Last Updated July, 2024
Introduction
Not having as much food as you and your family need is a common problem in Maine. If you are struggling to afford food you are not alone. Benefits like SNAP can help you buy the food you need. This guide will cover the basics of SNAP benefits in Maine, and answer some of the most common questions you might have about the program.
What is SNAP?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a benefits program also known as the “Food Supplement Program.” It used to be called “food stamps.” SNAP helps people pay for food.
If you apply for SNAP and are eligible you get an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card – in Maine it is called the Pine Tree Card. This card works like a debit card that you can use only to buy food. Money is loaded onto the card each month for you to buy food at stores and some online shops.
Am I eligible for SNAP?
Most people with a low income are eligible for SNAP. You do not have to live with children, be getting TANF, or be elderly or disabled to get SNAP. Many people work and get these benefits.
Eligibility for SNAP is based on income, certain expenses, and who is in your ‘SNAP household.’ Your SNAP household is everyone you live with who you regularly buy and prepare food with. It is possible to live with someone (like a housemate) and not be part of the same SNAP household if you buy and prepare food separately.
If you want to check if you may be eligible for SNAP before you apply, you can use our new SNAP Benefits Estimator Tool.
How do I apply for SNAP?
There are many ways to apply for SNAP in Maine! You can:
- Apply online through My Maine Connection
- Download an application from Maine DHHS and mail, email, or fax:
- Mail: Office for Family Independence, 114 Corn Shop Lane, Farmington, ME 04938
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 207-778-8429
- Visit your local DHHS office and apply in person.
- Call your local DHHS office and apply over the phone.
How will I get my SNAP benefits?
Your SNAP benefits will be loaded onto your EBT/Pine Tree Card each month. The card works like a debit card – it requires a PIN and you can only spend the amount of benefits you have on the card.
This is the same card used to get other benefits like TANF – but your SNAP balance and EBT cash balance are separate. To check your SNAP balance you can call 1-800-477-7428.
The cost of what you buy is taken from your account. Your receipt will show you how much money you have left in your account.
Where can I spend my SNAP benefits?
You can use your benefits to buy food at most grocery stores and supermarkets – or anywhere that accepts SNAP/EBT.
You can use your benefits to order food online if your store has curbside pick-up or delivery options – this includes popular online stores like Amazon. You can check what other online ordering options you have by checking the list for Maine on the USDA website. One important thing to remember about ordering online is you can still only buy food – you cannot use SNAP benefits to pay for delivery fees or shipping costs.
You can also use your SNAP benefits at many participating Maine farmer’s markets. Some are part of a program called Harvest Bucks and will help you stretch your SNAP benefits at the farmer’s market!
What can I buy with my SNAP benefits?
You can buy almost all foods with these benefits. The only foods you can’t buy are hot, prepared foods like a rotisserie chicken, slice of pizza, or other food that is hot and ready to eat from the store. You can still buy cold prepared foods (like a sandwich or salad) or food that is meant to be taken home and cooked or heated.
You cannot use your card to buy non-food products like tobacco, soap, toothpaste, paper products, pet food, alcohol, or diapers.
Are there work requirements for SNAP?
Yes, but the rule does not apply to everyone.
DHHS has a rule that limits how long some people between the ages of 18 and 54 can get SNAP benefits if they are not meeting work requirements. If the rule applies to you, you can only get benefits for 3 months during a 36 month period unless you meet certain work requirements. DHHS calls this rule the “Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)” rule. The most recent 36 month period began on October 1, 2023.
Does the ABAWD rule apply to me?
The rule does not apply if you have minor children or dependents under the age of 18 who DHHS counts as part of your "SNAP household."
It also does not apply if you are in one of these categories:
- Pregnant
- Caring for a child under 6 or certain people with disabilities (can be outside your SNAP household)
- Have someone under 18 in your SNAP household;
- Physically or mentally unable to work;
- In an alcohol or drug treatment program;
- An eligible college student (in school or a training program at least half-time)
- Meeting work requirements for another program (TANF or unemployment compensation)
Through September 30, 2030 the rule does not apply if you fit within one of these categories:
- People experiencing homelessness;
- Veteran (of all ages and discharge statuses); or
- Former foster youth under age 25.
