10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Sections 555-4 and 555-5

Date posted:

Attachment(s):

10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301 – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Sections 555-4 and 555-5

EMERGENCY RULE: SNAP Rule #242E – Income and Deductions Update

Effective Date:

September 18, 2025

PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: The Department adopts this emergency rule to amend 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to ensure compliance with H.R. 1-Budget Reconciliation Act signed into law on July 4, 2025.

This emergency rule makes the following changes to Sections 555-4 and 555-5.

  1. Section 555-4(13)(A) and (15) are modified to only exlcude energy assistance, weatherization, or emergency repair or replacement of heating or cooling device payments if they are made to households with at least one member who is elderly or has a disabling condtion.
  2. Section 555-5(7)(B)(1)(a) is modified so that LiHEAP or similar payments only make households eligible for the Full Standard Utility Allowance if they are more than $20.00 and made to households with at least one member who is elderly or has a disabling condtion.

FINDINGS of EMERGENCY:

Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § 8054, the Department finds that emergency rulemaking is necessary to comply with H.R. 1 – the Budget Reconciliation Act, effective July 4, 2025, and ensure the health and general welfare of Maine citizens and the viability of the SNAP program. Non compliance with federal requirements risks loss of SNAP funding resulting in a reduction or termination of the state’s ability to provide nutrition supports to Maine’s citizens in need.

Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. §8054, this emergency rule may be effective for up to ninety (90) days. The Department shall proceed with routine technical rulemaking to permanently adopt these rule changes.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1); 3104; and 5 M.R.S. § 8054

PUBLIC HEARING: Not applicable (emergency rulemaking).

COMMENT DEADLINE: Not applicable (emergency 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 04333-0011

Phone: (207) 592-4850/Fax: (207) 287-3455

TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711

Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov

Office: Office for Family Independence

Comment deadline:

Effective date:

Send a comment