Maine EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025

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Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly grocery budget. For residents of Maine, your EBT deposit schedule follows a specific pattern, and understanding it helps you manage your finances without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maine

In Maine, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the last digit of your day of birth, not your case number. Your payment will arrive between the 10th and 14th of each month according to the following schedule:

10th of the month: Birth day ends in 0 or 9
11th of the month: Birth day ends in 1 or 8
12th of the month: Birth day ends in 2 or 3
13th of the month: Birth day ends in 4 or 7
14th of the month: Birth day ends in 5 or 6

If you receive cash assistance like TANF on your Pine Tree Card, those funds are also deposited on the same day as your SNAP benefits.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maine

You can confirm your deposit has arrived through a quick balance check. There are a few different ways to see your current EBT balance. For a complete list of options, review our guide on EBT balance checks in Maine. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Benny app: Download the Benny app, create a profile, and link your Pine Tree card. The home screen shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides automatic cash back from purchases at many national chains.
Pine Tree Card portal: Go to the official Pine Tree Card website to create an account or log in. Your current SNAP and Cash balances appear under the “Account Summary” section, where you can also review your transaction history.
EBT Customer Service: Call the 24-hour automated phone line at 1-800-477-7428. After you enter your card number and PIN, the system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances. This phone number is provided by the Maine DHHS.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from paperwork problems to technical glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be put on hold if required paperwork is missing or incomplete. This includes late recertification reports, unsigned forms, or outstanding verification of your income and expenses. A case may also be frozen if you miss a required interview or fail to report household changes, pending a review by the Office for Family Independence.

Work or Program Requirement Sanctions

Benefits may be suspended if you do not meet certain work or program rules. For SNAP recipients, this can happen if you quit a job or refuse suitable work. For TANF recipients, a similar hold can occur for not complying with ASPIRE participation or child support cooperation requirements.

System or Technology Problems

Sometimes the delay is caused by technical issues beyond your control. Statewide or even multi-state outages of the EBT processing network can prevent new funds from being loaded onto your card. Service is typically restored once the vendor resolves the problem.

Staffing or Processing Backlogs

Delays can also stem from internal processing backlogs at the Office for Family Independence. Significant understaffing and heavy caseloads for eligibility specialists can slow down the authorization and entry of benefits, pushing back the date your funds are issued.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Maine, any unused EBT benefits automatically roll over to the next month. This rule applies to both Food Supplement (SNAP) funds and cash assistance balances on your card. Your total balance will remain available for you to use as long as your account stays active.

To keep your account active, you must use your card at least once every nine consecutive months. Any transaction, including a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry, will reset the nine-month clock. If an account has no activity for nine months, the state permanently removes the remaining funds.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Watching your EBT balance drop to zero before the end of the month is a stressful experience. While this presents a real challenge, it does not mean you are out of options. There are several avenues you can pursue to secure food for your family.

Jump-Start New Benefits Before the Month Ends

You may qualify for “Expedited Food Supplement” benefits, which can arrive in as little as seven days. This emergency SNAP is for households where rent and utilities exceed income, gross income is under $150 with less than $100 in cash, or which include destitute migrant or seasonal workers.

Call the Office for Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357 or submit an application on My Maine Connection.
State that you are requesting “expedited service.”
Keep your ID, recent pay stubs, and utility or rent receipts handy for the same-day phone interview.

If you lost food from a power outage, storm, or appliance failure that lasted at least eight hours, you can request replacement benefits. File the DHHS SNAP Loss and Replacement form within 10 days of the loss by emailing it or dropping it at a district office.

Ask DHHS to Recalculate Your Case

If your circumstances have changed, ask DHHS to recalculate your case for a larger deposit next month. This can also trigger back payments for months you were under-paid. Gather proof of any changes that could increase your benefit amount.

Higher rent or new childcare costs.
Medical bills over $35 per month for seniors or disabled members.
Reduced work hours or a new person joining your household.

Log in to My Maine Connection to “Report a Change” and upload your documents. You can also call 1-855-797-4357 to request an eligibility interview for the Food Supplement program. OFI will issue a written decision on your case.

Rotate Through Multiple Free-Food Sources

Maine has a robust network of free food resources that you can find using statewide locators. Rotating through several can help fill your pantry. Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Map pinpoints pantries that often let you choose your own items, and most allow at least one visit per week.

