Thousands of families in New Mexico receive SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) as financial support that is there when those households need it most. The federal program works in both New Mexico and the rest of the joint states, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, US Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP benefits aim to reduce food insecurity in the state by providing them month-to-month through an electronic benefits transfer card (EBT), with which beneficiaries can purchase eligible foods at participating businesses.
Who Qualifies for SNAP Benefits in New Mexico?
To qualify and receive SNAP benefits in the state of New Mexico, households wishing to qualify must meet several financial and non-financial requirements to be considered eligible. These requirements include (but may not be limited to):
- Gross and net income:
- Family gross income must not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level.
- After certain deductions, such as housing costs, child care, and more, net income must be below the poverty line.
- Financial resources:
- Households can have up to $2,750 in countable assets (or $4,250 if at least one member is over age 60 or has a disability).
- Residence:
- The applicant must reside in New Mexico and be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status.
- Job requirements:
- Adults between the ages of 16 and 59 must meet employment requirements, such as being employed, participating in employment programs, or actively searching for work.
Apply for or Recertify SNAP Benefits in New Mexico
New Mexico is one of the states with the highest SNAP participation rates compared to other states. This is due to high levels of poverty in some rural and urban areas of the state.
Families or beneficiaries in the state of New Mexico can apply for SNAP benefits using the YESNM (Your Eligibility Services New Mexico) online platform, a portal where other social benefits can also be reviewed. Now, if the internet is not your thing, don’t worry, because you can also submit the application at the local offices of the Human Services Department (HSD), or by mail.
Now, just because you were approved the first time does not mean that the benefits belong to you forever. From time to time, you must recertify your eligibility to show the state that you still meet the requirements. Generally, benefits are granted for a period of 6 to 12 months, and each beneficiary is told how often they must recertify. When that time comes, you will be asked for a series of documents to prove that you are still eligible to continue receiving payments.
How Much Will Your Family Receive from SNAP Benefits?
The amount each household receives depends on its size and economic situation. For 2024, the maximum monthly benefit for a one-person household is $291, and for a four-person household it is up to $973. However, amounts may vary based on income and allowable deductions. These amounts are about to be updated starting October 1, 2024, when the cost of living adjustment (COLA) is applied.
Until September 30, these are the values according to family size:
| Household size | Maximum benefit allotment |
|---|---|
| Household size 1 | $291 |
| Household size 2 | $535 |
| Household size 3 | $766 |
| Household size 4 | $973 |
| Household size 5 | $1,155 |
| Household size 6 | $1,386 |
| Household size 7 | $1,532 |
| Household size 8 | $1,751 |
| Every additional person | + $219 |
