Maine TANF
Maine TANF is designed to provide temporary cash assistance to children and their parents while the family works toward self-sufficiency. 1
It offers monthly payments based on family size, income, and housing costs, plus services like the Parents as Scholars (PaS) program for student parents.
Apart from cash aid, benefits include vouchers for child care and transportation assistance, employment support,2 intended to meet the basic needs of the families.
FAQ
How do I qualify for TANF in Maine?
To qualify for TANF in Maine, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
- Be a resident of the state of Maine.
- Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
- Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
- Have countable assets below $2000.
How much TANF can I get in Maine?
In Maine, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $895 per month.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $425 |
| 2 | $669 |
| 3 | $895 |
| 4 | $1,127 |
| 5 | $1,352 |
| 6 | $1,580 |
| 7 | $1,811 |
| 8 | $2,040 |
How long can I get TANF in Maine?
Maine has a 60-month lifetime limit for receiving TANF, with some exceptions for the elderly, disabled persons, and children under age 18.
How do I apply for TANF in Maine?
Applications for Maine TANF can now be made online through My Maine Connection or in person at your local DHHS office .
Once your application is received, a DHHS caseworker will call you to arrange a face-to-face interview and an orientation meeting to determine your eligibility.
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
(855) 797-4357
What if I need emergency cash assistance in Maine?
Families who seek one-time, short-term assistance while searching for a job may apply for Alternative Aid Assistance instead of ongoing TANF benefits.
Voucher payments equal to up to three (3) months worth of TANF benefits are available to families during a difficult period. No cash payment is made to the family.
| Household Size | Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,275 |
| 2 | $2,007 |
| 3 | $2,685 |
| 4 | $3,381 |
| 5 | $4,056 |
| 6 | $4,740 |
| 7 | $5,433 |
| 8 | $6,120 |
Footnotes
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Up until recently TANF benefits were limited to single parent families or 2-parent families in which one parent was disabled or unemployed. This rule has been changed so that all families with very low income and children at home, may now qualify for TANF. ↩
-
The Higher Opportunity for Pathways to Employment (HOPE) program, which is a component of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Maine provides financial assistance for low-income parents to pursue education or training beyond high school. ↩