Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Section 999-3
SNAP Rule #237 – FFY 26 Budgeting Figures
PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: Federal rules 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.9(a)(3), 273.10(e)(4), and 273.11(r)(2)(ii) require that income and asset allowances, standard shelter deductions, and minimum and maximum benefit limits, are updated each year, effective October 1st. The U.S.D.A. - Food and Nutrition Services (F.N.S.) provides updated income and asset allowances, standard deductions, and minimum and maximum benefit standards to states and territories, annually. The final income and asset allowances, standard deductions, and minimum and maximum benefit levels were distributed by the U.S.D.A. – F.N.S. on August 13, 2025. The Department proposes to incorporate these figures effective October 1, 2025. These changes would make SNAP benefits and the related SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) services available to more Maine households.
Federal rule 7 C.F.R. § 273.9 (d)(6)(ii) and (iii)(B) requires that standard heating/cooling, non-heat, and phone allowances as well as excess shelter deductions are updated each year, effective October 1st. The U.S.D.A. - Food and Nutrition Services (F.N.S.) provides the updated excess shelter deduction to states and territories, annually. The final excess shelter deduction was distributed by the U.S.D.A. – F.N.S. on August 13, 2025. F.N.S. annually approves utility allowances calculated by states. The standards are set every 5 years based on typical utility expenses for low-income Mainers and adjusted in the interim years based on the change in the Consumer Price Index for fuel and utilities. The utility allowances proposed in this rule are based on current typical utility expenses for low-income Mainers and may be adjusted prior to adoption based on F.N.S. guidance and final approval.
Retroactive rulemaking is permissible under 22 M.R.S. § 42(8)(A) as this update is necessary to comply with federal requirements, provides a benefit to SNAP recipients and does not adversely impact applicants, participants, beneficiaries, or providers.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and (8); 3104
PUBLIC HEARING: No public hearing is scheduled.
COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Written public comments may be submitted via the link at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking.
AGENCY CONTACT PERSON:
Michael E. Downs, Senior Program Manager — SNAP
Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04330-6841
Phone: (207) 592-4850/Fax: (207) 287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
On