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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was known as Food Stamps. At the beginning of October 2008, the name was changed in order to reflect the new focus of eating healthy eating and receiving assistance with purchasing food. SNAP is a type of government assistance to help people pay for food. SNAP allows low-income people to buy healthy foods and still have enough money to pay their other bills. In New Mexico, the Income Support Division of the Human Services Department is in charge of the SNAP program.
SNAP is for U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens with limited incomes and resources who buy food and make meals at home. People living in homeless shelters, drug and alcohol treatment centers, and certain other group homes are also eligible. Most able-bodied adults must work to qualify.
The SNAP Eligibility Check is an easy way for you to find out if you are likely to qualify for food stamps, by answering questions online about your family, your living situation, your income, and your expenses. You will see the results of the eligibility check right away, on your computer screen.
The amount of monthly assistance you get depends on your household size, income, and expenses. You are expected to spend about 30% of your own income on food. In 2009, the average monthly food stamps benefit in New Mexico was about $117 per person.
You must apply for SNAP at the Income Support Division (ISD) office serving your county. You can get a copy of the Application for Assistance online, or you may call your ISD office and have them send you a copy. See ISD County Offices or call the ISD toll-free at 1-888-473-3676. After you fill out the application and send it in, an ISD worker will schedule an interview. You will need proof of identity, income, assets, and expenses.
You will get an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to use at grocery store checkouts to pay for your food. The ISD will deposit your SNAP benefits in your EBT account each month. Whenever you buy food with your card, your receipt will show the amount of money left in your account.
Links to other web sites with information about SNAP.
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