Who can apply
['Families with dependent children at home and pregnant individuals may qualify, subject to the program’s financial and other rules.', 'My Maine Connection offers a prescreening tool, but the Office for Family Independence makes the eligibility decision.']What help is available
Approved TANF provides cash. ASPIRE can support an individual career plan, with assistance for approved needs such as child care or transportation rather than automatic payment of every employment expense.
Documents to prepare
Prepare household and child information, income records and details of pregnancy or school circumstances when applicable. Explain barriers such as health, transportation or care responsibilities and ask what proof is needed.
How to get started
- Apply through My Maine Connection linked from Maine TANF, or submit its paper application.
- Paper forms can be mailed, emailed to [email protected], faxed to 207-778-8429 or delivered to a district office.
- Follow OFI’s verification and interview instructions and discuss any required ASPIRE referral.
After applying
Read the eligibility decision and career-plan duties. Ask about support necessary to carry out the plan before paying an expense. If work ends cash eligibility, ask about transitional child care and transportation. Call 855-797-4357 and select the TANF option for case questions.
Website screenshots
These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.
Common questions
What is ASPIRE?
It is Maine’s employment and education support program for TANF and Parents as Scholars participants, using an individual career plan.
Can a pregnant person ask about TANF?
Yes. Maine lists pregnant individuals as a potentially eligible group.
Could short-term employment help be available instead?
Ask about Alternative Aid Assistance, which provides qualifying families employment-related vendor payments to avoid ongoing TANF.
Does leaving TANF end all child care help?
Not necessarily. Maine lists transitional child care for eligible former TANF recipients. Ask for a separate review.
Sources and review
Historical screenshots: source reference.