Maine Veterans: Healthcare Facilities, Education Benefits & Job Resources

Maine serves approximately 105,000 veterans - about 9.5% of the state's adult population. Whether you're transitioning to civilian life or already living in Maine, you need to know what healthcare facilities, education benefits, and job opportunities are available.

This guide provides actual addresses, phone numbers, and actionable information for Maine veterans.

Bottom Line Up Front

Healthcare: 1 VA medical center (Togus), 7 community-based clinics, and comprehensive mental health services statewide

Education: 100% tuition waiver for dependents of 100% disabled veterans, strong Yellow Ribbon programs, and in-state tuition for all GI Bill users

Employment: Veterans hiring preference for state jobs, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (largest federal employer in Maine), Bath Iron Works, and growing healthcare sector

Veteran Population Hotspots: Cumberland County (18,500+), York County (15,000+), Penobscot County (12,000+)

VA Healthcare Facilities in Maine

VA Medical Center

Togus VA Medical Center (Augusta)

Address: 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME 04330 Phone: (207) 623-8411 Toll-free: 1-877-421-8263 Emergency Care: 24/7 emergency department

Bed count: 167 total beds

• 67 operating beds (medical, surgical, intermediate, mental health)
• 100 nursing home beds (hospice, dementia, long-stay, skilled nursing)

Services:

• Primary care
• Emergency department (24/7)
• Surgery (general, orthopedic, vascular)
• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Neurology
• Mental health services (inpatient and outpatient)
• PTSD treatment programs
• Substance abuse treatment
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Women's health
• Prosthetics
• Audiology
• Pharmacy (mail order available)
• Dental (eligible veterans)
• Vision care

Specialty programs:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) residential treatment
• Substance use disorder treatment
• Mental health intensive case management
• Homeless veteran services
• Telehealth services
• Home-based primary care
• Palliative care and hospice

Parking: Free parking available on campus

Note: Togus is one of the oldest VA facilities in the nation, established in 1866. It serves as the primary VA medical center for all of Maine.

Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs)

Maine VA Healthcare System operates 7 community-based outpatient clinics across the state:

1. Bangor VA Clinic

Address: 304 Hancock Street, Suite 3B, Bangor, ME 04401 Phone: (207) 561-3600

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties served: Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset (central/northern Maine)

2. Portland VA Clinic

Address: 707 Sable Oaks Drive, South Portland, ME 04106 Phone: (207) 253-7000

Note: Brand new state-of-the-art facility opened in 2023, replacing older Portland and Saco clinics

Services:

• Primary care
• Mental health
• Specialty care
• Laboratory
• Radiology
• Physical therapy
• Telehealth

Counties served: Cumberland, Sagadahoc (Greater Portland area)

This is the largest VA clinic in Maine, serving the highest veteran population density.

3. Lewiston VA Clinic

Address: 32 Mollison Way, Lewiston, ME 04240 Phone: (207) 689-3200

Services: Primary care, mental health, laboratory

Counties served: Androscoggin, Franklin (west-central Maine)

4. Calais VA Clinic

Address: 50 Union Street, Calais, ME 04619 Phone: (207) 904-3700

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties served: Washington County (far eastern Maine, near Canadian border)

5. Caribou VA Clinic

Address: 163 Van Buren Road, Suite 6, Caribou, ME 04736 Phone: (207) 493-3800

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties served: Aroostook County (northern Maine)

6. Lincoln VA Clinic

Address: 44 West Broadway, Lincoln, ME 04457 Phone: (207) 403-2000

Services: Primary care, mental health, telehealth

Counties served: Penobscot, Piscataquis (north-central Maine)

7. Rumford VA Clinic

Address: 108 Congress Street, Rumford, ME 04276 Phone: (207) 369-3200

Services: Primary care, mental health

Counties served: Oxford, Franklin (western Maine)

Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)

Vet Centers provide confidential counseling for combat veterans, sexual trauma survivors, and bereaved families. Services are separate from VA medical benefits.