There are some territories, towns, and cities in Maine where this rule does not apply to anyone through September 30, 2024. Check the full list to see if you live in a place covered by this waiver.
If the ABAWD Rule applies to me what activities can meet the work-reporting requirements?
- Paid work (or earn wages that equal more than $217.50 per week)
- Participate in SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) or another qualifying state or local work program
- Volunteer or community service
- Any combination of these work-related activates over 20 hours per week
What can I do if DHHS is cutting off my benefits because of the ABAWD rule?
If DHHS sends you a cut-off notice and you believe that their decision is wrong because you are meeting the work requirements or the rule does not apply to you, tell DHHS right away.
You can do this in many ways:
- Call the Office of Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357
- Log into your account at www.mymaineconnection.gov
- Go into a DHHS district office location
How can I claim a "medical exemption" to the rule because I am unable to work?
If you are unable to work because of a medical condition you can fill out this form with your medical provider and send it to DHHS.
If you have problems with this form or DHHS denies your medical exemption you can contact us or Maine Equal Justice and we may be able to help.
Are there asset limits?
Yes and no. There are asset limits on Federally-funded SNAP, but because of the way Maine has set up the SNAP program here, people who do not qualify based on those federal asset limits will still qualify for Maine-funded SNAP. In practice, this means that there is not really an asset limit for people in Maine who are otherwise eligible for SNAP benefits. It does not matter if you qualify for Federal or Maine funded SNAP – your household will get the same SNAP benefits either way.
I already have SNAP benefits, but I’m having trouble with them. What can I do?
Am I getting the correct amount of SNAP?
SNAP benefits calculations can be complicated. We have a free SNAP Benefits Estimator Tool you can use to figure out if you may be eligible for SNAP benefits, and the amount of SNAP benefits you may qualify for if you are eligible. It may not be accurate for all people in all situations, but it should give you a general idea of what your SNAP benefits should be.
What do I need to know about recertification or “reports” to DHHS?
Some households have to submit what DHHS calls a “six month report”. DHHS will send you the report before the sixth month and you should let them know if there are any changes in your household or if any of the information they have is incorrect. You must send the form back to DHHS by the deadline the form gives you or you may lose your benefits.
Everyone has to do an annual recertification which includes filling out a renewal form and telling DHHS if anything has changed in your household. Some households also have to complete an interview with DHHS. You must complete the annual recertification process by the deadline that DHHS gives you in the paperwork.
After your recertification DHHS will give you a notice telling you what your benefits will be or they will give a notice if they are reducing or ending your benefits. If your benefits are reduced or ended you have a right to appeal that decision. If you are having trouble with the annual recertification process, contact Pine Tree Legal or Maine Equal Justice.
SNAP Overpayments
An “overpayment” happens when DHHS uses the wrong information to figure out your Food Supplement amount and gives you too much in benefits. This can happen because you made a mistake or because they made a mistake. Read our article ‘Food Supplement Overpayments – Do I have to repay?’ to learn more.
My SNAP benefits were terminated. Now what?
If DHHS wants to reduce or terminate your SNAP benefits they must give you a written notice before that happens.
You have a right to a “fair hearing” with DHHS – but you need to ask for it. You can request a hearing by calling your local DHHS office or by putting your request in writing. If you make the request in writing you should keep a copy of the letter you send. You have 90 days to request a hearing.
If you request the hearing within 12 days of the date on the notice you may be able to keep your benefits until the hearing process is complete. If you keep your benefits during the fair hearing process but the result of the fair hearing is that you lose your benefits, you may have to pay DHHS back for the benefits you got while waiting for your hearing. In other words, you may have an overpayment. If you’re not sure if you should continue your benefits or not, contact Pine Tree Legal or Maine Equal Justice.