Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Section 111-7
SNAP Rule #238 – ABAWD Update
PRINCIPAL REASON(S) OR PURPOSE FOR PROPOSING THIS RULE: The Department proposes routine technical changes to amend 10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to ensure consistency with 7 C.F.R. § 273.24(c).
Based on recent guidance from the U.S.D.A. - Food and Nutrition Services (F.N.S.), the Department determined it necessary to update Section 111-7, 1(B)(3) to clarify that an individual is no longer an Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) “As of October 1, 2024, beginning the month they turn 55 years of age.” 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, the proposed rule would make the following non-substantive changes:
- For consistency with other sections within this rule, ages would be identified as numbers and written ages would be removed;
- Correct typographical errors in 2(A)(2) and 5(B) where TAA would replace TRA;
- Remove Code of Federal Register (C.F.R.) citations in the header of Section 111-7, as the citations are unnecessary, are identified within the sections as applicable, and consistent with other Sections within the SNAP Rules; and
- SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) RULES would replace Food Supplement Program in the Section 111-7 header as this term is no longer applicable.
TYPE OF RULE (check one): X Routine Technical ___ Major Substantive
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and (8); 3104; and 7 C.F.R. 273.24(c)
PUBLIC HEARING: No public hearing is scheduled.
COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, April 28, 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:
Evan Denno, SNAP Program Manager
Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04330-6841
Phone: (207) 446-3201/Fax: (207) 287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Evan.Denno@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
On