The Social Security Office is where you will need to go to initiate the process for obtaining your social security card. The Social Security Office has a new online social security card application process. For more information regarding this topic, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/social-security-office/
Your housing is an important part of your experience while here in the Old Orchard Beach area. Months before you arrive, make sure you talk to your sponsor and/or employer to discuss your housing options. For more information regarding this topic, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/before-you-arrive/
While you are here you may have an interest in getting a second job. Please remember that your first priority is always to your primary employer. It is certainly okay to get another job as long as it does not conflict with the work schedule given to you by your primary employer. To see job openings, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/job-openings/
Your sponsor at your sponsoring organization is always your first point of contact. Your sponsor’s name and telephone number can be found on your form DS-2019. For more information regarding this topic, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/sponsor-information/
It depends… If your concern is related to general maintenance or a maintenance emergency, contact your landlord. If your concern is about your safety at home or for a serious emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in an overcrowded housing situation and you need to talk to someone about it, you can speak in confidence with the J-1 Coordinator or your sponsor. For more information regarding this topic, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/once-you-arrive/
It depends… If your concerns are related to your work schedule, number of hours you work each week, your hourly rate, how and when you get paid or on-the-job training, you should first communicate with your employer. If you have serious concerns about your job or employer and you want to share those concerns with someone privately, contact your sponsor. Remember that you cannot leave your primary job or change jobs without first having communications with your sponsor. You can also contact the J-1 Coordinator who can offer guidance based on your situation.
The Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit Company (BSOOBT) is going to be your best resource for traveling distances in our local communities. If you know you will be traveling regularly by bus, consider purchasing the Dirigo Pass, which is a pre-loaded pass that you fund by using a debit or credit card. Each time you travel on the bus you scan your card and fares are deducted. For more information on purchasing a Dirigo Pass, visit: https://dirigopass.org
For bus and trolley routes, schedules and other detailed information about BSOOB Transit, visit: https://bsoobtransit.org
To learn more about renting or buying a bike while in Old Orchard Beach, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/transit/
Each year in late June we host a J-1 Orientation, just for you! This orientation is very beneficial and provides you with so many local resources to help you get settled in our community as quickly as possible. For more information on this topic, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/j1-events/
Maine’s current minimum wage is $14.15 per hour as of 1/1/2024. On January 1, 2025, Maine’s minimum wage will be $14.65 per hour. Your employer, by law, should be paying you either once a week or once every two weeks (bi-weekly). You should never have to wait more than two weeks between pay periods to receive a paycheck.
If you require medical attention because you are sick or injured while in the Old Orchard Beach area, our local hospitals and clinics have medical staff that can help you. If you seek medical care while in the U.S. or have a medical emergency, you will be asked to provide your medical insurance information. Always carry this information with you. In addition, notify your sponsor of your medical care as soon as possible. For more information on this topic, visit: https://www.oobmaine.com/department/j1-students/hospitals-walk-in-clinics/