Food & Nutrition

New Mexico Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

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You may be eligible to receive

$158/month

in SNAP benefits. Click to apply online below and get help paying for food.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, helps many older adults, people with disabilities, and families in New Mexico pay for food.

If you're approved for SNAP benefits, the government will issue your funds through an electronic benefits card (EBT card) called the New Mexico EBT card. This card looks and works just like a prepaid debit card, with a unique 16-digit account number and a magnetic strip on the back. Your card can be used at most grocery stores, convenience stores, superstores, wholesale retailers, and even farmers markets in New Mexico to buy SNAP-approved food items. You can also make SNAP purchases on Amazon.

Frequently asked questions

How does New Mexico SNAP work?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), once known as Food Stamps, is run by the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) Income Support Division (ISD). ISD field offices across the state provide local support for people who receive SNAP and other types of public assistance.

SNAP can help you stretch your grocery dollars further every month. This is because the money you would have spent on groceries can now be spent on other basic living costs like your utility bills, prescriptions, and medical bills. There are many items that are SNAP-eligible, and then others that are not covered under your benefits.

What is the SNAP application process like in New Mexico?

While the idea of applying for SNAP may seem overwhelming, it’s not as complicated as you might think. And, you don’t have to apply all by yourself. If you need help, a friend, family member, or field office worker can assist you.

Generally, here are the steps to apply for New Mexico SNAP:

Fill out an application: You can apply for New Mexico SNAP online, in person, or by mail or fax. Completing the application can take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. Note: No documentation is necessary to start the application process, but you must complete and submit your application before you can secure a benefit start date.
Have an interview: While you wait for your application to be processed, you must have a phone or in-person interview with an ISD field office worker.
Wait for a decision: Most New Mexico SNAP applications are processed within 30 days from the date on your application. If you have an urgent need for food, you may be able to have your application processed faster.
Receive your EBT card: If you’re approved for SNAP benefits, you will receive your New Mexico EBT card in the mail with a guide on how to use it.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP?

You can apply for all the people living in your home who buy and fix meals with you (defined as a “household”). To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet the following basic guidelines:

All applicants must be a resident of New Mexico.
All applicants must be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen.
Most able-bodied adults with no dependents (age 16 to 59) must meet certain work requirements.
The household must meet certain income (and in some cases, resource) limits.
All applicants must have a Social Security number (or proof they have applied for one).

The amount of money you will get in New Mexico SNAP benefits depends on:

How much you earn from your job or other income you receive, like Social Security
How many people live with you

What are the New Mexico SNAP income limits?

The chart below shows the maximum monthly gross and net income households can earn and still get SNAP benefits. In New Mexico, most households must meet a gross income limit of 165% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Households that have a member who is age 60+ or has a disability, but are over the gross income limit, can instead qualify by meeting the net income and asset limits.

What do the terms “gross” and “net” mean?

Gross monthly income is the amount before taxes or other deductions are taken out.
Net monthly income is what is left of gross income after certain allowable expenses are subtracted.

These figures are effective for 2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025). You can use the site you’re currently on to check your eligibility—just scroll up and click on the black button that says ‘See If You May Be Eligible.’

Family size	Maximum net monthly income (100% FPL)
1	$ 1,255
2	$ 1,704
3	$ 2,152
4	$ 2,600
5	$ 3,049
For each additional person, add:	+$ 449

Source: USDA.gov, SNAP Eligibility (October 2024)

You may qualify for deductions that reduce your countable income. This can help your household meet the SNAP income limit. A field office worker can tell you which deductions your household qualifies for. Common deductions include:

Standard deduction: For household size 1-3 = $198; 4 = $208; 5 = $244; 6 or more = $279
Earned income deduction: 20%
Excess shelter deduction limit: $672
Heating and cooling standard utility allowance: $417 (HCSUA)
Limited utility allowance: $ 215 (LUA)
Telephone standard: $46
Dependent care: Actual amount (no limit)
Homeless shelter standard: $179.66
LIHEAP (only) energy standard allowance (ESA): $283

What are the New Mexico SNAP asset limits?

