The Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program serves as an important lifeline for families facing financial hardship in Maine. Designed to assist low-income families with children, TANF in Maine aims to provide temporary financial support while also promoting job preparation, work, and marriage. The program emphasizes the importance of family stability and child wellbeing as cornerstones of self-sufficiency.

Maine's TANF program is tailored to meet the unique needs of its residents, offering a blend of financial assistance and supportive services geared towards helping families transition from dependency on public assistance to personal independence. Through a combination of direct financial aid, employment training, and supportive services, Maine TANF actively works to empower families to overcome barriers and achieve long-term financial stability.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for Maine's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, there are specific requirements you need to meet, this includes:

Income and Assets: You must have a low income or no income at all, and your countable assets must be less than $10,000.

Residency: You are required to live in Maine while receiving Maine TANF benefits.

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen who meets the program's requirements.

Family Responsibility: You should be a parent or a specific relative taking care of children up to age 18. If the children are between 18 and 20, they need to meet school attendance requirements.

Orientation and Programs: You should take part in the ASPIRE-TANF program unless there's a reason you are unable to. You also need to attend an orientation meeting to understand how the program works.

Employment Plan: You'll need to fill out an employment plan as part of the ASPIRE-TANF Family Contract Amendment.

Child Support and Paternity: It's important to help the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) figure out who your children's father is and try to get child support from them.

Documentation and Reporting: Be sure to give DHHS any proof of income or other documents they ask for. If anything changes in your household, like your income or address, you need to tell DHHS right away.

If there's a reason you can't do something DHHS asks—like if it would put yourself or your child in danger—you should tell your DHHS worker immediately. They will listen to what you have to say and make a decision. You might not have to do certain things for now, or you may be able to do them later.

Using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card

In Maine, TANF benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works similar to a regular debit card. This EBT card enables TANF recipients in Maine to easily and safely access their benefits.

Every month, the TANF funds are electronically transferred onto the EBT card. Recipients can then use this card to buy necessary items at stores that accept EBT or withdraw cash from ATMs. This method streamlines the benefit distribution process and gives recipients quick access to their money, allowing them to use their benefits as needed.

TANF Application Instructions

There are several ways to apply for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in Maine, making it accessible to those who need support:

Online Application:

Start your TANF application today by visiting MyMaineConnection.gov, the official website for Maine's assistance programs.

By Phone:

If you prefer to apply over the phone, you can call 1-855-797-4357 and speak with an eligibility specialist who will guide you through the application process.

At Home:

You can also fill out a Benefits Application at home. Once completed, you can mail, fax, or email it to:

• Mail
  Office for Family Independence
  114 Corn Shop Lane
  Farmington, ME 04938
• Fax: 207-778-8429
• Email: Farmington.DHHS@maine.gov

In-Person:

If you'd rather apply in person, visit your local Office for Family Independence (OFI) and they will help you with the application process.

Maine's TANF program is an important resource for low-income families in the state, providing financial aid and serving as a stepping stone towards independence through employment and training opportunities. This program is essential in helping families through tough times, and for providing them with the resources they need for a more stable and self-reliant future.