Welfare Info

Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance benefits that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. The amount of food assistance benefits each household receives is based on the Thrifty Food Pla...

What is Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance benefits that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. The amount of food assistance benefits each household receives is based on the Thrifty Food Plan, the model diet plan the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses to project the cost of food for one month for different household sizes. Under SNAP rules, resources- such as bank accounts, cash real estate, personal property, vehicles, and so forth- are considered in determining whether a household is eligible to get SNAP. Some resources are counted toward the allowable limit and some are not. The SNAP worker will explain which are counted. The resources of people who get public assistance, SSI, and, in some locations, general assistance is not counted toward the limit.

Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Maine and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself).

In order to qualify, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $22,311
2 $30,044
3 $37,777
4 $45,510
5 $53,243
6 $60,976
7 $68,709
8 $76,442

*For households with more than eight people, add $7,733 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

All households may have up to $2,000 worth of countable resources and still be eligible. Households may have up to $3,000 and still be eligible if at least one member is age 60 or older. Most households must have income at or below certain dollar limits before and after deductions are allowed. However, households in which all members are getting public assistance or SSI (or, in some locations, general assistance) do not have to meet the income eligibility tests.

 

Application Details

What is the application process for Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?

To apply for this program, download and fill out an application:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/snap/index.html

Next, return the application to your local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) office via e-mail or fax, or in person. To locate your nearest DHHS Office, visit:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/offices/index.html

Return your application as soon as possible. If you qualify, benefits start from the date you turn in your application. Additionally, if you qualify, you can receive SNAP benefits within 30 days.

Contact Info

1-800-442-6003