Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards in Maine, commonly referred to as the Pine Tree Card, are a lifeline for individuals and families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This state-issued card functions like a debit card, allowing holders to purchase eligible food items from participating retailers. However, beyond the basic benefits for grocery shopping, Maine EBT cardholders also have access to a variety of discounts and incentives designed to stretch their benefits further and improve their quality of life.
These discounts encompass more than just food; they offer reduced admission to cultural institutions, educational resources, and recreational activities across the state. Maine’s EBT discounts help to ensure that the state’s low-income residents can engage with and participate in community and cultural opportunities that might otherwise be financially inaccessible. By doing so, Maine supports the well-being and enrichment of all its residents, regardless of economic status.
Amazon Prime Reduced Rate for EBT Cardholders
If you possess a Maine Pine Tree Card, you are eligible to enroll in the Amazon Prime EBT Discount program. This program offers the full suite of Prime benefits at a substantially lower cost.
Cost Savings with EBT
- Standard Prime Membership: Typically $14.99 per month.
- EBT Cardholder Price: Just $6.99 per month, which is a saving of over 50%.
Grocery Purchases Online
- Amazon participates in a USDA pilot program that allows food stamp acceptance online. With Prime, you can order groceries through Amazon Pantry in select regions.
Benefits Included with Amazon Prime EBT Discount
Fast, Free Delivery
- Access to free, expedited shipping on over 50 million eligible items.
- In certain city areas, enjoy free same-day delivery on more than a million products and two-hour delivery on essential items and groceries with Prime Now.
Streaming and Entertainment
- Unlimited streaming of TV shows and movies.
- Includes thousands of options at no additional cost, compatible with devices like Smart TVs, Roku, Xbox, Amazon Fire TV, and various smartphones and tablets.
Additional Perks of Amazon Prime
- Online Grocery Shopping: Use your EBT card for grocery deliveries through Amazon Pantry (available in participating states).
- Music: Over two million songs and thousands of playlists and stations with ad-free, on-demand streaming.
- Reading: Unlimited access to books and magazines on any device.
- Audible Original Series: Free, unlimited listening to original audio series.
- Twitch Prime: Complimentary game content monthly, exclusive discounts, and more.
- Photo Storage: Unlimited space for photo storage to keep all your pictures in one place.
Museums
Several museums in Maine offer discounted admission to EBT cardholders. Here is a list of participating museums:
- Portland Museum of Art: EBT cardholders pay $3 per person for up to four people.
- Maine Maritime Museum: Admission is $2 per person for EBT cardholders, with a limit of six guests.
- Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine: A fee of $2 is charged per person for up to six individuals per EBT card.
Parks and Recreation
Maine’s state parks and historic sites also provide discounted admission rates:
- State Parks: The day-use fee is waived for EBT cardholders and their passengers in a single, private vehicle.
- Historic Sites: A $1 admission fee per person for EBT cardholders applies, ensuring affordable access to Maine’s heritage.
Technology and Service Discounts
Maine EBT cardholders can access a variety of technology and service discounts, including affordable internet services and reduced-rate communication packages.
Internet Services
Qualifying Maine EBT participants can enroll in discounted internet service programs. Comcast offers Internet Essentials, which has download speeds up to 50 Mbps at a reduced price of $9.95 per month. Additionally, Spectrum Internet Assist provides similar services to eligible households, with 30 Mbps speeds, also at a cost-effective rate.
Communication Packages
Various communication companies provide discounted packages for Maine EBT cardholders. Lifeline Service is one option, providing a monthly discount of up to $9.25 for phone or internet services. Providers such as AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have specific plans where eligible customers can apply their Lifeline discount for added savings on their monthly bills.
Discounted Cell Phone Services in Maine
Below is a table listing the cell phone providers participating in the Lifeline program in the state of Maine, along with their contact phone numbers.
| Company Name | Phone |
|---|---|
| Assurance Wireless | 888-898-4888 |
| Life Wireless | 888-543-3620 |
| Q Link Wireless | 855-754-6543 |
| Safelink Wireless | 800-723-3546 |
| Tag Mobile | 866-959-4918 |
| U.S. Cellular | 800-944-9400 |
| Yourtel America | 855-299-9990 |
Discounted Home Phone Services in Maine
Here is a reordered table of home phone providers participating in the Lifeline program in Maine, along with their respective contact numbers.
| Company Name | Phone |
|---|---|
| Consolidated Communications | 844-968-7224 |
| Lincolnville Telephone Company | 207-563-9911 |
| Mid-Maine Communications | 877-643-6246 |
| Oxford Telephone Company | 207-333-6900 |
| Pine Tree Networks | 877-643-6246 |
| Saco River Telegraph and Telephone Company (OTT) | 877-643-6246 |
| TDS Telecom/Cobbosseecontee Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
| TDS Telecom/Hampden Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
| TDS Telecom/Hartland & St. Albans Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
| TDS Telecom/Somerset Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
| TDS Telecom/The Island Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
| TDS Telecom/The West Penobscot Telephone and Telegraph Company | 888-225-5837 |
| TDS Telecom/Warren Telephone Company | 888-225-5837 |
| UniTel | 207-948-3900 |
| Union River Telephone Company | 207-584-9911 |
Educational Resources
Maine EBT cardholders have access to educational resources that can significantly reduce the financial burden of schooling expenses. These benefits encompass discounts on school supplies and opportunities for educational grants.
School Supply Savings
Qualified Maine EBT recipients may obtain school supplies at reduced prices through partnerships with local and national retailers. For example, a 20% discount on stationary items at participating stores can be accessed by showing the EBT card.
- Retailer A: 15% off notebooks and binders
- Retailer B: 10% off art supplies and calculators
Additionally, some educational programs partner with retailers to offer back-to-school kits at discounted rates, which may include essentials like pens, pencils, and paper.
Educational Grants
Maine EBT cardholders may be eligible for educational grants that cover a fraction or the entirety of course fees. These grants can be applied to a variety of educational programs, including:
- Adult education courses
- Vocational training programs
- Post-secondary education
Grant availability and the extent of coverage can vary and recipients are encouraged to inquire with educational institutions for specifics. The grants are designed to assist with tuition, books, and other school-related expenses, thereby facilitating continuous learning and skill development.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Maine Food Stamps and EBT.