Low income single moms can get help with buying the food they need for good health with the help of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Thrifty Food Plan, the model diet plan the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses to project the cost of food for one month to different household sizes helps determine the amount of food assistance benefits each household receives. A household’s eligibility for the SNAP program is also determined by taking into consideration different resources such as bank accounts, cash real estate, personal propriety, vehicles and so forth. Some resources may be counted toward the allowable limit while some are not. An explanation for which resources are being taken into consideration will be offered by a SNAP worker. Not counted toward the limit are the resources of people who get public assistance, SSI, and, in some locations, general assistance.
General Program Requirements
As a single mom you must be a resident of the state of Maine in order to qualify for this benefit program and fall into one of two groups:
- Those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001.
- Those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself), or with a person or persons age 60 and over.
Application Process
Download and fill out an application, in order to apply for this program: www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/snap/index.html
The application needs to be returned as soon as possible. In case you qualify, benefits will start from the date you turn in your application. Snap benefits are offered within 30 days to individuals that have already qualified.
Visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/DHSaddresses.htm for Maine DHHS locations.
For more information visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/snap/index.html or call 800-442-6003.
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