MAINE

What benefits can a single mother get in Maine?

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A single mother with two children in Maine with no income may qualify for up to $917 a month in cash assistance (TANF) and up to $808 a month in food benefits (SNAP). A one-time utility payment (LIHEAP) may add up to $1,012. Child care assistance and Medicaid coverage may also be available. Amounts shown are estimates, and actual benefits may vary based on household circumstances and program requirements.

Maine Benefits Overview

Last updated: November 8, 2026

Benefit amounts and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the administering agency.

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Estimated benefits for a single mother in Maine

Program	Estimated maximum amount
Cash Aid Short-term cash assistance for basic needs, rent, and utility bills.
TANF	$917a month
Food & Nutrition Grocery and nutrition assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Summer EBT, and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
SNAP	$808a month
Summer EBT	$240each summer
WIC	$52a month
Housing & Utilities Assistance with rent, home repairs, or heating/cooling bills.
LIHEAP	$1,012one time
Section 8	Check eligibility
Education & Training Tuition, books, and school expenses for single mothers returning to college or vocational training. Apply through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Pell Grant	$7,395a year
For the 2027—2028 academic year, a single mother in a household of 3 in Maine can earn up to $59,963 and still qualify for the maximum Pell grant of $7,395.
Other financial assistance programs Copay
Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP)	$0at this income
MaineCare	Check eligibility
If help is urgent
211 Maine points you to food pantries, shelters, and utility help across the state.

This is an unofficial benefits estimator. No personal data is collected or stored. Actual amounts may vary based on individual circumstances, location, eligibility criteria, and recent data updates at the time of application. The federal programs available in every state are described in the guide to grants for single mothers.

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 $917 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 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 $4,553 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. ¹

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.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 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.²

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
Maine WIC
(800) 437-9300

MaineCare

MaineCare provides coverage for eligible adults and children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with disabilities. Benefits include medical care, prescriptions, mental health and substance use treatment, and hospital services.

Under the Affordable Care Act expansion, eligible adults ages 19–64 may qualify with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $3,142 per month for a family of three. Children and young adults under 21 may qualify under higher income limits that vary by age.

How do I apply for MaineCare?

To check eligibility or apply for MaineCare, visit My Maine Connection  or call Maine DHHS’s Office for Family Independence at (855) 797-4357 for assistance.

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

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 $10,677 a month.

How do I apply for child care assistance in Maine?

Apply online at Maine Child Care Family Portal  or complete a signed CCSP Application⁵ 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 Eviction Prevention Program (EPP)

The Eviction Prevention Program (EPP) began accepting applications on September 21, 2026. Check the MaineHousing website  for updates on the program.

According to MaineHousing,⁶ the Eviction Prevention Program (EPP), Maine’s first rent relief program, helps tenants who may be facing an eviction and the loss of their housing.

It is funded by a one-time $11 million state allocation and administered by Project Home under a contract with MaineHousing.

You may be eligible if your household:

• has income less than 60% of local area median income for your household size and county
• pays monthly rent at or below 125% of fair market rents for the area in which you live
• does not have a federal housing voucher or live in subsidized housing

Apply online at evictionprevention.mainehousing.org , or contact Project Home by phone at (207) 274-1240, email, or mail.

Complete applications are processed first-come, first-served within these priority groups:

1. Households that received a court summons and complaint for eviction (forcible entry and detainer)
2. Households that received an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent
3. Households paying more than 30% of income in rent

Project Home
75 Washington Ave, Suite 2F,
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 274-1240

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.

HEAP serves those with a household income of no more than 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). That’s about $5,125 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 3, 2026, and will remain available until funds are exhausted or until May 29, 2027, whichever comes first.

MaineHousing
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
(207) 626-4600

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.

MaineHousing
Low-Income Assistance Program (LIAP)
(207) 626-4600

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 $4,058 per month for a two-person household. ⁷

As of May 1, 2026, Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) no longer delivers student navigator services for the HOPE and PaS programs. Current program contacts are listed on the Maine DHHS HOPE page .

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.

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

Maine Child Tax Credit

The Maine Dependent Exemption Tax Credit is a refundable state tax credit of $300 for each qualifying child and dependent. For a child who is under age 6 at the end of the tax year, the credit is $600.

The credit is reduced by $20 for each $500, or fraction of $500, of Maine adjusted gross income (AGI) above a threshold that depends on filing status.⁸

A taxpayer must be eligible to claim the federal child tax credit for the same tax year. A part-year resident or nonresident receives a prorated credit based on Maine income.⁸

How do I claim the Maine Child Tax Credit?

To claim the credit, file Form 1040ME and Schedule A, and complete the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit worksheet for Schedule A.⁹