Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules;
Sections 1, 999-1, and 999-3;
SNAP Rule #248P – FFY 2027 Budgeting Figures and FPLs
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, be updated each year, effective October 1st. The United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) - Food and Nutrition Administration (F.N.A.) provides updated income and asset allowances, standard deductions, and minimum and maximum benefit standards to states and territories, annually. Maine proposed new standard utility allowances based on increases in the Consumer Price Index and as approved by F.N.A. The Department proposes to make these changes effective October 1, 2026. 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.
In addition, consistent with 22 M.R.S. § 3110(5) and 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 303 the proposed rule would update Section 1 to provide applicant and recipient information regarding potential referrals to Approved Entities through an Information Exchange. Further, the proposed rule would make changes to correct typographical errors, update outdated references, improve readability and provide clarifying language for readers, Participants, and Department staff, including Section 999-1 updates the Questionable Information definition and Section 999-3 – Chart 7, Standard Deduction, corrects FFY 2026 for a Household Size of 4 to $223 from $233.
Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and (8)(A), and 3104
Public Hearing(s): No public hearing is scheduled.
Comment Deadline(s): Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Written public comments may be submitted via the link at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking
Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Email Address of Agency Contact Person:
Michael E. Downs, Program Director — SNAP
Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, 109 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 592-4850
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
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