Due to the federal government shutdown, New Mexico residents may receive additional food stamps this month. The exact amount of the increase and the eligibility requirements haven’t been determined yet. Still, the state is working with the federal government to ensure that those in need have access to food assistance during this time. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food stamps, is funded by the federal government but administered by states. As a result, the shutdown has caused uncertainty about whether states will be able to continue providing food stamps to eligible recipients.
Increased SNAP Benefits for New Mexico Residents
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, provides financial assistance to help low-income individuals and families purchase food. The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives is based on household size, income, and expenses. In response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government has temporarily increased SNAP benefits for all recipients. This increase will continue through September 2023.
SNAP Benefit Amounts in New Mexico
The following table shows the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for households of different sizes in New Mexico. The amounts are effective from October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2023.
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $451 |
| 3 | $646 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $1,022 |
| 6 | $1,209 |
| 7 | $1,396 |
| 8 | $1,583 |
| Each additional household member | $187 |
- Households with more than eight members may receive a higher SNAP benefit amount. The amount is calculated based on the household’s size and income.
- SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers.
- To apply for SNAP benefits, you can visit your local Human Services Department office or apply online at the New Mexico Human Services Department website.
Eligibility Requirements for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in New Mexico
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. In New Mexico, the program is administered by the Human Services Department. To be eligible for SNAP benefits in New Mexico, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a New Mexico resident.
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified noncitizen.
- Meet the income and asset limits. The income limits are based on your household size and your gross income. The asset limits are based on your household size and your countable assets. You can find the current income and asset limits on the Human Services Department website.
- Be unemployed, underemployed, or receiving certain types of public assistance.
- Be a member of a household that is considered to be a “food stamp household.”
A food stamp household is a household that:
- Has at least one member who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits.
- Has a gross income that is less than or equal to 130% of the federal poverty level.
- Has countable assets that are less than or equal to $2,500 for a one-person household or $4,000 for a household with two or more members.
If you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can apply for SNAP benefits online or at your local Human Services Department office. The application process takes about 30 days. Once you are approved for benefits, you will receive a Lone Star Card, which you can use to purchase food at authorized retailers.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835 |
| 2 | $2,472 |
| 3 | $3,109 |
| 4 | $3,746 |
| 5 | $4,383 |
| 6 | $5,020 |
| 7 | $5,657 |
| 8 | $6,294 |
SNAP Benefits Distribution Schedule for New Mexico
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. The program provides monthly benefits that can be used to buy eligible food items at authorized retailers. In New Mexico, the Human Services Department (HSD) administers the SNAP program.
SNAP benefits are distributed to recipients on a monthly basis. The exact date that benefits are distributed depends on the recipient’s last name. The following table shows the distribution schedule for SNAP benefits in New Mexico:
| Last Name | Distribution Date |
|---|---|
| A – C | 2nd of the month |
| D – G | 9th of the month |
| H – K | 16th of the month |
| L – O | 23rd of the month |
| P – S | 30th or 31st of the month |
If the distribution date falls on a holiday, benefits will be distributed on the business day before the holiday.
SNAP benefits can be used at authorized retailers that accept EBT (electronic benefits transfer) cards. In New Mexico, most grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers markets accept EBT cards. To find a list of authorized retailers near you, visit the HSD website or call the HSD customer service number.
- HSD website: https://www.hsd.state.nm.us/
- HSD customer service number: 1-800-283-4465
SNAP benefits can also be used to purchase food online from authorized retailers. To find a list of authorized online retailers, visit the USDA website.
- USDA website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items
New Mexico SNAP Benefits Update
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often known as food stamps, is a federally funded program that provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income households. In New Mexico, SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used at authorized retailers to purchase eligible food items.
Resources for Applying for SNAP Benefits in New Mexico
- Online: Apply for SNAP benefits online through the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) website.
- By Phone: Call the New Mexico SNAP hotline at 1-800-283-4465 for assistance with applying for benefits.
- In Person: Visit your local HSD office to apply for SNAP benefits in person. A list of HSD offices can be found on the HSD website.
Additional Information
- SNAP benefits are typically provided to eligible households for a period of six months.
- To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and household size requirements.
- The amount of SNAP benefits you receive each month is based on your household size and income.
- SNAP benefits do not have to be repaid.
SNAP Eligibility Requirements in New Mexico
Household Size Gross Monthly Income Limit (130% of the Federal Poverty Level) 1 $1,836 2 $2,458 3 $3,080 4 $3,702 Each additional person $622 Note: The gross monthly income limit is subject to change each year based on the federal poverty level.
Conclusion
To learn more about SNAP benefits in New Mexico, visit the New Mexico Human Services Department website or call the New Mexico SNAP hotline at 1-800-283-4465.
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