Lewiston council adopts higher general-assistance maximums for 2025–26; housing, overall caps rise ~12%

The Lewiston City Council voted to adopt updated maximums for general assistance payments effective Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2026. The motion passed 6–0 with one abstention (Ward 6).

Elaine Brackett, the city’s social services director, presented the changes. Brackett said the overall maximum for eligible general assistance recipients increased by 12.25 percent. Housing maximums rose by approximately 12 percent and food maximums increased by 2 percent. Mileage rates increased by 8 percent, and recovery-residence maximums rose by approximately 13 percent. Brackett also noted a new monthly maximum for recovery residences with 26 beds or more, based on recently enacted legislative changes (LD 215); the larger-residence rate was set at 70 percent of the lower-bed-rate, per the bill’s calculations.

Councilor Chittum asked why maximum increases for households of five or six people were smaller (about 4 percent) than the increases for smaller household sizes; Brackett said the state-level calculations and Maine Welfare Directors Association guidance determine the household schedule and that she would follow up with specific computation details. No public commenters appeared for this agenda item.

Vote and next steps: The council adopted the proposed maximums by roll-call vote (6 yes, 1 abstain); Brackett will provide the requested clarification on the household-size calculation and finalize the revised policy document.

Why it matters: These changes adjust city assistance levels to reflect HUD fair-market rents and changes in the federal poverty guidelines and the Thrifty Food Plan. The adjustments affect the assistance available to residents who rely on city general assistance for food, housing, utilities and other essential needs.