Date posted:
Attachment(s):
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Section 999-3
SNAP Rule #236 – FFY25 Budgeting Figures
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, are updated each year, effective October 1st. The U.S.D.A. - Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) 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 USDA FNS on August 2, 2024. The Department proposes to incorporate these figures effective October 1, 2024. These changes would make SNAP benefits and the related SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) services available to more Maine households.
Federal rule 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 (FNS) provides the updated excess shelter deduction to states and territories, annually. The final excess shelter deduction was distributed by the USDA FNS on August 2, 2024. FNS annually approves utility allowances calculated by states. The calculations are based on the change in the Consumer Price Index for fuel and utilities, between June 2023 and June 2024. FNS approved Maine’s SUAs for FFY 2025 on August 15, 2024.
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.
TYPE OF RULE (check one): X Routine Technical ___ Major Substantive
STATUTORY AUTHORITY: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and (8)(A); 3104
PUBLIC HEARING: No public hearing is scheduled.
COMMENT DEADLINE: Friday, October 18, 2024, 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:
Michael Downs, Senior Program Manager — SNAP
Department of Health and Human Services
Office for Family Independence
109 Capitol Street
Augusta, ME 04330-6841
Phone: (207) 624-4135/Fax: (207) 287-3455
TT Users Call Maine Relay – 711
Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov
Meeting location:
No public hearing is scheduled.
Comment deadline:
On