Assets refer to the resources and property your household owns that can be converted into cash (e.g., cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, real estate). For New Mexico SNAP, the asset limit for households with a member who is age 60+ or has a disability is $4,250. The asset limit for all other households is $2,750.

How do I prepare to apply?

When you apply, you’ll be asked for important information to help determine if you qualify and the amount you can get each month. Before you start, gather some basic information to make your application process easier:

Full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers (SSN) for all the people who are applying for benefits.
If you have children in your home whose mother or father is not living with them, HSD may need to know the names of these non-custodial parents.
If someone in your home has a disability or is blind, HSD needs to know whether the person has received an official disability decision from the Social Security Administration. They will also ask for the date when the person developed a disability or blindness.
Benefit check stubs or award letters for types of income like Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or child support. HSD will ask when these benefits started, how much is paid, and how often payments are made.
If a household member is self-employed, try to gather as much information about their business expenses and income as possible.
Information about the expenses you pay, such as housing (rent, mortgage, property taxes), utilities (electric, gas), and dependent care.

To verify the information above, you will need the following for everyone in your household applying for SNAP:

A valid ID (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, government ID)
Proof of where you live (e.g., lease, rental agreement, utility bill), unless you are unhoused
Proof of earned income (e.g., paystubs, employer letter, recent tax records)
Proof of unearned income (benefits award letter)
Proof of resources (e.g., bank statements)
Proof of immigration status (for non-citizens)
Proof of student status (for college students)

If you would like to have someone else (like a friend or family member) help you gather the necessary documents, complete your SNAP application, and even join you in your interview, you can name that person as your Authorized Representative in your application.

How do I apply for SNAP in New Mexico

There are several ways to apply for New Mexico SNAP. Read below to learn more about which option might be right for you.

APPLY ONLINE

The quickest and easiest way to apply for SNAP is online at Yes New Mexico. You’ll be glad to know when you do, all your personal information is kept 100% confidential and protected by special security technology.

Apply at Yes New Mexico

To apply online:

Go to the Yes New Mexico website.
- If you already have an account, click ‘Login’ and enter your username and password.
- If you do not have an account, click ‘Create an account.’ and follow the prompts to set up your username and password.
Once you've created an account, log in and click on 'Apply for Benefits.' Read the information on the next screen and click ‘Next.’ Repeat this on the following three screens.
Follow the prompts to complete your SNAP application. It should take you about 20 to 45 minutes (but you can save your progress and come back if you need to; all you need to do is log back in with the username and password you set up earlier).

Tips for success:

Fill out as much information as you can; it’s better to guess or leave some parts blank rather than wait to verify the information. You can save your application progress in the system and return later to finish it, if necessary.
If your primary language is not English, click ‘Languages’ at the top of your screen and choose your language from the drop-down menu.
For additional assistance, click on ‘Help’ at the top right of your screen and choose a topic from the drop-down menu. You can also call Customer Service at 1-800-283-4465.

APPLY IN PERSON, BY MAIL, OR FAX

To apply in person, by mail, or by fax, you will first need to download and print out a paper SNAP application, listed here:

Application for Assistance (English)

Application for Assistance (Spanish)

Complete the application and then mail it to:

Central ASPEN Scanning Area (CASA)
P.O. Box 830
Bernalillo, NM 87004

You can also fax your application to 1-855-804-8960 or drop it off at your local ISD field office. Find a location near you.

What if I need food assistance right away?

You may be able to get New Mexico SNAP benefits sooner (within 7 calendar days from the date on your application) if your food needs are urgent. You can receive expedited (faster) SNAP assistance if you and your household meet at least one of the following conditions:

You have less than $150 in monthly gross income and $100 or less in liquid assets (cash on hand, checking or savings accounts, savings certificates).
Your combined gross income and liquid assets are less than your monthly rent and/or mortgage payment plus heat and utilities.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm worker with very little money.

