AUGUSTA – Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, is pleased to announce that the one-time “hazard paychecks” for eligible workers will be sent out in batches by Maine Revenue Services (MRS) beginning today. The Maine Legislature approved the one-time hazard payments of up to $300 as a part of the responsible bipartisan spending package signed into law earlier this year.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, working Mainers stepped up and continued to serve our communities, often in the toughest of circumstances. It only seemed right to do something to show our gratitude and appreciation by providing some modest relief as we head into the holiday season,” said President Jackson. “I know $300 isn’t a lot but I’m hopeful that it will help families by covering a good portion of their monthly grocery budget, one week of child care or one-third of a tank of heating oil. In the meantime, I’ll keep working to make it easier for working families to get by in Aroostook County and across the state.”

An estimated 575,000 Mainers should receive a paper check from MRS in recognition of their continued work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to receive a hazard paycheck, individuals must have filed a 2020 income tax return and meet the income-based guidelines. Eligible Mainers include single filers earning less than $75,000; individuals who filed as a head-of-household earning less than $112,500; married individuals or joint-filers earning less than $150,000.

MRS has cautioned that it could take between 5-6 weeks before all eligible Mainers receive their check. For more information on the hazard paychecks, go to tinyurl.com/MaineHazardPaycheck. 

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