Also, check the Maine Food Finder for hot-meal sites and school “grab-and-go” dinner programs that serve adults. Remember to call ahead, bring reusable bags, and ask if leftovers are available at closing time to stretch your supplies even further.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly grocery budget. For residents of Maine, your EBT deposit schedule follows a specific pattern, and understanding it helps you manage your finances without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maine

In Maine, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the last digit of your day of birth, not your case number. Your payment will arrive between the 10th and 14th of each month according to the following schedule:

10th of the month: Birth day ends in 0 or 9
11th of the month: Birth day ends in 1 or 8
12th of the month: Birth day ends in 2 or 3
13th of the month: Birth day ends in 4 or 7
14th of the month: Birth day ends in 5 or 6

If you receive cash assistance like TANF on your Pine Tree Card, those funds are also deposited on the same day as your SNAP benefits.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maine

You can confirm your deposit has arrived through a quick balance check. There are a few different ways to see your current EBT balance. For a complete list of options, review our guide on EBT balance checks in Maine. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Benny app: Download the Benny app, create a profile, and link your Pine Tree card. The home screen shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides automatic cash back from purchases at many national chains.
Pine Tree Card portal: Go to the official Pine Tree Card website to create an account or log in. Your current SNAP and Cash balances appear under the “Account Summary” section, where you can also review your transaction history.
EBT Customer Service: Call the 24-hour automated phone line at 1-800-477-7428. After you enter your card number and PIN, the system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances. This phone number is provided by the Maine DHHS.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from paperwork problems to technical glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be put on hold if required paperwork is missing or incomplete. This includes late recertification reports, unsigned forms, or outstanding verification of your income and expenses. A case may also be frozen if you miss a required interview or fail to report household changes, pending a review by the Office for Family Independence.

Work or Program Requirement Sanctions

Benefits may be suspended if you do not meet certain work or program rules. For SNAP recipients, this can happen if you quit a job or refuse suitable work. For TANF recipients, a similar hold can occur for not complying with ASPIRE participation or child support cooperation requirements.

System or Technology Problems

Sometimes the delay is caused by technical issues beyond your control. Statewide or even multi-state outages of the EBT processing network can prevent new funds from being loaded onto your card. Service is typically restored once the vendor resolves the problem.

Staffing or Processing Backlogs

Delays can also stem from internal processing backlogs at the Office for Family Independence. Significant understaffing and heavy caseloads for eligibility specialists can slow down the authorization and entry of benefits, pushing back the date your funds are issued.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Maine, any unused EBT benefits automatically roll over to the next month. This rule applies to both Food Supplement (SNAP) funds and cash assistance balances on your card. Your total balance will remain available for you to use as long as your account stays active.

To keep your account active, you must use your card at least once every nine consecutive months. Any transaction, including a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry, will reset the nine-month clock. If an account has no activity for nine months, the state permanently removes the remaining funds.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Watching your EBT balance drop to zero before the end of the month is a stressful experience. While this presents a real challenge, it does not mean you are out of options. There are several avenues you can pursue to secure food for your family.

Jump-Start New Benefits Before the Month Ends

You may qualify for “Expedited Food Supplement” benefits, which can arrive in as little as seven days. This emergency SNAP is for households where rent and utilities exceed income, gross income is under $150 with less than $100 in cash, or which include destitute migrant or seasonal workers.

Call the Office for Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357 or submit an application on My Maine Connection.
State that you are requesting “expedited service.”
Keep your ID, recent pay stubs, and utility or rent receipts handy for the same-day phone interview.

If you lost food from a power outage, storm, or appliance failure that lasted at least eight hours, you can request replacement benefits. File the DHHS SNAP Loss and Replacement form within 10 days of the loss by emailing it or dropping it at a district office.

Ask DHHS to Recalculate Your Case

If your circumstances have changed, ask DHHS to recalculate your case for a larger deposit next month. This can also trigger back payments for months you were under-paid. Gather proof of any changes that could increase your benefit amount.

Higher rent or new childcare costs.
Medical bills over $35 per month for seniors or disabled members.
Reduced work hours or a new person joining your household.

Log in to My Maine Connection to “Report a Change” and upload your documents. You can also call 1-855-797-4357 to request an eligibility interview for the Food Supplement program. OFI will issue a written decision on your case.

Rotate Through Multiple Free-Food Sources

Maine has a robust network of free food resources that you can find using statewide locators. Rotating through several can help fill your pantry. Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Map pinpoints pantries that often let you choose your own items, and most allow at least one visit per week.