Portland Vet Center

Address: 707 Sable Oaks Drive, Suite 030, South Portland, ME 04106 Phone: (207) 780-3584

Services:

• PTSD counseling
• Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling
• Combat trauma counseling
• Substance abuse counseling
• Employment counseling
• Family counseling
• Bereavement counseling

Outreach: Serves southern and coastal Maine

Caribou Vet Center

Address: 456 York Street, Suite 100, Caribou, ME 04736 Phone: (207) 496-3900

Services: Same as Portland Vet Center

Outreach: Serves northern and eastern Maine

Important: You don't need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use Vet Centers. Combat veterans and MST survivors are eligible.

Wait Times and Quality Ratings

Togus VA Medical Center: Generally rated above average for patient satisfaction in New England VA facilities

Average wait times:

• Primary care: 7-21 days for routine appointments
• Specialty care: 14-30 days depending on specialty
• Mental health: 7-14 days for initial consultation
• Emergency care: Immediate (24/7 ED)

Best practice: Enroll in VA healthcare as soon as you separate from active duty, even if you have other insurance. This establishes your priority group and eligibility.

Telehealth Services

VA Maine Healthcare System offers extensive telehealth services:

• Video appointments from home
• Tele-mental health
• Home telehealth monitoring for chronic conditions
• Tele-urgent care

This is particularly valuable in rural Maine where travel to Togus can be 2+ hours.

To set up telehealth: Ask your VA provider or call (207) 623-8411

How to Enroll in VA Healthcare

Online: va.gov/health-care/apply Phone: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) In person: Visit Togus or any VA clinic with your DD-214

Documents needed:

• DD-214 (discharge paperwork)
• Social Security card
• Insurance information (if you have other coverage)

Priority groups: Veterans with service-connected disabilities get highest priority. Income-based enrollment also available.

Education Benefits for Maine Veterans

Maine Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits

This is Maine's premier education benefit - 100% tuition waiver for dependents of 100% disabled veterans.

Eligibility:

• Children and stepchildren of veterans rated 100% Permanent & Total
• Spouses of 100% P&T veterans
• Unremarried widow(er)s of 100% P&T veterans
• Dependents of veterans who died from service-connected disabilities
• Children of former POWs

Benefit amount:

• Full tuition waiver at all Maine public universities and community colleges
• Covers up to 8 academic semesters (4 years)
• Does NOT cover fees, books, or room and board (only tuition)

Qualifying schools:

• University of Maine System (7 campuses): Orono, Farmington, Fort Kent, Machias, Presque Isle, Augusta, Southern Maine
• Maine Community College System (7 colleges): Central Maine, Eastern Maine, Kennebec Valley, Northern Maine, Southern Maine, Washington County, York County
• Maine Maritime Academy

Important notes:

• This benefit is used AFTER other grants and scholarships
• Can be combined with federal GI Bill benefits to cover fees, books, and housing
• Must be Maine resident
• Student must maintain satisfactory academic progress

How to apply:

1. Obtain VA rating documentation showing 100% P&T
2. Complete application at maine.gov/veterans
3. Submit to your chosen school's financial aid office
4. Provide proof of relationship to veteran (birth certificate, marriage certificate)

Contact: Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services, (207) 430-6035

Post-9/11 GI Bill - Yellow Ribbon Schools

Several Maine schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, covering 100% of costs for qualifying veterans:

University of Maine (Orono) - Flagship Campus

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots, unlimited contribution Result: Full out-of-state tuition covered for eligible veterans BAH rate: ~$1,750/month (using academic year rate) Veteran enrollment: 600+ student veterans

Programs of note: Engineering, business, marine sciences, forestry Veterans services: Office of Veterans Education & Transition Services Phone: (207) 581-1316 Website: umaine.edu/veterans

University of Southern Maine (Portland/Gorham)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots for undergraduate and graduate Benefit: Full out-of-state tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,900/month (Portland rate) Veteran enrollment: 800+ student veterans (highest in Maine)

Programs of note: Nursing, business, public health, cybersecurity Veterans services: Military-Affiliated Student Hub Phone: (207) 780-5161 Website: usm.maine.edu/military

Important: USM offers in-state tuition to ALL veterans and active duty service members, even non-residents, making it one of the most veteran-friendly schools in New England.

