MAINE

Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Maine TANF provides temporary cash assistance to eligible low-income families with children while they work toward self-sufficiency.

In addition to cash assistance, TANF may also provide support services such as child care, housing assistance, transportation assistance, and employment-related services.

Maine imposes a 60-month lifetime limit on receiving TANF benefits, with certain exceptions for older adults, people with disabilities, and children under age 18.

How much TANF can I get in Maine?

Maine offers the poorest families a maximum of $895 per month for a family of three. In addition to cash aid, eligible families may also get a housing supplement through Maine’s rent relief program.

Applications for Maine TANF can now be made online through My Maine Connection  or in person at your local DHHS office .

Families seeking one-time, short-term assistance while searching for employment may apply for Alternative Aid Assistance in place of TANF.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
(855) 797-4357

Maine Eviction Prevention Program (EPP)

The waitlist closed to new applications at 5:00pm local time on June 27, 2025. Check the MaineHousing website  for updates on the program.

In addition to cash aid, families earning less than 60% of local area median income and paying no more than 125% of fair market rents for the area in which they live may be eligible for Eviction Prevention Program (EPP), Maine’s first rent relief program, of up to $800 per month. ¹

Managed by MaineHousing, this new, eviction prevention program is designed to help tenants who may be facing an eviction and the loss of their housing.

To appy for EPP, contact your local Community Action Agency  (CAA), as they run the program locally on a first-come, first-served basis.

Maine Housing
Quality Housing Coalition
(207) 274-1240

Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Maine SNAP helps low-income Maine residents afford a nutritionally adequate diet, by providing monthly food benefits to purchase healthy, approved food items.

The program serves families with children, older adults, people with disabilities, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those receiving other forms of public assistance.

Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) between the ages of 18—64 can receive SNAP benefits for only 3 months in a 3-year period if they do not meet certain work requirements.

What is the income limit for SNAP in Maine?

Most families in Maine with gross income up to 200% of the federal poverty level, or about $4,442 per month, may qualify for food assistance.

How do I apply for food stamps in Maine?

You can apply for food stamps in Maine through My Maine Connection  or in person at your nearest DHHS office. All applicants are required to complete an interview, which can be done either in person or over the phone.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence 
(855) 797-4357

Maine SUN Bucks

SUN Bucks, also known as Summer-EBT, provides grocery-buying benefits to low-income families with school-aged children who lose access to free or reduced-price school meals during school summer vacation.

Each eligible child (ages 6—18) will get a one-time $120 benefit to buy groceries — that’s $40 per month for June, July, and August. The benefits will be added to an existing Pine Tree Card or a newly issued EBT card.

If you’re not sure if you need to apply or will get SUN Bucks automatically, use this eligibility screener  to find out.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Summer EBT Hotline
(855) 797-4357

Maine Free School Lunch Program

Maine’s National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally-subsidized meal program that provides free or discounted school meals to eligible children from low-income families.

Before the pandemic, Maine students were eligible for free or reduced breakfasts and lunches if their household income is 130% (free) or 185% (reduced) of the federal poverty guidelines.

For two years during the pandemic, federal waivers allowed every Maine student to receive free school meals, regardless of family income.

Are school lunches still free in Maine?

Yes, Maine was one of the first states to pass legislation providing free school lunches to all students post pandemic-era — a policy that has been adopted in a handful of other states. ²

In fact, Maine public schools are now required to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of how much money their family makes.

Maine Special Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Maine WIC is a supplemental nutrition program designed to improve the health of nutritionally at-risk women, infants and children. It does this by providing nutrition and health education, healthy food and other services, at no cost, to families who qualify.

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for WIC:

1. Live in Maine.
2. Be a pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding woman, an infant or a child under 5 years old.
3. Have a household income less than 185% of the poverty threshold.
4. Have a nutritional need or risk.

What is the income limit for WIC in Maine?

To be eligible on the basis of income, applicants must have a household income of less than or equal to 185% of the federal poverty level. That’s about $4,109 per month for a family of three.

How much does WIC pay per month in Maine?

Children ages 1—4 will now receive $26 per month, while pregnant and postpartum women receive $47 per month, and breastfeeding women receive $52 per month.

How do I apply for WIC in Maine?

To apply for WIC, contact your nearest WIC office  serving your area. You will be asked to provide proper ID, proof of residence and information about your household income to help determine your eligibility.

Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
WIC Nutrition Program
(800) 437-9300

MaineCare

MaineCare provides health coverage to eligible Maine residents who cannot afford the cost of medical care, including low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.

It covers essential health care services, including doctor visits, prescription medications, mental health and substance use disorder treatment, hospital care, surgery, and emergency services.

MaineCare primarily operates as a fee-for-service program for its general health coverage where the state pays doctors and hospitals directly.

