The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Maine provides monthly benefits to low-income households to purchase nutritious food, helping to alleviate food insecurity and promote access to healthy meals. Benefits are issued via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, accepted at most grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and select online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
This guide outlines the 2025 eligibility criteria, income limits, benefit amounts, and application process for Maine SNAP, based on federal and Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines, including changes from the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1, signed July 4, 2025).
Use the SNAP Eligibility Screening Tool on the Maine DHHS My Maine Connection portal to estimate your benefits, assuming you meet Maine’s eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for Maine SNAP Benefits
To qualify for SNAP in Maine, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Income: Household income must fall within federal poverty guidelines or meet categorical eligibility through programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Household Size: Determined by individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified legal resident. Note: Starting Fall 2025 (specific dates pending rulemaking), non-citizen eligibility will be restricted, removing access for refugees, asylees, trafficking victims, and other lawfully present groups (~2,000 Mainers), except children and pregnant women.
- Residency: Must reside in Maine.
- Work Requirements: Certain adults (able-bodied adults without dependents, or ABAWDs) must meet work obligations unless exempt. Changes effective Fall 2025 expand these requirements (see below).
- Assets: Most households are not subject to asset limits due to Maine’s broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE). Households with elderly or disabled members exceeding specific income thresholds may face asset limits.
Households receiving TANF, SSI, or other means-tested benefits are often categorically eligible, meaning they automatically qualify for SNAP without meeting standard income or asset tests, provided their net income is low enough. Contact the Maine DHHS Office for Family Independence at (855) 797-4357 for detailed guidance.
Maine SNAP Income Guidelines (2025)
Eligibility is based on gross income (pre-tax) and net income (after allowable deductions). The 2025 income limits, aligned with federal poverty guidelines (effective October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025), are as follows:
Gross Income Limit (200% of Federal Poverty Level)
Maine uses a higher gross income limit (200% FPL) for most households due to BBCE, making it easier to qualify:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,878 |
| 2 | $3,892 |
| 3 | $4,906 |
| 4 | $5,920 |
| 5 | $6,934 |
| 6 | $7,948 |
| 7 | $8,962 |
| 8 | $9,976 |
| Each Add’l | +$1,014 |
Gross Income Limit for Elderly/Disabled (165% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households where all members are 60+ or disabled qualify under higher limits if exceeding the 200% FPL:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,375 |
| 2 | $3,210 |
| 3 | $4,045 |
| 4 | $4,880 |
| 5 | $5,715 |
| 6 | $6,550 |
| 7 | $7,385 |
| 8 | $8,220 |
| Each Add’l | +$835 |
Net Income Limit (100% of Federal Poverty Level)
Households exceeding gross income limits may qualify after deductions:
| Household Size | Max Monthly Net Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,439 |
| 2 | $1,946 |
| 3 | $2,453 |
| 4 | $2,960 |
| 5 | $3,467 |
| 6 | $3,974 |
| 7 | $4,481 |
| 8 | $4,988 |
| Each Add’l | +$507 |
Note: Households receiving TANF or SSI are categorically eligible and may not need to meet these income limits, but their net income must be low enough to receive benefits. For every $100 increase in net income, SNAP benefits typically decrease by ~$30.
Income Sources
Countable income includes:
- Earned: Wages, self-employment earnings (before taxes, with allowable business expenses deducted).
- Unearned: Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, pensions.
Exempt income may include certain educational grants or loans used for tuition and fees. Starting Fall 2025, certain local benefits may be counted as income due to changes in federal rules.
Asset Rules for Maine SNAP
Due to Maine’s adoption of broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), most households are not subject to asset limits. For households with elderly (60+) or disabled members exceeding the 200% FPL gross income limit, the asset cap is $4,500. Countable assets include:
- Liquid resources (e.g., cash, bank accounts)
- Secondary properties (excluding primary residence)
- Stocks, bonds, money market funds
- Vehicles (value exceeding $4,650 for non-income-producing vehicles)
Non-Countable Assets:
- Primary home
- Household goods (e.g., furniture, appliances)
- Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401k plans)
- One household vehicle and any income-producing vehicles
Households that are categorically eligible (e.g., receiving TANF or SSI) are exempt from asset limits.
Defining a SNAP Household
A SNAP household includes individuals who live together and purchase and prepare meals together, such as:
- Spouses
- Children under 22 living with parents
- Individuals living together but purchasing and preparing food separately may qualify as separate households.
Disabled or elderly individuals (60+) unable to prepare meals due to a permanent disability may form a separate household if their combined income with others is below 165% of the FPL (e.g., $2,375/month for one person).
Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18–64 (expanded from 18–54 starting Fall 2025), must:
- Work at least 20 hours per week, or
- Participate in an approved employment or training program (e.g., Maine’s SNAP Employment and Training Program).
Non-compliance limits benefits to 3 months within a 3-year period. Exemptions include:
- Under 18 or over 64
- Pregnant
- Caring for a dependent child under 14 (reduced from 18 starting Fall 2025)
- Physically or mentally unable to work
- Receiving disability-related benefits (e.g., SSI, Social Security disability)
- Native Americans (new exemption starting Fall 2025)
Note: Starting Fall 2025, exemptions for veterans (5,669 people), those experiencing homelessness (25,203), and former foster youth (~505) will be removed, and rural geographic waivers will be limited, impacting ~2,000 recipients. States have 120 days to implement these changes once federal guidance is issued, with most waivers expiring by February 2026.