Need food today? Visit the New Mexican Association of Food Banks website to find local resources while you wait for your SNAP application to be processed.

How can I get help with my application?

There are several ways to get help filling out your New Mexico SNAP application. You can:

Contact Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico by completing the form on their website.
Contact your local ISD field office.
Contact ISD Customer Service at 1-800-283-4465.
Visit a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near where you live. See if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-855-534-1245.

What happens after I apply for SNAP in New Mexico?

It can take up to 30 days for your ISD field office to process your SNAP application (within 7 days if you’re requesting expedited benefits). If you’re approved, the date you submit your application is the earliest date your benefits can begin.

After your application is received, you may be contacted to have an interview with a field office worker. These are usually done over the phone, but can also be done face-to-face at your request. To make sure you don't miss a letter or call from the agency, it's important to check your mail regularly and pick up the phone (even for calls from “unknown” or blocked numbers).

What can I expect during my SNAP interview?

Don’t worry—the purpose of the interview is not to try to disqualify you for benefits. It is simply to double-check the information you already provided. In addition, your ISD field office worker can tell you more about the program, answer any questions, and help you get any information or documents you’re having trouble providing.

During your SNAP interview, you may be asked questions such as:

What is your full name and birthday?
What is your Social Security number?
Where do you live? (You can still qualify if you are houseless.)
Are you a U.S. citizen? (You may still qualify if you are a noncitizen.)
What is your monthly income?
Do you pay utilities, such as an electric bill or cable TV bill?
What other regular bills do you have?

It’s a good idea to practice answering these questions before your interview, either in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. That way, you will feel less nervous and be able to respond with confidence.

Once all requested information is received, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you if you were approved or denied for SNAP benefits. If you are approved, the notice will tell you the amount of benefits approved, when benefits will start, and the amount of income and deductions used to make the decision. If you are denied, the notice will tell you the reason why.

If you applied online, you can check your New Mexico SNAP application status by visiting the Yes New Mexico website and logging in to your account.

What happens after I am approved for SNAP?

If you are approved for New Mexico SNAP, the letter you get will explain your monthly benefits amount and how long you’ll get benefits for (this is called your “certification period”). For most households in New Mexico, that period is 12 or 24 months. You must complete an Interim Reporting Form (IRF) halfway through your certification period if you want to continue benefits.

Shortly after you are approved for SNAP, you will receive your New Mexico EBT card in the mail with instructions on how to activate and use it. Your first month of benefits will be deposited into your account when your application is approved. Going forward, SNAP benefits will be deposited between the 1st and the 20th of the month, depending on the last two digits of your Social Security number.

Other important tips to know

What if my New Mexico SNAP application is denied?

Your SNAP decision notice will include instructions for requesting a Fair Hearing if you do not agree with the decision.

How can I view my SNAP benefits information?

You can log in to your Yes New Mexico account to check the status of your SNAP application, view your benefits, upload documents, report changes, and see important notices and reminders about your benefits.

How do I manage my New Mexico EBT card?

To create or change your EBT card PIN number, check the balance on your card, or report a lost or stolen card, call the 24-hour Fidelity Information Services (FIS) Customer Service Help Desk at 1-800-843-8303. You can also visit the EBTEdge website to manage your card. You must create an account first.

Do I need to report changes to my household situation?

You must report certain changes that can impact your SNAP benefit amount within 10 days of the change. Your ISD field office will let you know what you need to report and when. Reportable changes may include:

Job change or new income
Change in household size
Change in address
Changes in monthly expenses
Changes in child support paid

When should you renew your SNAP benefits in New Mexico?

New Mexico SNAP households must complete the recertification process at the end of their certification period in order to continue receiving SNAP benefits. Toward the end of your certification period, you will receive a renewal package. It will contain information on how to renew your benefits, which can be done online or via mail or fax.

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