Date posted:
Attachment(s):
THE FOLLOWING RULE IS PROPOSED:
10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules
Section 999-3
SNAP Rule #244 - FFY 29 Budgeting Figures and FPL Updates
Principal Reason(s) or Purpose for Proposing this Rule [see 5 M.R.S. § 8057-A(1)(A)]: 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 (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 proposes to incorporate these figures effective October 1, 2025. 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 (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 proposed in this rule are based on current typical utility expenses for low-income Mainers and may be adjusted prior to adoption based on F.N.S. guidance and final approval. The Department proposes to incorporate these figures effective retroactive to October 1, 2025. The proposed rule changes were originally filed as 2025-P137.The Department is re-proposing these changes as federal approval related to the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) is pending final approval. 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, 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 proposes to incorporate these figures effective retroactive to 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 Chart 4 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(a)(3) requires that FPL tests are updated each year, effective October 1, 2025. 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 Department proposes to incorporate these figures effective January 15, 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.
Name, Address, Telephone Number, and Email Address of Agency Contact Person:
Michael Downs, Senior Program Manager — SNAP
109 Capitol Street, Augusta, ME 04333-0011
(207) 592-4850
TTY Users Call 711 (Maine Relay)
Chapter Number and Rule Title: 10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules; Section 999-3; SNAP Rule #244 – FFY 26 Budgeting Figures and FPL Updates
Type of Rule: Routine Technical
Statutory Authority: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and (8); and 3104
Public Hearing(s): None scheduled.
Comment Deadline(s): Monday, March 9, 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
Proposed
Office: Office for Family Independence
Routine technical
Email: Michael.E.Downs@maine.gov
Comment deadline:
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