The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal-run initiative that provides aid to individuals with limited income, assisting them in covering grocery expenses. It disburses payments to qualifying Maine residents between the 10th and 14th of each month. The disbursement for the current month will commence on August 10th, with funds being transferred to beneficiaries’ EBT cards.
In 2023, the average that each beneficiary receives depends on several factors, but currently it is around $168. According to State of Maine, about 161,800 people receive benefits from the food stamp program, representing 12% of the population. Beneficiaries receive their payments on a certain day, depending on their date of birth.
When will your SNAP money arrive to your EBT card
In the month of August 2023, Maine beneficiaries will receive their payments following the schedule established in the state. This month is special, because there are no federal holidays that can delay payments. However, if the usual deposit date falls on a weekend, you can receive your food stamp benefits either the Friday before or the Monday after, as set out in the program.
Having said that, the payment schedule will be made as follows, considering the last digit of the birthday day:
- 0 or 9: August 10, 2023 (Thursday)
- 1 or 8: August 11, 2023 (Friday)
- 2 or 3: August 12, 2023 (Saturday)
- 4 or 7: August 13, 2023 (Sunday)
- 5 or 6: August 14, 2023 (Monday)
What can you buy with your EBT card in Maine
In the state of Maine, the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card allows recipients to purchase a variety of food items legally. With this payment method, individuals and families can buy essential groceries like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, bread, and cereals. They can also purchase seeds and plants intended for growing food at home. This assistance aims to help recipients maintain a balanced and nutritious diet for themselves and their families.
In the other hand, Items such as alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, pet food, hot prepared foods meant for immediate consumption, and non-food items like cleaning supplies or toiletries are generally not eligible for purchase with EBT benefits. Additionally, items that are considered luxury or non-nutritious, such as desserts and snacks that lack nutritional value, are also excluded from the list of eligible purchases.
These types of measures exist so that the federal funds of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are used only for what they are intended: for the elimination of hunger in the United States and for American families to eat healthy and nutritionally.