All non-exempt adults aged 16–59 must register for work at application and every 12 months thereafter.
Deductions to Improve Eligibility
Deductions reduce countable income, increasing eligibility chances:
- Standard Deduction: $204 (1-3 people), $217 (4), $254 (5), $291 (6+)
- Earned Income: 20% deduction
- Dependent Care: Costs for child or dependent care needed for work or school
- Medical Expenses: Over $35/month for elderly or disabled (unreimbursed costs only; standard deduction of $136 available without full verification)
- Shelter Costs: Rent/mortgage and utilities, up to $712 (no cap for households with elderly/disabled members)
- Standard Utility Allowance: $1,047 (heating/cooling), $353 (basic utilities), $60 (phone only); starting Fall 2025, the heating/cooling allowance is limited to households with elderly/disabled members unless paying separate heating/cooling bills
- Homeless Deduction: Up to $190.30
- Court-Ordered Child Support: Payments made to non-household members, deducted from gross income
Maine SNAP Benefit Amounts (2025)
Maximum monthly allotments by household size (October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2025):
| Household Size | Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,755 |
| Each Add’l | +$220 |
Benefits are calculated by multiplying net monthly income by 0.3 and subtracting the result from the maximum allotment for the household size. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit. A 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) has been applied for 2025, but starting Fall 2025, changes to the Thrifty Food Plan will reduce average household benefits by ~$26/month, and future benefit increases will be limited to inflation adjustments only.
Applying for SNAP in Maine
Apply through the following methods:
- Online: My Maine Connection portal
- In-Person: Visit a local DHHS Office for Family Independence
- Mail: Download, complete, and mail the application to Office for Family Independence, 114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington, ME 04938
- Fax: Fax the completed application to (207) 778-8429
- Phone: Call (855) 797-4357 for assistance
An interview (phone or in-person) is required within 30 days of application submission. Households with urgent needs (e.g., less than $150 monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs) may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. Keep your confirmation number and copies of submitted documents.
Post-Approval Process
- Receive an EBT card by mail within 5–7 days of approval, which must be activated before use.
- Use it to purchase eligible food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or online (e.g., Amazon, Walmart). SNAP cannot cover delivery fees.
- Benefits are loaded monthly from the 10th to 14th, based on the last digit of the primary applicant’s birth day (e.g., 0-1 on the 10th, 2-3 on the 11th, etc.).
- Check balances via receipts, the My Maine Connection portal, by calling (800) 477-7428, or through resources like How to Check SNAP Balance.
- Protect your EBT card from scams by changing your PIN regularly and reporting issues immediately to (800) 477-7428 or the Fraud Hotline at (866) 348-1129. Note: Replacement of stolen SNAP benefits due to electronic theft (e.g., card skimming) is not available for thefts occurring after December 20, 2024.
EBT Card Perks
- Online Shopping: Accepted at Amazon, Walmart, and other approved retailers.
- Farmers’ Markets: Purchase fresh produce at participating markets, with programs like Maine Harvest Bucks and Farm Fresh Rewards offering bonus dollars for fruits and vegetables.
- Discount Programs: Discounts on services like Amazon Prime or museum admissions (check Museums for All).
Items Not Covered by SNAP
SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Hot prepared foods
- Non-food items (e.g., pet food, cleaning supplies)
- Vitamins or medications
Key Information
- Income and benefit limits are updated annually (October 1).
- Most Maine households are categorically eligible, easing income and asset restrictions.
- Use the Maine DHHS SNAP Eligibility Screening Tool to estimate eligibility.
- Apply even if unsure—you may qualify.
- Report stolen benefits (for thefts before December 20, 2024) within 30 days of discovery and seek emergency food assistance via Maine 2-1-1 or the Good Shepherd Food Bank.
- Starting October 2025, Maine loses $4.8M/year for SNAP-Ed nutrition education, impacting ~18,759 youth and ~2,987 adults.
- Benefit reductions (~$26/month) and stricter work requirements take effect Fall 2025, pending rulemaking. Check with DHHS for updates.
Resources
- Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- USDA SNAP Eligibility
- Good Shepherd Food Bank: (207) 782-3554
- Maine 2-1-1 for emergency food assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for SNAP in Maine?
Apply online at the My Maine Connection portal, in person at a DHHS office, by mail, fax, or call (855) 797-4357 for help.
What are the 2025 SNAP income limits for Maine?
For a single-person household, the gross monthly income limit is $2,878 (200% FPL) or $2,375 (165% FPL for elderly/disabled). Limits vary by household size. Categorically eligible households may have higher limits.
How long does SNAP approval take in Maine?
Approval takes up to 30 days, but expedited benefits may be issued within 7 days for emergencies.
Can I use my Maine SNAP EBT card online?
Yes, it’s accepted at retailers like Amazon and Walmart for eligible grocery purchases.
Are there work requirements for Maine SNAP?
Adults aged 18–64 without dependents must work 20 hours per week or participate in training, unless exempt (e.g., disabled, pregnant, or caring for a child under 14). Stricter rules apply starting Fall 2025.
This guide is based on 2025 federal and Maine DHHS guidelines, incorporating changes from the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill. Verify details with your local DHHS office for accuracy.