Also, check the Maine Food Finder for hot-meal sites and school “grab-and-go” dinner programs that serve adults. Remember to call ahead, bring reusable bags, and ask if leftovers are available at closing time to stretch your supplies even further.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly grocery budget. For residents of Maine, your EBT deposit schedule follows a specific pattern, and understanding it helps you manage your finances without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maine

In Maine, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the last digit of your day of birth, not your case number. Your payment will arrive between the 10th and 14th of each month according to the following schedule:

10th of the month: Birth day ends in 0 or 9
11th of the month: Birth day ends in 1 or 8
12th of the month: Birth day ends in 2 or 3
13th of the month: Birth day ends in 4 or 7
14th of the month: Birth day ends in 5 or 6

If you receive cash assistance like TANF on your Pine Tree Card, those funds are also deposited on the same day as your SNAP benefits.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maine

You can confirm your deposit has arrived through a quick balance check. There are a few different ways to see your current EBT balance. For a complete list of options, review our guide on EBT balance checks in Maine. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Benny app: Download the Benny app, create a profile, and link your Pine Tree card. The home screen shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides automatic cash back from purchases at many national chains.
Pine Tree Card portal: Go to the official Pine Tree Card website to create an account or log in. Your current SNAP and Cash balances appear under the “Account Summary” section, where you can also review your transaction history.
EBT Customer Service: Call the 24-hour automated phone line at 1-800-477-7428. After you enter your card number and PIN, the system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances. This phone number is provided by the Maine DHHS.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from paperwork problems to technical glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be put on hold if required paperwork is missing or incomplete. This includes late recertification reports, unsigned forms, or outstanding verification of your income and expenses. A case may also be frozen if you miss a required interview or fail to report household changes, pending a review by the Office for Family Independence.

Work or Program Requirement Sanctions

Benefits may be suspended if you do not meet certain work or program rules. For SNAP recipients, this can happen if you quit a job or refuse suitable work. For TANF recipients, a similar hold can occur for not complying with ASPIRE participation or child support cooperation requirements.

System or Technology Problems

Sometimes the delay is caused by technical issues beyond your control. Statewide or even multi-state outages of the EBT processing network can prevent new funds from being loaded onto your card. Service is typically restored once the vendor resolves the problem.

Staffing or Processing Backlogs

Delays can also stem from internal processing backlogs at the Office for Family Independence. Significant understaffing and heavy caseloads for eligibility specialists can slow down the authorization and entry of benefits, pushing back the date your funds are issued.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Maine, any unused EBT benefits automatically roll over to the next month. This rule applies to both Food Supplement (SNAP) funds and cash assistance balances on your card. Your total balance will remain available for you to use as long as your account stays active.

To keep your account active, you must use your card at least once every nine consecutive months. Any transaction, including a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry, will reset the nine-month clock. If an account has no activity for nine months, the state permanently removes the remaining funds.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Watching your EBT balance drop to zero before the end of the month is a stressful experience. While this presents a real challenge, it does not mean you are out of options. There are several avenues you can pursue to secure food for your family.

Jump-Start New Benefits Before the Month Ends

You may qualify for “Expedited Food Supplement” benefits, which can arrive in as little as seven days. This emergency SNAP is for households where rent and utilities exceed income, gross income is under $150 with less than $100 in cash, or which include destitute migrant or seasonal workers.

Call the Office for Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357 or submit an application on My Maine Connection.
State that you are requesting “expedited service.”
Keep your ID, recent pay stubs, and utility or rent receipts handy for the same-day phone interview.

If you lost food from a power outage, storm, or appliance failure that lasted at least eight hours, you can request replacement benefits. File the DHHS SNAP Loss and Replacement form within 10 days of the loss by emailing it or dropping it at a district office.

Ask DHHS to Recalculate Your Case

If your circumstances have changed, ask DHHS to recalculate your case for a larger deposit next month. This can also trigger back payments for months you were under-paid. Gather proof of any changes that could increase your benefit amount.

Higher rent or new childcare costs.
Medical bills over $35 per month for seniors or disabled members.
Reduced work hours or a new person joining your household.

Log in to My Maine Connection to “Report a Change” and upload your documents. You can also call 1-855-797-4357 to request an eligibility interview for the Food Supplement program. OFI will issue a written decision on your case.

Rotate Through Multiple Free-Food Sources

Maine has a robust network of free food resources that you can find using statewide locators. Rotating through several can help fill your pantry. Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Map pinpoints pantries that often let you choose your own items, and most allow at least one visit per week.

