SNAP in Maine
SNAP works differently after 60.
No gross-income test, a medical deduction, an uncapped shelter deduction, longer certification periods, and fewer work rules. Here is what applies to you.
How it works in Maine
Four steps. Each one is explained in the questions below, with the rule and the source.
Know which rules change at 60
No gross-income test, a medical deduction, an uncapped shelter deduction, and no required work program.
Tell the office your age and any disability
The favorable rules apply only once the office knows a household member is 60 or older or receives disability benefits.
Report medical and housing costs
These are the two deductions that most often raise a benefit for older adults.
Ask about a longer certification
If every adult in the household is 60 or older or disabled, your state can certify you for up to 24 months.
The numbers that matter in Maine
- $35
- per month
- Medical expense deduction over $35 a month
- Checked November 9, 2026
- $4,750
- Resource limit for 60+ or disabled households, FY2027
- Checked November 9, 2026
Your questions, answered for Maine
Open any question. Each answer shows the rule, what to do, and the source it was read from.
Older adults and people with disabilities
I was told I make too much. Does that change if someone in my home is 60 or older or has a disability?
Yes
If anyone in your household is 60 or older or has a qualifying disability, your household only has to pass the net-income test, not the gross-income test.
- If you were ever told you make too much, ask the office to apply the net-income test for an elderly or disabled household.
Source: 7 CFR 273.9(a)(2) (eCFR (Office of the Federal Register)) · Checked November 9, 2026
How much can I have in savings and still get SNAP?
$4,750
The federal asset limit is $4,750 for households with a member who is 60 or older or has a disability, versus $3,000 for others. Many states skip the asset test through broad-based categorical eligibility.
Source: FY2027 COLA memo, resource limits (USDA Food and Nutrition Service); 7 CFR 273.8(b) (eCFR (Office of the Federal Register)) · Checked November 9, 2026
Getting the full amount
Do my medical bills and prescriptions count?
$35 per month
Unreimbursed medical costs over $35 a month for a member who is 60 or older or has a disability lower your countable income and can raise your benefit.
Counts: Medicare and other health insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions, dental, eyeglasses, hearing aids, medical transportation, and some in-home care. Keep receipts and pharmacy printouts.
- Gather receipts for medical costs and report them. Costs over $35 a month count.
Source: 7 CFR 273.9(d)(3) (eCFR (Office of the Federal Register)) · Checked November 9, 2026
Is there a limit on how much of my rent and utilities count?
Yes
The excess shelter deduction is capped for most households, but not when a member is 60 or older or has a disability.
- Report your full rent or mortgage and utility costs. For your household the shelter deduction has no cap.
Source: 7 CFR 273.9(d)(6)(ii) (eCFR (Office of the Federal Register)) · Checked November 9, 2026
What is the shelter deduction cap this year?
$769 per month
For households without a member who is 60+ or disabled, the excess shelter deduction stops at $769 a month from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Source: FY2027 COLA memo, shelter cap (USDA Food and Nutrition Service) · Checked November 9, 2026
Renewing your SNAP
When is my renewal application due?
15th of last month
Return the recertification application by the 15th of the last month of your certification period, finish the interview and any proof, and your state must decide before your period ends.
- Find your certification end date on your approval notice and return the renewal form by the 15th of that month.
Source: 7 CFR 273.14(d) (eCFR (Office of the Federal Register)) · Checked November 9, 2026
I missed my renewal deadline. Is it too late?
30 days
If you file within 30 days after your certification period ends it is handled as a recertification rather than a new application, but there can be weeks with nothing on your card.
Source: 7 CFR 273.14(e) (eCFR (Office of the Federal Register)) · Checked November 9, 2026
“At 60, SNAP quietly becomes a different program. Almost nobody is told.”
See How Much SNAP You Can Get
Eight quick questions about your household, income, and bills. See your estimated monthly amount, how it was figured, and the official place to apply in Maine. We send your results, your state's next step, and a documents checklist to your email, and text you when they land, so you have them to keep. No Social Security or EBT number, ever.
Printable checklists
Talk to a person
Maine SNAP office
The office that decides your case. Find it in the USDA state directory.
USDA SNAP information line
Free, nationwide. 1-800-221-5689. They can connect you to your state and answer general questions.
Spotted something wrong?
Email hello@benefitsinsider.co with the page link and the source you are looking at. We fix errors fast.
Every rule on this page was read against its primary source, most recently on November 9, 2026. SNAP Resource Center is published by Benefits Insider and is not a government website. Your Maine SNAP office makes every decision about your case.