Special SNAP Services in Maine

Maine offers special SNAP services for residents facing specific hardships. These programs can provide emergency food aid, disaster relief, replacement for lost food, and support for families transitioning off other assistance.

Expedited Food Supplement (Emergency SNAP)

This service provides emergency food benefits within seven days. It exists for households that have almost no cash or food available, ensuring they can eat while their full application is processed.

Households may qualify if their gross monthly income is under $150 with $100 or less in liquid resources. Qualification is also possible if housing and utility costs exceed income and resources, or for migrant farm-worker households with $100 or less in resources.

To apply, submit a Food Supplement application and request “expedited” service online through MyMaineConnection, by phone, mail, or in person. You must provide proof of identity, but other documents can be submitted later. You can learn more here.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

When a major disaster is declared, D-SNAP can be activated to help people buy food after events like severe storms or floods. It is for those who have been impacted by the disaster and need temporary food assistance.

Eligibility extends to those who lived or worked in the disaster area and suffered related losses. Their income and resources must fall below D-SNAP limits. Current SNAP households may also receive a supplemental payment to help them recover from the disaster nutrition assistance program.

DHHS announces specific application dates and locations. Applicants must prove their identity and residency and report disaster-related expenses. Benefits are issued on an EBT card within three days. Future notices are posted online.

SNAP Replacement Benefits For Food Loss

Current SNAP recipients can replace benefits if food purchased with SNAP is destroyed. This covers situations like a power outage, fire, or another household disaster, protecting families from losing food they already budgeted for.

Any SNAP household that loses food in a qualifying event is eligible. The loss must be reported within 10 days, though this deadline can be waived during widespread events, as seen in the statewide waiver after the December 2023 storms.

You must file a “Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food” form with DHHS by mail, in person, or via MyMaineConnection. You will need to list the approximate value of the food lost. Replacement benefits are issued up to your household's monthly allotment.

Transitional Food Assistance (Transitional SNAP)

This program helps families maintain food security after they stop receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). It provides a stable food benefit as they adjust to new income from work or other sources.

Households that received both TANF and SNAP benefits in the month right before their TANF case closed are eligible. There is no new application or eligibility test required for this specific transitional support.

Enrollment is automatic. DHHS moves the household into the program for up to five months, freezing their benefit amount. The only requirement is to report a change of address. More information is available from DHHS.

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Maine

After approval, understanding how to use your SNAP benefits is the next step. This includes knowing what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card is how you receive and spend your SNAP benefits. Each month, your food supplement funds are loaded onto this card. It works just like a standard debit card, offering a secure way to access your food assistance.

You use your EBT card at authorized stores to buy food. At checkout, you swipe the card and enter your private Personal Identification Number (PIN). The purchase amount is then deducted from your SNAP balance, similar to a debit transaction from a bank account.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

SNAP benefits are intended for purchasing household food items. You can use your EBT card to buy a variety of groceries, including:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Non-alcoholic beverages and snack foods

However, some items are not eligible for purchase with SNAP. These restrictions cover non-food goods and prepared meals. Ineligible items include:

• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot, ready-to-eat foods

• Non-food products like cleaning supplies and pet food

Where Can You Use Your EBT Card?

You can use your EBT card at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and smaller corner stores. Look for a sign that says “EBT Accepted” at the entrance or checkout. Many farmers’ markets also accept EBT, allowing you to buy fresh, local produce with your benefits.

Some online retailers also participate in the program. Major companies like Amazon and Walmart allow you to use your EBT card for eligible grocery purchases online. This provides another convenient option for shopping from home, but delivery fees cannot be paid with SNAP.

Download Benny for Free and Earn Cash Back on EBT

With the Benny app, you can make your grocery budget go further. You’ll earn cash back on purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. The app also offers rewards for using services like Uber and Lyft, helping you save on everyday essentials and travel.

Download Benny for free and link your EBT card to start earning cashback on your shopping.