Health & Public Benefits
COVID-19 Stimulus Checks & Public Benefits Eligibility in Maine
Posted and up-to-date on 4/29/2020
Introduction
Many people who will get a stimulus check under the CARES Act may also receive public benefits. You may be worried about whether getting a stimulus check will change your eligibility for public benefits.
Maine Public Benefits & COVID-19 FAQ
Posted and up-to-date on 12/15/2020
I need MaineCare, TANF, and/or SNAP (food stamps), where do I go to apply?
These services are run through the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Food Supplement Overpayments: Do I have to repay?
What to do if you get a notice of overpayment from DHHS.
Food Supplements and the 3 Month Time Limit: Can I Still Get Help?
Food Supplement rules limiting eligibility for some 18 - 50 year olds. Learn more to see if the rule applies to you.
My Maine Connection: Online Benefits Application Tool
Maine DHHS is offering this online tool My Maine Connection as another way to apply for benefits. You may still apply in person, if you prefer, or over the phone (in programs that allow phone applications). But this is now the most streamlined way to apply.
Will Getting A Big Tax Refund Make Me Lose My Benefits?
This year, you won’t have to worry about losing your benefits if you get a big tax refund. Starting in 2011, any tax refunds you get will not affect most public benefits, or how much you get!
Under the law passed in December 2010:
About Maine's Food Supplement Program (formerly Food Stamps)
Learn about how the Food Supplement Program works in Maine, where to apply, who is eligible, and how to calculate the amount of benefits you could be eligible for.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency Assistance (EA) is a program run by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). EA helps children and their families with some emergencies. The program does not cover all emergencies. You have to have children in your home, but you do not have to be on TANF, to get EA.
If you qualify, EA will pay certain basic needs. For… More
Using Your EBT Card to Get Food Supplements and TANF
Where can I use my card?
Stores post signs with the "Quest" card logo. In the lower left hand corner, these signs will display a simple "food supplements" logo, a dollar sign ($), or both. This indicates whether that store will let you use your card as payment for food (from your food supplements accoun