Food & Nutrition

Maine Food Supplement Program

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Supplement Program and formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in Maine pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card). This card, called the Maine Pine Tree Card, looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in Maine to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP Pine Tree purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does Maine SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Supplement Program and once known as Food Stamps, is run by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). DHHS offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in Maine?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or DHHS eligibility specialist can assist you.

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. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process and secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: You must have a phone interview with an eligibility specialist once DHHS receives your application.
Wait for a decision: Most Maine SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your new Maine Pine Tree Card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

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 able-bodied adults, with certain exceptions, must register for work and accept suitable employment.
The household must meet certain income limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

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

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the Maine SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In Maine, most households must meet a gross income limit of 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households with a member who is age 60+ or receives disability payments must only meet a net income limit of 100% FPL.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A DHHS eligibility specialist can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

20% earned income deduction
Standard deduction based on household size
Dependent care deduction
Medical expenses over $35 for older household members (60+) or members with a disability
Legally owed child support payments
Allowable deductions for utilities, rent, and mortgage/interest/property taxes

What are the Maine SNAP asset limits?

“Assets” refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). There is no asset limit in Maine for SNAP.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply for SNAP, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process 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 would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in Maine?

There are several ways to apply for Maine SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online through the My Maine Connection website. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply through My Maine Connection

To apply online:

Visit the My Maine Connection website.
If you want to check your eligibility before applying, click on ‘Prescreening Tool’ and answer a few questions.
To apply right away, 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 prompts to complete the benefits application. It should take you about 20 to 30 minutes (but you can save your progress 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 to verify the information.
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 guidance on 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 your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance 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.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in Maine?

It can take up to 30 days for DHHS to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from your local office, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

After you submit your application, you must have an interview with a DHHS eligibility specialist.

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your DHHS eligibility specialist can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

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?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will get a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for Maine SNAP, the letter you receive will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). 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 fair hearing. The letter you receive from DHHS will include instructions on how to do so.

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 impact your SNAP benefit amount; these changes must be reported by the 10th day of the month after the change occurs. You can report changes through your My Maine Connection account or by calling DHHS at 1-855-797-4357. Examples of situations to report 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

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in Maine?

You must renew your Maine SNAP benefits before your certification period ends to keep receiving benefits. You’ll get a notice in the mail when it’s time to renew along with instructions on how to do so.

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