Child & Family Assistance Resources in Maine

Last updated September 6, 2026

Maine families facing financial hardship, health challenges, or family crises have access to a range of state and federally funded programs. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is the primary agency administering benefits like food assistance, health coverage, and child welfare services. Whether you need help right now or are planning ahead, knowing where to start can make a significant difference.

One of the fastest ways to find local help is to call or text 2-1-1 Maine, a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day. Trained specialists can connect you with food pantries, rental assistance, child care resources, mental health services, and much more—often within your specific county or town. You can also chat online at 211maine.org.

If you or someone in your family is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time. For domestic violence situations, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, with confidential advocates ready to help around the clock.

Key programs in Maine

Maine DHHS – Office for Family Independence (SNAP, TANF, MaineCare)

Administers food assistance (SNAP), temporary cash assistance (TANF/ASPIRE), and MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) for low-income children, families, and individuals.

How to access: Apply online at mybenefits.maine.gov, visit your local DHHS district office, or call Maine DHHS at 1-855-797-4357 (1-855-797-DHHS). You can also request a paper application by mail.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) – Maine DHHS

Provides nutrition support, healthy food benefits, breastfeeding assistance, and referrals for pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.

How to access: Contact Maine WIC through Maine DHHS at 1-800-437-9300 or find your nearest local WIC agency by calling 2-1-1 Maine or visiting the Maine DHHS WIC program page online.

LIHEAP – Maine's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (via Maine DHHS)

Helps eligible low-income households pay heating costs, and may also cover emergency energy needs or weatherization referrals to keep families safe year-round.

How to access: Apply through Maine DHHS at mybenefits.maine.gov or call 1-855-797-4357. Local Community Action Agencies across Maine also take LIHEAP applications; 2-1-1 Maine can direct you to the nearest one.

Child Care Subsidy Program – Maine DHHS

Helps income-eligible families pay for licensed child care so parents can work, attend school, or participate in job training. Care must be provided by an approved Maine child care provider.

How to access: Apply through Maine DHHS at mybenefits.maine.gov or call 1-855-797-4357. Child Care Aware of Maine can also help families locate licensed providers; call 2-1-1 Maine for a referral.

2-1-1 Maine

A free, statewide helpline connecting Maine residents to thousands of local social services, including emergency food, shelter, mental health, child care, utility assistance, and family support programs.

How to access: Call or text 2-1-1, available 24/7 in multiple languages. You can also chat online at 211maine.org or search the database yourself for resources by location and need.

Child & Family Assistance resources for Maine

Alliance for Period Supplies

Nationwide

Provide period products to school students. Toolkit link: https://allianceforperiodsupplies.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Printable-PPiS-graphic-August-2026.pdf

New Haven, Connecticut203.821.7348
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American Pregnancy Association

Nationwide

Talk to a Pregnancy Educator. Essential Pregnancy Tools & Resources

Austin, Texas800-672-2296
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Babylist

Nationwide

Each Hello Baby Box includes a mix of samples, trial-size products, and special offers. You may receive items like: Diapers and wipes Bottles and pacifiers, Bibs or baby hats, Skincare or wellness samples Coupons or gift cards from partner brands. The contents of each box vary based on product availability and brand partnerships. Create a Babylist registry today to be eligible for a free baby box full of goodies for you and baby! Put anything onto your baby registry from any store.

Austin, Texas
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Breast Pumps Through Insurance

Nationwide

Fill out our Qualify Through Insurance Form with your due date and basic health insurance information—you’ll need your insurance card for this step. You can fill out the form to confirm your insurance coverage at any point during your pregnancy and up to one year postpartum.

Austin, Texas1-844-867-9890
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Cribs for Kids At Home

Nationwide

Orders must be placed through the Cribs for Kids Partner Store and shipping will be arranged through UPS.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania1-888-721-CRIB
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I Support The Girls

Nationwide

Provides essential items like bras, underwear, and menstrual hygiene products.

Wheaton, Maryland(240) 816-0570
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Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

Nationwide

Donor human milk provides access to life-saving pasteurized breast milk to critically ill infants in the first few days and weeks. DSHS uses Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) standards to determine minimum Texas human donor milk bank guidelines. Texas HMBANA milk bank locations are Mothers Milk Bank Austin and Mothers Milk Bank North Texas. Both locations offer programs that include access to donor human milk for healthy infants needing added feeding support.

512-494-0800, Texas512-494-0800
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National Maternal Mental Health Hotline

Nationwide

Professional counselors answer Hotline calls, texts, and chats. They may be licensed health care professionals, certified educators, or specialists.

Austin, Texas1-833-TLC-MAMA
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Share The Love

Nationwide

Through this program, low-income families who receive assistance from programs like WIC and TANF may be able to receive a set of CLOTH diapers — for free. Locations: https://www.cottonbabieslove.com/locations/

Pflugerville, Texas
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She Supply

Nationwide

Provide free feminine hygiene products and undergarments to shelters and other nonprofits in the DFW metroplex.

Flower Mound, Texas
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Tiny Treasures Milk Bank

Nationwide

Pays for all of your donor qualification expenses. Provides you with free breastmilk storage bags and shipping coolers for donations. Pays for the shipping of your breastmilk donations

Duarte, California(855) 348-5192
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WIC Breastfeeding Support

Nationwide

WIC Program teaches her how to breastfeed. Once she’s had her baby, WIC provides peer counseling and support as well as breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies. Breastfeeding moms on WIC also receive more food and for a longer time period.

Cameron, Texas(254) 697-4913
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