The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Maine provides funds for low-income households to purchase healthy foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services funds the program and each state administers it locally. In Maine, the Office of the Department of Health and Human Services determines eligibility for food assistance and calculates the benefit amount for recipients.
Eligibility
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services uses the income and resources of each member of a household to determine eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and food stamp allotments. For example, the gross monthly income limit for a household of two is $1,594 and those with four members have a limit of $2,389 per month. The state allows claimants to deduct 20 percent of earned income, dependent care and shelter expenses that exceed half of the monthly income. For households with an elderly or disabled member, the state allows $35 per month for out-of-pocket medical expenses. Households with an elderly or disabled member must only meet the net income limits for eligibility.
Maximum Benefit Amounts
The state of Maine uses maximum benefit amounts set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The maximum allotment of food assistance a two-member household may receive is $367 per month, and four-member households may receive up to $668 per month. The maximum benefit for food assistance is based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture Thrifty Food Plan. The food plan determines the maximum allotment based on nutritional needs, food costs and household size.
Calculation for Benefits
Claimants with income may not receive the maximum food assistance benefits. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program determines candidates must spend 30 percent of income on food. The benefit amount the claimant will receive is 30 percent of income subtracted from the maximum allotment for the household size. For example, a four-member household with a net monthly income of $1,100 must subtract 30 percent, or $330, from the maximum allotment of $668 to determine the food stamp allowance of $338.
Allowable Purchases
Food stamp recipients in Maine may only use the benefit to purchase food for the household to consume. Recipients may also purchase plants and seeds for growing food for the household. The claimant may not use benefits to purchase non-food items, hot ready-to-eat foods, vitamins, alcohol or tobacco.
Tags: food assistance, maximum allotment, Assistance Program, Department Agriculture, monthly income