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Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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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.

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.

To be eligible for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Maine and meet one of the following requirements:

  • You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or
  • You have a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with one of the following:
    • A person or persons age 60 and over or
    • 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:

Annual Household Income Limits (before taxes)
Household Size*Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1$27,861
2$37,814
3$47,767
4$57,720
5$67,673
6$77,626
7$87,579
8$97,532

*For households with more than eight people, add $9,953 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

To apply for this program, download and fill out an application:
Maine.gov Food Supplement Program

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:
Maine.gov District Office Locations in Maine

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.

Apply for Maine SNAP

For more information, visit:
Maine.gov

1-800-442-6003

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