Date posted:
Attachment(s):
The adopted rule change to Part 3 aligns with Public Law 2023 Chapter 2 and is consistent with 22 M.R.S. § 3790-A(2)(E) (2017), amended by P.L. 2023, ch. 21 to increase the income limit from 185% of the Federal Poverty Limit to 225% of the FPL. The adopted rule change expanded income eligibility. In addition, the increase to gross income test for HOPE allows some HOPE applicants and participants to remain income eligible when their wages increase, some due to changes to Maine’s minimum wage and allows a wider group of parents to be deemed income eligible. This year’s FPLs were published at https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines. See also, Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines, Federal Register 88:12 (January 19, 2023), pages 3424-3425, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-01-19/pdf/2023-00885.pdf.
The Department incorporates these figures effective October 25, 2023.
This rule will not have an impact on municipalities or small businesses.
Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. § 42(1); § 3790-A(2)(E); P.L. 2023 ch. 21
Effective Date: October 25, 2023
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:
Sheri Wilkens, HOPE Program Manager
Office for Family Independence
Department of Health & Human Services
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04333
Phone: (207)624-4103/ Fax: (207)287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Adopted
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Sheri.Wilkens@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
Effective date:
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