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Grants for Single Mothers in Maine

Maine Single Mother’s Complete Guide to Benefits, Grants, and Support Programs (2025)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick Summary for Busy Moms

Maine offers comprehensive assistance for single mothers through 25+ programs. Emergency help available within 1-3 days. Key programs include food assistance for families earning under $4,106/month, cash assistance up to $965/month with housing supplement, and healthcare coverage for families earning up to $3,064/month.


Top Programs by Urgency:

  • Emergency Food: SNAP benefits up to $768/month for family of 3
  • Emergency Cash: TANF up to $965/month (includes housing supplement)
  • Emergency Healthcare: MaineCare covers entire families, including dental
  • Tax Benefits: Earned Income Tax Credit up to $7,430/year for family with 3+ children
  • Education: Parents as Scholars program covers education costs plus living expenses

If You Need Emergency Help

If you’re facing an immediate crisis, here are three steps you can take right now:

  1. Call 2-1-1 – Free 24/7 help finding emergency assistance for housing, food, utilities, and more
  2. Apply for Emergency SNAP at My Maine Connection – you can get benefits within 1-3 days
  3. Contact Good Shepherd Food Bank at (207) 782-3554 for emergency food delivery

Main Points

Being a single mom in Maine is tough, but you’re not alone. According to the Maine Women’s Policy Center, nearly 40% of Maine families with children are headed by single mothers. The state has responded with some of the most generous assistance programs in New England.

What you need to know:

  • Real help exists – Programs like TANF provide up to $965/month for a family of three, and Parents as Scholars can cover your entire college education
  • Emergency help is available – You can get food assistance within days and emergency cash within weeks
  • Tax credits provide major help – Earned Income Tax Credit can provide thousands annually
  • Long-term support matters – Education programs can change your family’s future permanently
  • The system works but is complex – This guide breaks it down step by step

Reality Check: Some programs have waiting lists or strict requirements. Apply for multiple programs and don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t work out. Maine’s programs are more generous than most states, but they still require patience and persistence.

Tax Credits and Federal Benefits (Often Overlooked!)

Many single mothers miss these programs that provide significant annual income.

Federal Tax Credits

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

  • What it provides: Up to $7,430 for families with 3+ children (2025 tax year), according to IRS Revenue Procedure 2024-40
  • Who qualifies: Working families with income under $59,899 (single filers with 3+ children) for 2025
  • How to claim: File tax return with IRS Form 1040, even if you don’t owe taxes
  • Reality Check: This is refundable – you get money back even if you pay no taxes

Income Limits for EITC (2025 Tax Year):

Children Single Filer Income Limit Maximum Credit
1 child $47,915 $4,213
2 children $53,057 $6,960
3+ children $59,899 $7,430

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

  • What it provides: Up to $2,000 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable per IRS Topic 602
  • Who qualifies: Single mothers with income under $200,000
  • How to claim: File tax return, may be partially refundable

Child and Dependent Care Credit

  • What it provides: 20-35% of childcare costs, up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two+ children
  • Who qualifies: Working parents paying for childcare to work or look for work
  • How to claim: Keep receipts, file with tax return using Form 2441

Contact for Free Tax Help: IRS VITA Program at 1-800-906-9887

Emergency Cash and Basic Needs

When you need help paying bills or buying food, these programs can provide immediate relief.

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

According to Maine DHHS, TANF provides cash assistance to families while they work towards becoming self-sufficient.

Current benefit amounts (per Maine DHHS):

  • Basic TANF for family of 3: $665/month
  • Housing Special Needs supplement: Up to $300/month additional
  • Total possible for family of 3: $965/month

Income limits (2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines at 100% FPL):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit Annual Income Limit
1 person $1,255 $15,060
2 people $1,699 $20,390
3 people $2,143 $25,720
4 people $2,587 $31,050

Requirements:

  • Must be U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident
  • Must live in Maine
  • Must have children under 19 (or under 20 if in school)
  • Must participate in ASPIRE Program (work training) unless exempt
  • Must have assets under $2,000 (excluding home and one vehicle)

How to apply:

  1. Apply online at My Maine Connection
  2. Call (855) 797-4357 to request paper application
  3. Visit local DHHS office (find yours at maine.gov/dhhs)

Processing time: Up to 45 days from application date

Reality Check: According to Pine Tree Legal Assistance, TANF has a 60-month lifetime limit, but there are many exceptions including domestic violence, disability, and caring for disabled family members.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

According to Maine DHHS, Maine’s SNAP program provides monthly food benefits to eligible low-income families.

Maximum benefit amounts (per USDA FY2025 Allotments):

  • 1 person: $292/month
  • 2 people: $536/month
  • 3 people: $768/month
  • 4 people: $975/month

Income limits (185% of Federal Poverty Level per USDA guidelines):

Family Size Monthly Gross Income Limit Annual Gross Income Limit
1 person $2,414 $28,970
2 people $3,260 $39,110
3 people $4,106 $49,320
4 people $4,952 $59,430

Maine advantages:

  • No asset limit – Your savings won’t disqualify you
  • Maine Harvest Bucks – Double your SNAP benefits when buying Maine fruits and vegetables
  • Online ordering – Use your EBT card for grocery delivery and pickup
  • Emergency SNAP – Get benefits within 1-3 days if you have less than $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in bank accounts

How to apply:

Reality Check: Most families receive less than the maximum amount based on their income and expenses. But Maine’s no-asset-limit policy makes it easier to qualify than many other states.

MaineCare (Medicaid)

According to Maine DHHS, MaineCare provides free and low-cost health insurance to Mainers who meet certain requirements.

Income limits (2025):

Family Size Adults (138% FPL) Children (305% FPL) Pregnant Women (214% FPL)
1 $1,801/month – $2,796/month
2 $2,433/month $6,758/month $3,776/month
3 $3,064/month $8,510/month $4,757/month
4 $3,696/month $10,262/month $5,738/month

Coverage includes:

  • Doctor visits and specialist care
  • Prescription medications (most covered)
  • Mental health and substance abuse treatment
  • Hospital and emergency room care
  • Preventive care including mammograms and cancer screenings
  • Postpartum coverage extended to full year (increased from 60 days in 2024)
  • Dental care for children and emergency dental for adults

How to apply:

Processing time: Usually 30 days or less

Emergency MaineCare: Available for emergency medical conditions regardless of immigration status

Educational Support That Changes Lives

These programs can completely transform your family’s future by helping you get the education and training you need.

Parents as Scholars (PaS)

According to Maine DHHS, Parents as Scholars is a TANF program that helps low-income parents pursue higher education.

What they cover:

  • Same monthly TANF cash benefit while in school
  • Childcare assistance through the program
  • Transportation reimbursement and car repairs
  • Books and school supplies
  • Case management and support services
  • Up to 60 months of assistance (same as TANF lifetime limit)

Requirements:

  • Must meet all TANF eligibility requirements
  • Must be enrolled for minimum 12 credits each semester in 2-year or 4-year degree program
  • Must spend at least 20 hours per week in program activities
  • Must maintain 2.0 GPA
  • Limited to 2,000 participants statewide

How to apply:

  • Apply for TANF first at My Maine Connection
  • Request Parents as Scholars during TANF application process
  • Work with ASPIRE case manager to determine if program is appropriate

Reality Check: This program is competitive with limited slots, but it can be life-changing. According to Maine DHHS data, PaS graduates see significant income increases after completing their degrees.

ASPIRE Program

The Additional Support for People in Retraining and Employment (ASPIRE) program helps TANF recipients move toward financial independence.

Services include:

  • Job search assistance and resume writing
  • Interview skills training
  • Job training programs and skill development
  • Educational supports for GED, college prep
  • Work supports including childcare assistance
  • Transportation assistance
  • Family well-being workshops

Contact: Managed by Fedcap, a contractor for Maine DHHS – contact through your TANF case manager

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)

According to Maine CDC, Maine’s WIC program provides nutrition assistance to pregnant women and children under 5.

Who qualifies:

  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum women (up to 6 months after birth)
  • Children under age 5
  • Income at or below 185% of Federal Poverty Level ($4,106/month for family of 3)
  • Must be at “nutritional risk” (determined by health screening)

Automatic qualification if you receive:

  • MaineCare (Medicaid)
  • TANF (Cash Assistance)
  • SNAP (Food Assistance)

Benefits include:

  • Monthly food packages with items like milk, eggs, cereal, peanut butter, beans, fruits, vegetables
  • Infant formula as needed
  • Nutrition education and counseling
  • Breastfeeding support and breast pump loans
  • Referrals to healthcare and social services
  • Summer fresh produce benefits from Maine farmers through local markets

How to apply:

  • Call Maine WIC: (800) 252-5942
  • Find local WIC office at maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/population-health/wic
  • Apply in person (phone interviews not available)
  • NEW: Use online contact form and WIC staff will call to set up appointment

What to bring:

  • Photo ID
  • Proof of income for all household members
  • Proof of address
  • Children’s immunization records

Reality Check: WIC provides specific healthy foods, not cash. Foods are designed to supplement your diet, not provide all nutrition needs. The program has excellent breastfeeding support if you’re nursing.

Childcare Help While You Work or Go to School

Child Care Affordability Program (CCAP)

According to Maine DHHS, CCAP helps eligible families pay for childcare so parents can work, go to school, or participate in job training.

Major 2025 updates:

  • Income limit increased from 85% to 125% of Maine median income
  • Copayment waived for families under 30% of state median income
  • Payment system changed to enrollment-based rather than attendance-based
  • Processing time reduced to 15 days for eligibility decisions

Who qualifies:

  • Working parents (minimum varies by county)
  • Parents in approved education/training programs
  • Retired persons who are legal guardians
  • Child must be U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
  • Must be Maine resident

Income limits (125% of Maine median income):

Family Size Monthly Income Limit (approximate)
1 parent, 1 child $6,250
1 parent, 2 children $7,500
1 parent, 3 children $8,750
1 parent, 4 children $10,000

How much you pay:

  • Families under 30% state median income: $0 copayment
  • Other families: Sliding scale, maximum 13% of household income
  • Future plans: By 2030, costs capped at 7% of family income

Approved providers:

  • Licensed childcare centers
  • Licensed family childcare homes
  • Approved relative care (in some cases)
  • Before/after school programs

How to apply:

  • Online: Through Baxter online management system
  • Phone: 1-877-680-5866
  • Email: CCAP.DHHS@Maine.gov

Processing time: 15 days for eligibility decision, with retroactive reimbursement available

Reality Check: The 2025 expansion means many more families now qualify. However, in some areas there may still be waiting lists due to high demand.

Housing Help That Works

Finding safe, affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for single mothers. Here are programs that can help.

Maine State Housing Authority Section 8

According to Maine State Housing Authority, the Housing Choice Voucher program helps very low-income families afford decent, safe housing.

Income limits (30% of Area Median Income):

Household Size Maximum Annual Income (Portland area) Maximum Annual Income (Rural areas)
1 person $28,550 $22,100
2 people $32,600 $25,250
3 people $36,700 $28,400
4 people $40,750 $31,550

How to apply:

  • Contact Maine State Housing Authority: (207) 626-4600
  • Website: mainehousing.org
  • Apply to multiple housing authorities throughout Maine to improve chances

Priority given to:

  • Homeless families
  • Families paying more than 50% of income for rent
  • Families living in substandard housing

Reality Check: Section 8 waiting lists can be 1-3 years long. Apply as soon as possible and keep your contact information updated. Some housing authorities may close their waiting lists when they become too long.

Emergency Rental Assistance

Several programs can help if you’re behind on rent or facing eviction:

General Assistance: Contact your local municipality – each Maine town/city has its own General Assistance program that can help with emergency rent, utilities, and other necessities.

Community Action Programs: Call 2-1-1 to find your local CAP agency. They often have emergency rental assistance funds.

Statewide resources:

  • Salvation Army: Emergency assistance programs
  • Catholic Charities Maine: Rental assistance in some areas
  • United Way: Emergency assistance funds
  • Local churches and faith-based organizations

Utility and Energy Assistance

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP helps with heating and electricity costs for low-income households.

Benefits available:

  • Regular heating assistance: Up to $1,200 per year
  • Emergency assistance: Additional help for crisis situations (shut-off notices)
  • Weatherization: Free home improvements to reduce energy costs permanently

Who qualifies:

  • Income at or below 60% of state median income
  • Priority for households with children under 6, elderly (60+), or disabled members
  • Must be Maine resident

How to apply:

  • Contact your local Community Action Program (CAP)
  • Call 2-1-1 for local CAP office locations
  • Applications typically open October 1st each year
  • Emergency assistance available year-round

Required documents:

  • Current heating/utility bills
  • Disconnection notice (if applicable)
  • Proof of income for all household members
  • Photo ID and Social Security cards for all household members

Reality Check: Funding is limited and available first-come, first-served. Apply early in the program year (October) for best chances.

Support for All Types of Single Parent Families

Single Fathers

Most programs in this guide also serve single fathers raising children alone:

Available programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance) – same eligibility and benefits
  • TANF (cash assistance) – same income limits and requirements
  • MaineCare (healthcare) – full family coverage available
  • CCAP (childcare assistance) – same work/school requirements
  • Section 8 housing assistance
  • All tax credits (EITC, Child Tax Credit, etc.)

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

Special considerations for kinship families:

TANF eligibility:

  • Grandparent can apply for TANF benefits for grandchild only
  • Grandparent’s income and needs not included in calculation
  • May qualify even if grandparent receives Social Security

Kinship care support:

  • Maine has specific supports for relative caregivers
  • Contact Maine DHHS Office of Child and Family Services: (207) 624-7900
  • Legal assistance available for custody issues

LGBTQ+ Single Parents

All Maine state programs serve LGBTQ+ parents without discrimination. Maine law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in state programs.

Support organizations:

  • EqualityMaine: (207) 761-3732
  • Maine LGBTQ+ Community Center: Resources and support groups

Rural Maine Families

Additional challenges in rural areas:

  • Limited public transportation
  • Fewer service providers
  • Longer travel distances to offices

Rural-specific resources:

  • Mobile services: Some WIC offices offer home visits
  • Telehealth: MaineCare covers telehealth appointments
  • 2-1-1: Especially important for finding local resources
  • Community transportation: Some CAP agencies provide transportation assistance

Common Questions Single Moms Ask (FAQs)

Q: Can I get help if I’m working? A: Yes! Most programs allow working families to qualify:

  • SNAP: Up to 185% of poverty level ($4,106/month for family of 3)
  • MaineCare: Up to 138% of poverty level ($3,064/month for family of 3)
  • CCAP: Up to 125% of state median income (varies by family size)
  • Tax credits: EITC available to working families earning up to $59,899

Q: What if I have a criminal record? A: Maine is more forgiving than many states. You can still qualify for most programs:

  • SNAP: No disqualification for drug felonies in Maine
  • MaineCare: Criminal history doesn’t affect eligibility
  • TANF: Some restrictions may apply, but each case reviewed individually
  • Housing: Some criminal history restrictions, but many people still qualify

Q: How long do applications take to process? A: Processing times vary by program:

  • SNAP: 1-30 days (1-3 days if emergency)
  • TANF: Up to 45 days
  • MaineCare: Usually 30 days or less
  • CCAP: 15 days for eligibility decision
  • Section 8 housing: Months to years due to waiting lists

Q: Can I apply for multiple programs at once? A: Yes! My Maine Connection allows you to apply for SNAP, TANF, and MaineCare with one application. You can also apply for WIC and CCAP separately at the same time.

Q: What if I get denied? A: You have the right to appeal any denial within 30 days. Contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance at (207) 774-8211 for free help with appeals. Common reasons for denial include missing documents or income calculation errors.

Q: Do I have to pay anything back? A: Most programs don’t require repayment:

  • Never repay: SNAP, MaineCare, WIC, LIHEAP, tax credits
  • Generally no repayment: TANF and CCAP, unless you received benefits you weren’t eligible for
  • Always report income changes to avoid overpayments

Q: Can undocumented immigrants get help? A: Some programs are available:

  • Emergency MaineCare: Emergency medical care regardless of immigration status
  • Children’s programs: All children can get emergency medical care
  • Food banks: Most don’t require documentation
  • Emergency assistance: Many nonprofits provide help regardless of status
  • Call 2-1-1 for guidance on what’s available in your situation

Q: What if I live in rural Maine? A: Rural residents face additional challenges but have options:

  • Mobile services serve rural areas for some programs
  • MaineCare covers telehealth appointments
  • Some WIC offices provide home visits
  • 2-1-1 is especially important for finding local resources
  • General Assistance through your local municipality

Q: How do I get help filling out applications? A: Free application assistance available:

  • DHHS offices: Staff provide in-person help
  • 2-1-1: Can connect you with local navigators
  • Pine Tree Legal Assistance: (207) 774-8211
  • Local CAP agencies: Case managers often help with applications
  • VITA tax sites: Help with tax credit applications

Resources and Important Phone Numbers

Statewide Resources

Primary contact numbers:

  • 2-1-1: Information and referral service (24/7) – Your first call for any crisis
  • My Maine Connection: (855) 797-4357
  • Maine DHHS: (207) 287-3707

Application and benefits:

  • SNAP/TANF/MaineCare applications: mymaineconnection.gov
  • WIC program: (800) 252-5942
  • Child Care Affordability Program: 1-877-680-5866
  • Maine State Housing Authority: (207) 626-4600

Emergency Numbers

Immediate crisis:

  • Emergency services: 911
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Food assistance:

Housing crisis:

  • General Assistance: Contact your local municipality
  • 2-1-1: Find emergency shelter and rental assistance

Legal and Advocacy Help

Free legal assistance:

  • Pine Tree Legal Assistance: (207) 774-8211
  • Maine Equal Justice: (207) 626-7058
  • Volunteer Lawyers Project: (207) 774-4753

Benefits advocacy:

  • Consumers for Affordable Health Care: (207) 622-7083
  • Maine People’s Alliance: (207) 761-4400

Useful Websites

Government portals:

Resource finders:

Disclaimer

Important Notice About Information Currency

Program details, eligibility requirements, and benefit amounts change frequently due to federal and state policy updates, funding changes, and legislative action. All information in this guide was compiled and verified using official government sources as of August 2025, but policies may have changed since publication.

Verification Requirements:

  • Always verify current information directly with the relevant agency before making decisions
  • Contact program offices for the most up-to-date eligibility requirements and benefit amounts
  • Check official websites for any recent policy changes or updates

Limitations:

  • This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or benefits counseling advice
  • Individual circumstances vary and may affect program eligibility
  • Processing times and benefit amounts may differ from those listed
  • Some programs may have waiting lists or limited funding not reflected in this guide

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

The ASingleMother.org team has been researching and writing comprehensive benefits guides for single mothers across all 50 states since 2020. Our editorial team regularly updates these guides by reviewing official government sources, contacting state agencies, and incorporating feedback from hundreds of single mothers who have used these programs.

This Maine guide represents over 5 years of experience helping single mothers navigate the benefits system. We verify information with official sources including Maine Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, Maine State Housing Authority, and local nonprofits to ensure accuracy.

Information compiled from official Maine Department of Health and Human Services, USDA, HHS, and Maine State Housing Authority sources. Last verified: August 2025.

The ASingleMother.org editorial team welcomes feedback on this guide. If you find outdated information or discover new resources, please contact us at info@asinglemother.org so we can help other single mothers with accurate, current information.

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