Husson University (Bangor)

Yellow Ribbon: Unlimited slots Benefit: Full tuition coverage BAH rate: ~$1,750/month

Programs of note: Nursing, business, physical therapy, criminal justice Type: Private university Veterans services: Office of Military and Veterans Services Phone: (207) 941-7067

Maine Maritime Academy (Castine)

Yellow Ribbon: Participates for qualifying programs Benefit: Varies by program BAH rate: ~$1,550/month

Programs of note: Marine engineering, maritime operations, marine sciences Type: Public maritime college Note: Unique career opportunities in maritime industry

Contact: (207) 326-2206

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACAA), veterans using GI Bill benefits qualify for in-state tuition at all Maine public schools, regardless of residency.

Eligibility:

• Using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill
• Living in Maine while attending school
• Enrolling within 3 years of discharge (or for active duty, within 3 years of retirement)

This removes the out-of-state tuition barrier for veterans relocating to Maine.

Additionally, University of Southern Maine goes further and offers in-state tuition to ALL veterans and active duty members, even those not using GI Bill.

Top GI Bill Schools in Maine (by Veteran Enrollment)

1. University of Southern Maine - 800+ student veterans
2. University of Maine (Orono) - 600+
3. Husson University - 400+
4. Thomas College - 350+
5. Southern Maine Community College - 300+
6. University of New England - 250+
7. Central Maine Community College - 200+
8. Saint Joseph's College of Maine - 150+

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E)

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31):

• Career counseling
• Education and training
• Employment services
• Independent living services

Contact: Togus VA Vocational Rehabilitation, (207) 623-8411 ext. 5731

Employment Resources for Maine Veterans

State Hiring Preference

Maine law provides veterans preference in state government hiring:

Who qualifies:

• Honorably discharged veterans
• Disabled veterans receive additional preference

How it works:

• Veterans receive preference points added to exam scores
• 5 points for non-disabled veterans
• 10 points for disabled veterans (10% or greater VA rating)

Where to apply: maine.gov/jobs (Maine State Government jobs)

CareerCenter - Maine Department of Labor

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER)

Services:

• Job search assistance
• Resume writing
• Interview preparation
• Skills assessment
• Referrals to veteran-friendly employers
• Apprenticeship programs
• On-the-job training programs

Contact: 1-888-457-8883 (Maine JobLink) Locations: CareerCenters in all major Maine cities

Website: mainecareercenter.gov

Major Employers Hiring Veterans

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (Kittery)

Location: Kittery, ME (across from Portsmouth, NH) Employees: 7,000+ (largest federal employer in Maine)

Veteran programs: Active veteran hiring, SkillBridge partnerships Typical roles:

• Shipfitters
• Welders
• Pipefitters
• Marine electricians
• Engineers (mechanical, electrical, nuclear)
• Planners and estimators
• Quality assurance specialists

Security clearance: U.S. citizenship required; many positions require clearances

Pay: Federal GS scale, typically GS-5 to GS-13 for trades; higher for professional positions

How to apply: usajobs.gov (search "Portsmouth Naval Shipyard")

Contact: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Recruiting, (207) 438-1000

Veterans advantage: Federal hiring preference applies; military experience highly valued

Bath Iron Works (General Dynamics)

Location: Bath, ME Employees: 6,800+ (largest private employer in Maine)

Industry: Shipbuilding (U.S. Navy destroyers)

Veteran programs: Military Skills Translator, veteran recruiting initiatives

Typical roles:

• Welders
• Pipefitters
• Electricians
• Shipfitters
• Design engineers
• Test engineers
• Project managers
• Production planners

Pay: Union scale for trades ($22-$38/hour typical); salaried for professional positions

How to apply: gdbiw.com/careers

Veterans advantage: Military training highly valued, particularly Navy veterans with shipboard experience

Defense Contractors and Technology

Pratt & Whitney (North Berwick)

• Aerospace components
• Engineering, manufacturing
• Active military recruiting

FLIR Systems (Portland)

• Defense electronics
• Engineering positions

Wright Express (WEX) (South Portland)

• Payment processing technology
• IT and software development
• Veteran hiring initiatives

IDEXX Laboratories (Westbrook)

• Veterinary diagnostics
• Laboratory, engineering, IT roles

Healthcare Employers

Maine's healthcare sector actively recruits veterans, especially medics and corpsmen:

MaineHealth (Largest healthcare system)

• Maine Medical Center (Portland)
• Regional hospitals across southern and central Maine
• 23,000+ employees statewide
• Veteran recruitment programs

Northern Light Health (Second largest)

• Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor)
• Regional hospitals across northern Maine
• 12,000+ employees
• Values military medical training

Central Maine Healthcare

• Central Maine Medical Center (Lewiston)
• Bridgton Hospital
• Rumford Hospital

Veterans Affairs (Maine Healthcare System)

• Togus and 7 clinics
• Priority hiring for veterans
• Federal benefits and pay

Typical roles for veterans:

• Nursing (after RN licensure)
• Respiratory therapy
• Radiology
• Pharmacy technicians
• Medical assistants
• EMTs and paramedics
• Healthcare administration
• IT and cybersecurity

Retail and Hospitality

Hannaford (Scarborough headquarters)

• Grocery retail
• 6,000+ employees in Maine
• Management development programs

L.L.Bean (Freeport)

• Outdoor retail and manufacturing
• 5,000+ employees
• Veteran hiring programs
• Customer service, retail, manufacturing, distribution

TD Bank (Portland regional hub)

• Banking and financial services
• Veteran recruitment

State and Local Government

State of Maine: 13,000+ employees

• Veterans preference in hiring
• Jobs in all fields: healthcare, IT, public safety, administration
• Pension system (Maine PERS)

Portland (Largest city)

• Police, fire, public works
• Veterans preference

Bangor, Lewiston, Auburn

• Municipal jobs with veteran preference

Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Maine Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Phone: (207) 780-4420 Services: Free business counseling, including specific veteran entrepreneur programs

Boots to Business: SBA program for transitioning service members Contact: Maine SBDC or sba.gov/veterans

Veteran-owned business certification: Helps with government contracts Apply: vets.sba.gov

Apprenticeship Programs

Maine offers registered apprenticeship programs in:

• Electrical work
• Plumbing
• HVAC
• Welding
• Carpentry
• Automotive technology
• Marine trades

GI Bill can often be used, providing monthly housing allowance on top of apprenticeship wages.

Contact: Maine Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Program Phone: (207) 623-7900

Unemployment Benefits for Veterans

Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX): Available if you separated from active duty in the last 18 months.

Contact: Maine Department of Labor Phone: 1-800-593-7660 Website: maine.gov/unemployment

Support Services for Maine Veterans

Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)

VSOs provide free assistance with VA claims, appeals, and benefits navigation.

Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services Headquarters: 117 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0117 Phone: (207) 430-6035 Toll-free: 1-800-345-0116 Website: maine.gov/veterans

Services:

• VA claims assistance
• Benefits counseling
• State benefits information
• Connects you to county veterans service officers

County Veterans Service Officers (CVSO): Available in all 16 Maine counties. Find yours at maine.gov/veterans/about/cvso

American Legion - Posts throughout Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) - Posts statewide Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - Chapters in major cities Vietnam Veterans of America - Multiple chapters Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Homeless Veteran Programs

VA Homeless Programs Hotline: 1-877-424-3838

Grant and Per Diem Program: Transitional housing in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor

HUD-VASH: Housing vouchers paired with VA case management Contact: Togus VA Social Work, (207) 623-8411 ext. 5766

Maine Veterans Homes: Long-term care facilities for eligible veterans (six locations statewide)

Preble Street (Portland): Homeless services including veterans programs

Mental Health Resources

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then press 1 (24/7) Text: 838255 Online chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

Togus VA Mental Health Services: (207) 623-8411

Vet Centers (listed earlier) provide free, confidential counseling for:

• PTSD
• Depression
• Military sexual trauma
• Readjustment issues
• Substance abuse
• Family counseling

NAMI Maine (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Phone: 1-800-464-5767 Free support groups and education

Legal Assistance

Pine Tree Legal Assistance Free civil legal services for low-income veterans Phone: 1-877-213-0222 Services: Housing, benefits, family law, consumer issues

Maine Volunteer Lawyers Project Pro bono legal help for veterans Phone: (207) 780-1906

Discharge Upgrade Assistance: Contact Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services for help with discharge upgrades

Transportation

Beneficiary Travel Program: Reimbursement for travel to VA appointments if you meet eligibility criteria Apply: At any VA facility or call (207) 623-8411 ext. 5404

DAV Transportation Network: Free rides to VA appointments in some areas Contact: Local DAV chapter

County and Regional Resources

Cumberland County (Portland Metro)

• Veteran population: 18,500+
• VA Clinic: Portland (South Portland) - largest clinic in Maine
• Vet Center: Portland (South Portland)
• Major employers: MaineHealth, Portland city government, WEX, IDEXX
• County Veterans Service Officer: (207) 871-8535

York County (Biddeford, Sanford, Kennebunk)

• Veteran population: 15,000+
• VA Clinic: Served by Portland clinic (30-45 min drive)
• Major employers: Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Pratt & Whitney
• County Veterans Service Officer: (207) 324-1571

Penobscot County (Bangor Metro)

• Veteran population: 12,000+
• VA Clinic: Bangor
• Vet Center: Caribou (northern Maine)
• Major employers: Northern Light Health, Husson University, Bangor city
• County Veterans Service Officer: (207) 942-8535

Kennebec County (Augusta)

• Veteran population: 8,500+
• VA Medical Center: Togus (largest facility in Maine)
• Major employers: State of Maine, MaineGeneral Health
• County Veterans Service Officer: (207) 622-0971

Androscoggin County (Lewiston/Auburn)

• Veteran population: 7,000+
• VA Clinic: Lewiston
• Major employers: Central Maine Healthcare, Bates College
• County Veterans Service Officer: (207) 753-2440

Key Takeaways

1. Enroll in VA healthcare immediately - Togus serves all of Maine with 7 regional clinics
2. Use the Maine Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits - If you're 100% disabled, your dependents get free tuition
3. Leverage federal and state hiring preference - Apply for federal jobs at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard or state government positions
4. Target Bath Iron Works or Portsmouth Naval Shipyard - Best opportunities for veterans with technical skills
5. Connect with your County Veterans Service Officer - Free help claiming all benefits

Maine's veteran support infrastructure is strong, with comprehensive healthcare via Togus and the clinic network, excellent education benefits for dependents, and solid employment opportunities particularly in shipbuilding and healthcare.

Additional Resources

• Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services: (207) 430-6035 | maine.gov/veterans
• VA Maine Healthcare System: (207) 623-8411 | va.gov/maine-health-care
• Maine JobLink (Employment): 1-888-457-8883 | mainecareercenter.gov
• GI Bill School Search: benefits.va.gov/gibill/comparison
• County Veterans Service Officers: maine.gov/veterans/about/cvso

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Information current as of January 2025. Contact facilities directly to verify hours, services, and eligibility requirements.