Also, check the Maine Food Finder for hot-meal sites and school “grab-and-go” dinner programs that serve adults. Remember to call ahead, bring reusable bags, and ask if leftovers are available at closing time to stretch your supplies even further.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly grocery budget. For residents of Maine, your EBT deposit schedule follows a specific pattern, and understanding it helps you manage your finances without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maine

In Maine, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the last digit of your day of birth, not your case number. Your payment will arrive between the 10th and 14th of each month according to the following schedule:

10th of the month: Birth day ends in 0 or 9
11th of the month: Birth day ends in 1 or 8
12th of the month: Birth day ends in 2 or 3
13th of the month: Birth day ends in 4 or 7
14th of the month: Birth day ends in 5 or 6

If you receive cash assistance like TANF on your Pine Tree Card, those funds are also deposited on the same day as your SNAP benefits.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maine

You can confirm your deposit has arrived through a quick balance check. There are a few different ways to see your current EBT balance. For a complete list of options, review our guide on EBT balance checks in Maine. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Benny app: Download the Benny app, create a profile, and link your Pine Tree card. The home screen shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides automatic cash back from purchases at many national chains.
Pine Tree Card portal: Go to the official Pine Tree Card website to create an account or log in. Your current SNAP and Cash balances appear under the “Account Summary” section, where you can also review your transaction history.
EBT Customer Service: Call the 24-hour automated phone line at 1-800-477-7428. After you enter your card number and PIN, the system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances. This phone number is provided by the Maine DHHS.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from paperwork problems to technical glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be put on hold if required paperwork is missing or incomplete. This includes late recertification reports, unsigned forms, or outstanding verification of your income and expenses. A case may also be frozen if you miss a required interview or fail to report household changes, pending a review by the Office for Family Independence.

Work or Program Requirement Sanctions

Benefits may be suspended if you do not meet certain work or program rules. For SNAP recipients, this can happen if you quit a job or refuse suitable work. For TANF recipients, a similar hold can occur for not complying with ASPIRE participation or child support cooperation requirements.

System or Technology Problems

Sometimes the delay is caused by technical issues beyond your control. Statewide or even multi-state outages of the EBT processing network can prevent new funds from being loaded onto your card. Service is typically restored once the vendor resolves the problem.

Staffing or Processing Backlogs

Delays can also stem from internal processing backlogs at the Office for Family Independence. Significant understaffing and heavy caseloads for eligibility specialists can slow down the authorization and entry of benefits, pushing back the date your funds are issued.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Maine, any unused EBT benefits automatically roll over to the next month. This rule applies to both Food Supplement (SNAP) funds and cash assistance balances on your card. Your total balance will remain available for you to use as long as your account stays active.

To keep your account active, you must use your card at least once every nine consecutive months. Any transaction, including a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry, will reset the nine-month clock. If an account has no activity for nine months, the state permanently removes the remaining funds.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Watching your EBT balance drop to zero before the end of the month is a stressful experience. While this presents a real challenge, it does not mean you are out of options. There are several avenues you can pursue to secure food for your family.

Jump-Start New Benefits Before the Month Ends

You may qualify for “Expedited Food Supplement” benefits, which can arrive in as little as seven days. This emergency SNAP is for households where rent and utilities exceed income, gross income is under $150 with less than $100 in cash, or which include destitute migrant or seasonal workers.

Call the Office for Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357 or submit an application on My Maine Connection.
State that you are requesting “expedited service.”
Keep your ID, recent pay stubs, and utility or rent receipts handy for the same-day phone interview.

If you lost food from a power outage, storm, or appliance failure that lasted at least eight hours, you can request replacement benefits. File the DHHS SNAP Loss and Replacement form within 10 days of the loss by emailing it or dropping it at a district office.

Ask DHHS to Recalculate Your Case

If your circumstances have changed, ask DHHS to recalculate your case for a larger deposit next month. This can also trigger back payments for months you were under-paid. Gather proof of any changes that could increase your benefit amount.

Higher rent or new childcare costs.
Medical bills over $35 per month for seniors or disabled members.
Reduced work hours or a new person joining your household.

Log in to My Maine Connection to “Report a Change” and upload your documents. You can also call 1-855-797-4357 to request an eligibility interview for the Food Supplement program. OFI will issue a written decision on your case.

Rotate Through Multiple Free-Food Sources

Maine has a robust network of free food resources that you can find using statewide locators. Rotating through several can help fill your pantry. Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Map pinpoints pantries that often let you choose your own items, and most allow at least one visit per week.

