Maine Food Supplement Program

As we age, good nutrition is a big part of staying active and independent. The Maine Food Supplement Program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and once called Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Maine pay for food and eat better on a budget.

If you're approved for SNAP, you’ll get an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the Maine Pine Tree Card. It works just like a prepaid debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Maine to buy food. You can also make SNAP EBT card purchases on Amazon.

It’s worth checking Maine SNAP eligibility for yourself or someone you care for. The average older adult gets $188 each month to help with groceries.Find out if you’re eligible right now by using the state’s screening tool (click here).

Frequently asked questions

• How does Maine SNAP work?

• What is the SNAP application process like in Maine?

• How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

• How do I apply for SNAP in Maine?

• What happens after I apply for SNAP in Maine?

• How can I get help with my application?

• Other important tips to know

How does Maine SNAP work?

SNAP helps people with low income afford the food they need to stay healthy. If you’re eligible, you can use your benefits to buy groceries each month, like fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, nuts, bread, and seeds to grow food. Maine SNAP can help free up money in your budget for other needs, like utility bills, prescriptions, and medical care.

The SNAP/Food Supplement Program is run by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Local DHHS offices help people apply for SNAP, manage their benefits, and get answers to questions.

What is the SNAP application process like in Maine?

Applying for SNAP is not as hard as you might think. A friend, family member, or DHHS worker can help you through the process.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for Maine SNAP/Food Supplement Program:

• Fill out an application: You can apply for Maine SNAP online or by mail, email, or fax. You can also get help applying over the phone. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You don’t need any documents to start the application, but you must complete and submit your application before you can get a benefit start date.

• Have an interview: You must have a phone interview with a case worker once DHHS receives your application.

• Wait for a decision: Most Maine SNAP applications are reviewed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you need food now, you may be able to have your application reviewed faster.

• Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new Maine Pine Tree Card in the mail.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

• All applicants must be a resident of Maine.

• All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.

• All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

• Most adult applicants must meet certain work requirements.

• Your household must meet certain income (and sometimes asset) guidelines. Special SNAP rules apply to households with older adults (60+) and people with disabilities. This can make it easier to qualify, even if your income looks too high.

What are the SNAP work requirements in Maine?

As of Feb. 1, 2026, federal SNAP work rules have changed for some people:

• Under the new rules, adults age 55–64 who do not have dependents may now need to work or join a SNAP job training program for 80 hours each month to keep their benefits. The age limit for these rules used to be 55.

• Volunteer work may count toward the 80 hours.

• Some caregivers may not have to follow these work rules. The details are still being worked out.

• Veterans must now follow these work rules, too.

These changes may affect how long you can get Maine SNAP benefits, especially if you’re in an area where jobs are hard to find. Talk to your local DHHS office to find out what these new work rules mean for you.

How much SNAP can I get in Maine?

The amount of money you will get in Maine SNAP/Food Supplement benefits depends on:

• How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security

• How many people live with you

If you’re age 60+ or have a disability, you may be able to get more Food Supplement benefits by reporting monthly costs like medical bills (over $35), housing costs, and utility bills. In 2026, the average monthly SNAP benefit for a one-person household is $188.

What are the Maine SNAP income limits?

There are income guidelines to qualify for SNAP. In Maine, most households can apply if their gross (total, before taxes) income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. But special SNAP rules give more flexibility to people who are age 60+ or have a disability. Many older adults are surprised they qualify for SNAP and get more help than they expected. The best way to know for sure is to apply.

The general SNAP guidelines below apply from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Your local DHHS office can tell you if you qualify. You can also check your eligibility now—just scroll up and click the black “See If You May Be Eligible” button.

Family size Maximum gross monthly income (200% FPL)

1 $ 2,609

2 $ 3,525

3 $ 4,442

4 $ 5,359

5 $ 6,275

For each additional person, add: +$ 917

Source: Maine DHHS - SNAP Eligibility (October 2025)

Some Maine SNAP households may also have to meet an asset limit. Assets are things you own that can be turned into money, like cash, bank accounts, or property (not your home).

How do I apply for SNAP in Maine?

If you wish, you can first check your SNAP eligibility on the DHHS website. If you qualify, follow the steps below.

• Get important documents ready

You’ll be asked for information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather the following details to make things easier:

• Household income from jobs, child support, and other income sources

• Social Security numbers and birth dates of all household members

• Housing (rent/mortgage) and utility (phone, electric, gas, water) costs

• Child care or dependent care costs

• Medical costs (if you are age 60+ or have a disability)

Examples of documents you may need to verify (prove) the information above include:

• Driver's license or other government-issued ID

• Birth certificate

• Bank statements

• Pension statements

• Social Security statements

• Pay stubs

• Tax returns

• Social Security card

• Proof of household expenses (such as utility and phone bills)

• Marriage license or divorce decree

• For those age 60+ or with a disability: billing statements, mileage or transportation costs to/from medical appointments, itemized receipts for medical expenses (prescription drugs, medical supplies, etc.)

