SNAP
Goodbye to SNAP in New Mexico for some beneficiaries: These are the new requirements starting January 1
Starting in January, some SNAP recipients may no longer be eligible as work requirements will be imposed.
The United States has various economic aid programs, one of which is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative, managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides food assistance to individuals and families struggling to afford meals.
SNAP benefits are distributed monthly through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card, which can be used to purchase food at approved supermarkets, stores, and farmers’ markets. While SNAP is a federal program, the distribution of funds is handled at the state level, leading to differences in benefits, eligibility requirements, and distribution dates among states. In New Mexico, for example, new eligibility criteria will take effect starting in 2025. In New Mexico, around one in four residents receive SNAP benefits.
Goodbye to SNAP in New Mexico for some beneficiaries: These are the new requirements starting January 1
In an effort to encourage work and acquire new skills to reduce dependence on food stamps, the New Mexico government has implemented changes to the eligibility requirements for SNAP coupons, which will go into effect in 2025 and are as follows:
- Work 80 hours per month
or
- Complete an employment and training (E&T) program for a total of 80 hours per month
*Beneficiaries may combine work hours and E&T hours, for example, work 40 hours per month and volunteer for another 40 hours.
This new employment requirement will directly impact able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD), who are considered physically able to work. In New Mexico, this group includes adults living in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties, as well as smaller regions including San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna.
By meeting the requirements, recipients will be able to receive payments beyond just a three-month period. All recipients who may be affected by this new measure will be notified by the New Mexico Health Care Authority via mail beginning Tuesday.
Exceptions to the rule
It is worth mentioning that not all SNAP voucher recipients must adhere to this new rule, as there are exceptions for people with a disability that prevents them from working, residents over 60 years of age, pregnant women, and those who must care for a dependent child at home.
Since the state has not released a figure as to how many people will be impacted by these new rules.
For more information, visit the New Mexico E&T SNAP Program websiteor call the customer service center at 1-800-283-4465, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.