10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 331; Public Assistance Manual Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - Maximum Benefit and Standard of Need; TANF Rule #127A - COLA Updates

Date posted:

Attachment(s):

THE FOLLOWING RULE HAS BEEN ADOPTED:

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 331; Public Assistance Manual

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Maximum Benefit and Standard of Need Chart

TANF Rule #127A – COLA Updates

EFFECTIVE DATE:

August 5, 2026

The Department adopts routine technical updates to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 331; Public Assistance Manual Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) consistent with legislative changes made to 22 M.R.S. § 3769-C(1)(D) made by P.L. 2023, Ch. 622, § 2. The adopted rule updates the Maximum Benefit and Standard of Need Chart. 22 M.R.S. § 3769-C(1)(D) requires the Department to update the Appendix Chart, pages 2-4, to increase the Standard of Need and Maximum Grant, each October based on the Cost-of-Living Increase, if any, used by the Social Security Administration for that year. The adopted rule changes are effective October 1, 2026 consistent with the SSA COLA increase effective January 1, 2026, as required by statute.

This rule will not have an adverse impact on municipalities or small businesses.

Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1); 3769-A and 3769-C(1)(D)

Agency Contact Person:

Alexandria Lauritzen, TANF Program Manager

DHHS-Office for Family Independence, 109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011

(207) 215-7496

Alexandria.Lauritzen@maine.gov

 

Adopted

Office: Office for Family Independence

Routine technical

Email: Alexandria.Lauritzen@maine.gov

Comment deadline:

Effective date:

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