Also, check the Maine Food Finder for hot-meal sites and school “grab-and-go” dinner programs that serve adults. Remember to call ahead, bring reusable bags, and ask if leftovers are available at closing time to stretch your supplies even further.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is important for planning your monthly grocery budget. For residents of Maine, your EBT deposit schedule follows a specific pattern, and understanding it helps you manage your finances without stress.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if your payment seems to be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Maine

In Maine, your SNAP benefits are deposited based on the last digit of your day of birth, not your case number. Your payment will arrive between the 10th and 14th of each month according to the following schedule:

10th of the month: Birth day ends in 0 or 9
11th of the month: Birth day ends in 1 or 8
12th of the month: Birth day ends in 2 or 3
13th of the month: Birth day ends in 4 or 7
14th of the month: Birth day ends in 5 or 6

If you receive cash assistance like TANF on your Pine Tree Card, those funds are also deposited on the same day as your SNAP benefits.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Maine

You can confirm your deposit has arrived through a quick balance check. There are a few different ways to see your current EBT balance. For a complete list of options, review our guide on EBT balance checks in Maine. Here are three of the most convenient methods:

Benny app: Download the Benny app, create a profile, and link your Pine Tree card. The home screen shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. The app also provides automatic cash back from purchases at many national chains.
Pine Tree Card portal: Go to the official Pine Tree Card website to create an account or log in. Your current SNAP and Cash balances appear under the “Account Summary” section, where you can also review your transaction history.
EBT Customer Service: Call the 24-hour automated phone line at 1-800-477-7428. After you enter your card number and PIN, the system reads your current SNAP and Cash balances. This phone number is provided by the Maine DHHS.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from paperwork problems to technical glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be put on hold if required paperwork is missing or incomplete. This includes late recertification reports, unsigned forms, or outstanding verification of your income and expenses. A case may also be frozen if you miss a required interview or fail to report household changes, pending a review by the Office for Family Independence.

Work or Program Requirement Sanctions

Benefits may be suspended if you do not meet certain work or program rules. For SNAP recipients, this can happen if you quit a job or refuse suitable work. For TANF recipients, a similar hold can occur for not complying with ASPIRE participation or child support cooperation requirements.

System or Technology Problems

Sometimes the delay is caused by technical issues beyond your control. Statewide or even multi-state outages of the EBT processing network can prevent new funds from being loaded onto your card. Service is typically restored once the vendor resolves the problem.

Staffing or Processing Backlogs

Delays can also stem from internal processing backlogs at the Office for Family Independence. Significant understaffing and heavy caseloads for eligibility specialists can slow down the authorization and entry of benefits, pushing back the date your funds are issued.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Maine, any unused EBT benefits automatically roll over to the next month. This rule applies to both Food Supplement (SNAP) funds and cash assistance balances on your card. Your total balance will remain available for you to use as long as your account stays active.

To keep your account active, you must use your card at least once every nine consecutive months. Any transaction, including a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry, will reset the nine-month clock. If an account has no activity for nine months, the state permanently removes the remaining funds.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Watching your EBT balance drop to zero before the end of the month is a stressful experience. While this presents a real challenge, it does not mean you are out of options. There are several avenues you can pursue to secure food for your family.

Jump-Start New Benefits Before the Month Ends

You may qualify for “Expedited Food Supplement” benefits, which can arrive in as little as seven days. This emergency SNAP is for households where rent and utilities exceed income, gross income is under $150 with less than $100 in cash, or which include destitute migrant or seasonal workers.

Call the Office for Family Independence at 1-855-797-4357 or submit an application on My Maine Connection.
State that you are requesting “expedited service.”
Keep your ID, recent pay stubs, and utility or rent receipts handy for the same-day phone interview.

If you lost food from a power outage, storm, or appliance failure that lasted at least eight hours, you can request replacement benefits. File the DHHS SNAP Loss and Replacement form within 10 days of the loss by emailing it or dropping it at a district office.

Ask DHHS to Recalculate Your Case

If your circumstances have changed, ask DHHS to recalculate your case for a larger deposit next month. This can also trigger back payments for months you were under-paid. Gather proof of any changes that could increase your benefit amount.

Higher rent or new childcare costs.
Medical bills over $35 per month for seniors or disabled members.
Reduced work hours or a new person joining your household.

Log in to My Maine Connection to “Report a Change” and upload your documents. You can also call 1-855-797-4357 to request an eligibility interview for the Food Supplement program. OFI will issue a written decision on your case.

Rotate Through Multiple Free-Food Sources

Maine has a robust network of free food resources that you can find using statewide locators. Rotating through several can help fill your pantry. Good Shepherd Food Bank’s Food Map pinpoints pantries that often let you choose your own items, and most allow at least one visit per week.

Also, check the Maine Food Finder for hot-meal sites and school “grab-and-go” dinner programs that serve adults. Remember to call ahead, bring reusable bags, and ask if leftovers are available at closing time to stretch your supplies even further.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app.

After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.