If you want a friend or family member to help you gather documents, complete your SNAP application, and join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative.

2. Complete an application

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the My Maine Connection website. All your personal information is kept 100% private and protected by special security technology.

Apply through My Maine Connection

To apply online:

• Visit the My Maine Connection website.

• Click ‘Apply for Benefits’ on the Home page.

• If you already have an account, enter your username and password and click ‘Sign in.’

• If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an account’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password.

• Once you have logged in, click on ‘Apply for Benefits’ and watch the video tutorial on the next page. When you’re done, click on ‘Start Benefits Application.’

• Carefully review the information in the window that pops up and click ‘I Agree.’

• Follow the steps to complete the application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your info and come back if you need to).

Tips for success:

• Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait.

• If English is not your primary language, you can choose an alternative language from the horizontal menu at the top of your screen.

• Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page for additional help using My Maine Connection. You can also contact DHHS at 1-855-797-4357 or email MMCHelp.DHHS@maine.gov.

OTHER WAYS TO APPLY

Apply in person or by mail

To apply in person or by mail, you will first need to download, print, and complete a paper SNAP application:

• SNAP Application (English)

Once completed, you can drop it off at the DHHS office closest to you or mail it to:

Office for Family Independence

114 Corn Shop Lane

Farmington, ME 04938

Apply by fax, email, or over the phone

To apply by fax, fax the completed form to 1-207-778-8429. If you choose to email your application, email it to Farmington.DHHS@maine.gov

To apply for Maine SNAP over the phone, call 1-855-797-4357 to speak with an eligibility specialist. TTY Users: Dial 711(Maine Relay).

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get Maine SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if you need food now. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP if you meet at least one of the following conditions:

• Your household's monthly rent/mortgage and utilities costs are more than its gross monthly income.

• Your household's gross monthly income is less than $150 and its resources, such as cash or bank accounts, total $100 or less.

• Your household includes members who are destitute migrant or seasonal farm workers.

Need food today? Visit the Maine.gov website to find a list of food resources by town while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your Maine SNAP application.

You can:

• Call 1-855-797-4357 to speak with a DHHS eligibility specialist.

• Call the Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine at 1-207-782-3554 or email SNAPoutreach@gsfb.org.

• Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

• Call NCOA’s HelpLine at [1-800-794-6559](tel:1-800-794-6559) anytime Monday–Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST to get free support.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Maine?

It can take up to 30 days for DHHS to review your SNAP/Food Supplement application. If you qualify for expedited (faster) benefits, you may receive them in about 7 days. If you are approved, your benefits can start as early as the date you applied.

Be sure to check your mail often and answer phone calls, even if the number looks unknown. Your local office may contact you about your application.

After you apply, you must have an interview with a DHHS worker.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry. The interview is not meant to stop you from getting SNAP. Your DHHS case worker is just checking the information you already gave. They can also explain the program, answer your questions, and help you get any papers you are having trouble finding.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

• What is your full name and birthday?

• What is your Social Security number?

• Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)

• Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)

• What is your monthly income?

• Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?

• What other regular bills do you have?

Practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with someone else. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once your application and interview are complete and DHHS has reviewed everything, you will get a letter. It will tell you if you were approved or denied for Maine SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will show your benefit amount and when benefits will start. If you are denied, the notice will tell you why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Maine SNAP, the letter you receive will show your monthly benefit amount and how long you’ll get benefits for. For most Maine households, that period is 12 months.

Other important tips to know

What if my Maine SNAP application is denied?

If your application for SNAP is denied, and you disagree with the reason, you have 90 days from the decision date to request a hearing. During the hearing, a judge will review your case. Read the letter you receive from DHHS for instructions.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can sign into your My Maine Connection account anytime to:

• Check the status of your SNAP application

• Upload documents

• Renew your benefits

• Report changes

• View your notifications

How do I manage my Maine Pine Tree Card (EBT)?

To create or change your Pine Tree Card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call the Customer Service hotline at 1-800-477-7428 (or the number on the back of your card). You can also manage your card by registering on the EBT website.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can affect your SNAP benefit amount. Examples include:

• A change in the number of people in your household

• A change of address

• A change in employment income/work hours

• A change in child support legal obligations

• Lottery winnings over a certain amount

You can report changes through your My Maine Connection account or by calling DHHS at 1-855-797-4357.

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Maine?

You must renew your Maine SNAP before your time period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew.