While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In Maine, the TANF program is known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). To learn more about TANF and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the Maine TANF website here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services, the TANF program provides to participating families, review the Maine TANF website here.
TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Many TANF participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit My Maine Connection here.
If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (855) 797-4357.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about TANF and benefit amounts in Maine here.
To qualify for TANF in Maine, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive TANF benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, complete the following three steps:
Learn about TANF eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on page 2 of the Maine Application for Benefits here.
To apply for TANF online, create an account on My Maine Connection here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest Maine Department of Health and Human Services office location.
To apply for TANF by fax, fill out the Application for Benefits found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (207) 778-8429.
To apply for TANF by email, fill out the Application for Benefits found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to Farmington.DHHS@Maine.gov.
To apply for TANF by mail, fill out the Application for Benefits and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Office for Family Independence
114 Corn Shop Lane
Farmington, ME 04938
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Maine Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (855) 797-4357.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for TANF, you should receive a letter with your scheduled interview date and time. You must attend this eligibility interview before your family can be approved for benefits. If you apply for TANF in person, you can schedule your interview during your visit.
After your application has been processed, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Health and Human Services with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits. If approved for benefits, you will also receive your EBT card.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed by reviewing page 10 here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (855) 797-4357.
If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, you can appeal your decision after receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal, you must follow the appeal instructions included in your determination letter. Your determination letter will also include the date that you must submit your request by.
For more information on the appeal process, call the Maine Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (855) 797-4357.
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or for any further questions about your application, call the Maine Department of Health and Human Services at 1 (855) 797-4357.
To send the Maine Department of Health and Human Services information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (207) 778-8429 or mail them to the following address:
Office for Family Independence
114 Corn Shop Lane
Farmington, ME 04938
You can also visit or call a local Department of Health and Human Services office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.