SNAP Rule #244 - FFY Budgeting Figures and FPL Updates

Date posted:

Attachment(s):

THE FOLLOWING RULE IS ADOPTED:

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules

Section 999-3

SNAP Rule #244 – FFY 26 Budgeting Figures and FPL Updates

 

Federal regulations, 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 retroactively adopts these figures effective October 1, 2025.

Federal regulation 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 are adopted in this rule and are based on current typical utility expenses for low-income Mainers and were approved by F.N.S. on April 21, 2026. The Department retroactively adopts these figures effective October 1, 2025.

In addition, Maine exercises an option for Broad Based Categorical Eligibility under 7 C.F.R. § 273.2(j)(2) which includes a 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) test. This figure is included in the figures updated each federal fiscal year per 7 C.F.R. § 273.9(a)(4), it is updated as soon as the FPLs are published. This year’s FPLs were published on January 15, 2026. See also, Annual Updates of the HHS Poverty Guidelines, Federal Register: Annual Update of the HHS Poverty Guidelines. The Department retroactively adopts these figures effective January 15, 2026.

Retroactive rulemaking is permissible under 22 M.R.S. § 42(8) as these changes afford this benefit to more residents of the State of Maine and do not adversely impact applicants, participants, beneficiaries, or providers. The changes to Section 999-3 make SNAP benefits and the related SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) services available to more Maine households.

Federal regulation 7 C.F.R. § 273.9(a)(3) requires that FPL tests are updated each year, effective October 1. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided the updated Federal Poverty Guidelines on January 15, 2026. These figures are included in the figures updated each fiscal year per 7 C.F.R. § 273.9(a)(4). The adopted rule effectuates these figures effective October 1, 2026. Incorporating these changes to Section 999-3 Charts 1-3 will make SNAP benefits and the related SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) services available to more Maine households and reduce rulemaking efforts and improve efficiency.

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

Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and (8); and 3104

Effective Date: May 17, 2026

Office: Office for Family Independence

Comment deadline:

Effective date:

Send a comment