What is the income limit for MaineCare in Maine?

As Maine has expanded its Medicaid, eligibility now includes all adults ages 19—64 with family income up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Eligibility for children under 21 was expanded to 305% of the FPL, significantly increasing the income threshold for families.³

Families over the income limit may still qualify through a “spend-down” program, which works like a deductible for medical expenses.

How do I apply for MaineCare for my child?

To see if you or your child is eligible for MaineCare, go to CoverME.gov  or call (855) 797-4357 if you prefer to enroll by phone.

How long does it take to get approved for MaineCare?

It usually takes DHHS a couple weeks to make a decision. If it takes them longer than 45 days, you may be able to get temporary coverage.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Office of MaineCare Services
(800) 977-6740

Maine Cub Care

Cub Care is the name for Maine’s Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that provides health coverage for children and young adults under 21.

There is no longer a premium for coverage or a waiting period for coverage to start. Eligible children receive the same comprehensive health coverage whether they qualify through MaineCare or Cub Care (CHIP), and neither program  currently charges a monthly premium.

All services that are covered by MaineCare are also covered by Cub Care, such as:

• Doctor visits
• Medications
• Behavioral health services
• Inpatient and outpatient hospital visits
• X-rays and labs
• Transportation to MaineCare covered services

If household income is over the limit for MaineCare or Cub Care (CHIP), children with severe disabilities may qualify for full MaineCare coverage through the Katie Beckett Program.

Katie Beckett Program

Children under age 19 with serious health conditions who are over the income level for free MaineCare may get MaineCare coverage through the Katie Beckett  program.

There is no income limit to Katie Beckett eligibility and children enrolled in Katie Beckett pay a low-cost premium for health coverage.

What is the income limit for Cub Care (CHIP)?

Eligibility for children and young adults (under 21) has been expanded to 305% of the federal poverty level, including non-citizen children regardless of immigration status.³

How do I apply for Cub Care for my child?

To apply for Cub Care (CHIP), go to CoverME.gov  or call (855) 797-4357 if you prefer to enroll by phone or speak with an eligibility specialist.

Maine Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP)

Maine Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP) provides child care subsidy for eligible families in Maine who need help paying for child care. It is also available for families where the adult(s) are retired and are the legal guardian of a child.

The subsidy amount varies based on the your gross monthly income, family size, and type and cost of care AND since it is a subsidy, you may be required to pay a portion of child care costs on a sliding scale. This copay is waived for families under 30% of state median income.

What is the income limit for child care assistance in Maine?

Families with gross income less than or equal to 125% of the State Median Income (SMI) are eligible to apply for subsidy. ⁴ For example, income eligibility limit for a family of three is at or below $10,331 a month.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Maine?

Complete a signed CCSP Application  along with a copy of all required documentation and return it to the address stated in the application.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Child & Family Services
(877) 680-5866

Maine Section 8 Program

Maine’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program provides rental assistance to income-eligible  tenants by subsidizing a portion of their monthly rents and paying it directly to their landlords.

Eligible participants are free to choose any housing of their choice, including single-family homes, townhouses and apartments and are expected to pay no more than 30% of their income for rent.

To apply for Maine Section 8, check the link provided below to see if the county you live in is currently open and accepting new applications.

Apply online at
https://www.affordablehousing.com/mainecwl 

MaineHousing
Housing Choice Voucher Program
(866) 357-4853

Maine Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Maine Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps income-eligible households pay their energy bills, with a primary focus on winter home heating costs.

Eligible households may receive a one-time credit of up to $1,012 per season. Priority is given to households that include an elderly or disabled member, or a child under age 5.

Approved applicants may also receive a credit on their electric bill through the Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP) or a discounted rate for gas service.

What is the income limit for HEAP in Maine?

HEAP serves those with a household income of no more than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). That’s about $4,959 per month for a family of three.

How do I apply for HEAP in Maine?

Applications for the HEAP Program are handled by your local Community Action Agency. To apply for HEAP, contact the Community Action Agency  that serves your county.

Applications for HEAP will open on August 1, 2025, and will remain available until funds are exhausted or until May 29, 2026, whichever comes first.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
(877) 544-3271

Maine Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)

Households who are already enrolled in LIHEAP, will be automatically enrolled in the state’s Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP) program.

Qualified households receive a credit on their electric utility bill, which is applied to their account. Credits vary based on income, household size and electricity usage.

As of 2026, the program is shifting from lump-sum payments to predictable monthly discounts to help families budget more effectively.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
(877) 544-3271

Maine Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP)

NOTICE: Funding is no longer available for LIHWAP. Households may not receive LIHWAP benefits at this time.

Maine LIHWAP is a temporary emergency program designed to help low-income households and families who have fallen behind on their water and wastewater bills.

