How To Apply For New Mexico Food Stamps
View the information below if you are interested in applying for food stamps in New Mexico. It is important that you have all the documentation and information needed so the application process is not delayed. If you still have questions or issues about applying for food stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), then you can call the New Mexico SNAP hotline at 888-473-3676. The department that handles this program is called the New Mexico Human Services Department.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, provides financial assistance to eligible New Mexicans with low income and limited resources to purchase food products. SNAP benefits are simple to use to purchase qualifying food products at participating grocery stores.
The federal government sets the guidelines for SNAP Benefits and determines the amount of SNAP Benefits an individual may receive each month. Using these guidelines, HSD will help determine if a person qualifies for SNAP. Financial information, such as income and what you own, are considered when determining if you can receive benefits.
How to apply for New Mexico food stamps
You can apply for the New Mexico SNAP program online at www.yes.state.nm.us. If you prefer, you can download a copy of the application (English version - Spanish version). Once you print it and fill out the application you can then turn it in-person at your local field office. The majority of people who qualify for SNAP may qualify for other services provided by HSD. If you have additional questions or issues then contact our local Family Community Resource Center or contact the Help Line at 800-432-6217.
What happens after you submit your food stamp application
Once you have successfully submitted an application you will be contacted by the Human Services Department regarding the next steps to take. You can check on the status of your application on YesNM. Give them 14 days before you check. You can also get information about the status of your application and benefits by calling their automated response line at 855-309-3766.
It may take us up to 30 days to process your application. They may have to ask you for more information during the review process. They may call you to ask you some questions, or ask you to submit more documents. If they need to give them more documents, you can submit them here. If you submitted your application in one of their field offices, you can always go back to ask about your application. Please note, to check on application status and access other features of the YesNM portal, you will need to create a YesNM account.
New Mexico food stamp eligibility
There are some basic rules that apply to any person who may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits.
- You must be a US Citizen or a qualified lawful resident
- You must have proper identification
- You must list who lives and eats at the household
- You must provide information about how much money your household receives each month
- What your household owns (property, bank accounts)
- What your household pays for, including things like rent, utilities, and child care
- Work program participation is required for some SNAP recipients
- The house you live in does not count for SNAP eligibility
- There are special rules for the cars and trucks you may own
Income eligibility guidelines
| Household Size | 100% Federal Poverty Guidelines Net Income | 130% Federal Poverty Guidelines Gross Income | 165% Federal Poverty Guidelines Gross Income for Categorical Eligibility | Maximum SNAP Monthly Allotment | LIHEAP 150% Federal Poverty Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,005 | $1,307 | $1,659 | $192 | $1,508 |
| 2 | $1,354 | $1,760 | $2,233 | $352 | $2,031 |
| 3 | $1,702 | $2,213 | $2,808 | $504 | $2,553 |
| 4 | $2,050 | $2,665 | $3,383 | $640 | $3,075 |
| 5 | $2,399 | $3,118 | $3,958 | $760 | $3,599 |
| 6 | $2,747 | $3,571 | $4,532 | $913 | $4,121 |
| 7 | $3,095 | $4,024 | $5,107 | $1,009 | $4,643 |
| 8 | $3,444 | $4,477 | $5,682 | $1,153 | $5,166 |
| Each Additional Person | +$349 | +$453 | +$575 | +$144 | +$523 |
Deductions
- Standard deduction for household size 1-3 = $160; 4 = $170; 5 = $199; 6 or more = $228
- Excess Shelter Deduction limit: $535
- Heating and Cooling Standard Utility Allowance: $320 (HCSUA)
- Limited Utility Allowance: $127 (LUA)
- Telephone Standard: $42
- Dependent Care: Actual Amount (No Limit)
- Earned Income Deduction: 20%
- Homeless Shelter Standard: $143
- LIHEAP (only) Energy Standard Allowance (ESA) is $193
Once you turn in your SNAP application, you will be asked to come in for an interview in about ten days. Your assigned worker will give you a list of things you need to provide. This information will tell your worker about you and your household so he or she can determine if you qualify for SNAP benefits. Bring as much of the requested information as you can to the interview. This will help them to help you faster.
If, after your interview, you need to provide more information, your worker will make a list of things you need to do. Your worker will explain how much time you have to gather the information. If you need more time, or you can't get the information required, tell your worker as soon as possible.
You will be notified by letter within 45 days as to whether or not your SNAP assistance was approved. If you do not agree with the decision, you can ask for a Fair Hearing. Remember, our job is to serve you. It is their policy to ensure that everyone who applies for and qualifies for SNAP assistance receives those benefits in a timely manner and in accordance with the law.