Healthy recipients without dependents will have to meet new work conditions to maintain food assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will undergo major changes in New Mexico beginning in January 2025. This program, which distributes monthly food stamps through EBT cards, will now require certain recipients to meet specific requirements to continue receiving assistance.
New eligibility criteria
The state government seeks to encourage employment and job training to reduce reliance on food assistance. Recipients will have to opt for one of the following alternatives:
- Work at least 80 hours per month.
- Participate in an employment and training (E&T) program for 80 hours per month.
Note: Combine both options, such as working 40 hours and volunteering or training for another 40 hours.
This regulation will apply to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) who are deemed physically able to work. In New Mexico, the change will impact those residing in countries such as Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy and Los Alamos, in addition to smaller communities such as San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara and Laguna.
Exceptions and additional support
People with disabilities, those over age 60, pregnant women and those caring for dependent children at home will be exempt from these new conditions. In addition, potentially affected beneficiaries will receive notices by mail from the New Mexico Health Care Authority beginning this Tuesday.
Beyond the three months
Meeting these requirements will allow beneficiaries to extend access to the program beyond the standard three-month limit. For additional details, interested parties can visit the E&T SNAP Program website or call 1-800-283-4465 Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
With these measures, the state seeks to balance support for vulnerable families with a push toward greater self-sufficiency.