Households eligible for LIHWAP benefits will have a one-time credit applied to their water utilities account. It covers unpaid bill balances, property liens for water utility non-payment and bills for customers facing a disconnection notice.

How do I get help with my water bill in Maine?

If you are in danger of falling behind on your water bills and need help, you need to submit a completed application along with copies of the documents listed here  to:

Maine Housing, Energy & Housing Services
26 Edison Drive
Augusta, ME 04330

Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave

Beginning May 1, 2026, workers across Maine will be eligible for paid family and medical leave under Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) law.

The program provides job-protected, paid leave benefits for up to 12 weeks within a year to eligible employees needing time off for family or personal health.

To receive benefits, employees must have earned at least six times the average weekly wage during their base period, with job protection for those who have worked for at least 120 consecutive days.

Applications are not yet open to the public. The Maine Department of Labor expects to begin accepting applications in April 2026 for leave occurring on or after May 1, 2026.

Maine Department of Labor
Division of Paid Leave
(207) 621-5024

Maine Unemployment Insurance

Maine Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary weekly financial assistance to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

In order to be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period’ and must have:

1. at least $7,193 in total wages during the base period (the oldest 4 quarters of the last 5 completed quarters), and
2. at least $2,398 in 2 of the last four quarters.

If your total base-period wages were $7,500, but only one quarter had $2,500 or more in earnings, you would not qualify since Maine requires at least $2,398 to be earned in two separate quarters.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in Maine?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $623 per week for a maximum of 623 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.

In addition, you can receive an additional $25 per week per dependent, capped at 75% of your weekly benefit amount.

How do I file my weekly unemployment claim in Maine?

To file a new claim or a weekly claim, visit Maine’s unemployment portal . If you prefer to file by phone, contact the Maine Unemployment Claims Center at (800) 593-7660.

Maine Department of Labor
Unemployment Claims Center
(800) 593-7660

Maine State Grant Program

Maine State Grant Program is a need-based program that provides grants to undergraduate students in Maine who complete the FAFSA no later than the May 1 deadline.

Because this is a need-based grant, your Student Aid Index (SAI) must not exceed 10,000 to meet the maximum SAI requirement set for each year.

The award amount is up to $2,500 per year for a full-time student. If you are enrolled less than full-time, you may be eligible for a pro-rated amount.

No application is required. If you file your FAFSA by the May 1 deadline and meet the eligibility criteria, you will automatically be considered for the grant.

Finance Authority of Maine
Financial Aid Office
(800) 228-3734

Maine Parents as Scholars (PaS)

Parents as Scholars (PaS) is a TANF program that helps low-income parents who are enrolled in two or four-year college studies with:

• up to $3,500 for tuition costs per academic year,
• monthly cash benefits equal to TANF cash benefits, and
• support services including child-care, transportation reimbursement, car repairs, book and supplies.

Parents as Scholars participants must be enrolled for 12 credits each semester, spend at least 20 hours per week in the program and maintain a GPA of 2.0.

Parents may apply for the PaS Program at the time of application for TANF, or any time while receiving TANF benefits.

Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
(855) 797-4357

Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE)

Another program offered by DHHS to assist low-income Maine families pursue training and education beyond high school is the Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment  or the HOPE Program.

Whether you are seeking a short-term training certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree, the HOPE Program has the tools and resources to help you.

The HOPE and PaS Programs offer support in covering many of the costs related to training and education — up to $6,000 for tuition costs per academic year.

The HOPE program is for parents or caretakers who earn less than 225% of the federal poverty level (FPL), or about $3,966 per month for a two-person household. ⁵

Along with financial support, a core component of both the HOPE and PaS programs is Pathway Navigator services provided by Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG).

Your JMG Pathway Navigator will help you problem-solve both academic and personal obstacles that may get in your way as you pursue your credential.

More information about the Pathway Navigator program is available on the JMG website  or call (207) 620-7180.

Maine Earned Income Tax Credit

Maine has officially established a refundable Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which is a significant tax policy for low- to moderate-income workers in the state.

For years, Maine’s EITC remains one of the smallest in the nation at 12 percent. The recent EITC expansion increased the state EITC from 12 percent to 25 percent for earners with children.

For filers who are 18 to 24 years of age with no qualifying children, the credit is set at 50 percent.

How much is Maine Earned Income Credit?

Can I get a refund if I owe no tax in Maine?

If your Maine EITC is $2,012 and you owe $1,000 in state income tax, the credit cancels your tax bill and you receive the remaining $1,012 as a refund as illustrated in the table below:

How do I claim the Maine EIC?

To claim the credit, file Form 1040ME, Schedule A, and the Worksheet for Earned Income Tax Credit. Maine tax forms are available here .