, disability or political
affiliation. The applicant or recipient will be informed
of his/her rights and responsibilities under the general
assistance program.
The general assistance administrator will act promptly on
all applications for assistance and requests for fair
hearings. Within 24 hours of receiving an application,
the administrator will give the applicant a written decision,
whether or not assistance is granted, that will state the
specific reasons for the decision. The administrator will
also give 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 non-emergency assistance conditionally on the
successful completion of a workfare assignment (see section
5.6 of the ordinance).
The administrator will maintain complete and accurate
records pertaining to each applicant and recipient.
These records are confidential.
The administrator will post notice stating the day(s) and
hours the administrator will be available. The administrator,
or other designated person, will be available to take
applications in the event of an emergency at all other
times. A copy of the ordinance and Maine General Assistance
law will be readily available to any member of the public
upon request. Notice to this effect will be posted.