Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Maine families and individuals buy healthy food.  

SNAP benefits allow you to purchase food at your favorite grocery or convenience store. SNAP benefits stretch even further at local co-ops and farmers’ markets. 

FAQs: SNAP in Maine

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition assistance program that helps individuals and families with limited income buy the food they need for good health.  

Eligibility is based on factors such as: 

  • Household income
  • Household size
  • Allowable expenses like housing, utilities, and childcare

Many SNAP participants in Maine are working families, older adults on fixed incomes, and individuals with disabilities. The program is designed to support people whose income is not enough to consistently meet basic food needs. 

Eligible households receive monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card works like a debit card and can be used at authorized grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and participating farmers markets across Maine. SNAP benefits can also be used at select online grocery retailers. 

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase most staple foods, including: 

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Dairy products
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Bread and grains
  • Seeds and plants that produce food

SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.

SNAP benefits generate economic activity in local communities. Every dollar spent through SNAP goes directly to food retailers and helps support jobs, stores, and regional food systems across Maine. 

How to Apply for SNAP Benefits

Use this quick prescreening tool to see if you might be eligible. 
My Maine Connection Prescreening Tool 

You can apply for SNAP online, by mail, fax, phone or in person. 

  • Call OFI at 1-855-797-4357  
  • Call center available from 7:00AM to 4:00PM, Monday through Friday 
  • Apply via mail, fax, or email  
  • In person at local DHHS office 

You may need to provide: 

  • Proof of income 
  • Examples of income verification: 
  • Four most recent weeks of pay stubs 
  • Hiring letter or employer verification statement 
  • Most recent tax return (for self-employment income) 
  • ID for the head of household 
  • Rent, mortgage, or utility bills 

After you apply, DHHS will schedule a short eligibility interview; usually by phone. 

  • Tip: If you miss their call, you can contact your local DHHS office to reschedule. You also don’t have to wait for your scheduled interview time; you can call DHHS anytime Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., to complete the interview at your convenience. 
    DHHS Phone: 1-855-787-4357 

If approved, you’ll receive an EBT card in the mail. You can use it at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and some online retailers to buy food. 

If you had an EBT card in Maine before and need a new one be sure to request it at your interview.  A new one will not be sent automatically. 

Learn more: Using Your EBT Card 

Get Help Applying for SNAP

Southern Maine Agency on Aging’s Resource Specialist Team can help you every step of the way — from checking eligibility to working with you to submit your application. 

Call: 207-396-6500