Many more residents of New Mexico will soon qualify for food stamps due to the state’s expansion of eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
“Every New Mexican deserves to have enough to eat.” “By expanding SNAP access and increasing benefits, we’re ensuring that more families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities receive the support necessary to live with dignity and security,” stated Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “These changes represent progress in our continuous efforts to alleviate hunger and enhance the well-being of our communities.”
Individuals aged 60 and above who receive SNAP, along with those with disabilities, will experience an increase in their state supplement. The minimum benefit will rise from $32 per month to $100. The change will affect more than 26,450 households across the state.
The state will incur a cost of $14,106,800.00 for this increase. According to an HCA spokesman, New Mexico will utilize state general funds to cover the expense, as communicated to The Center Square via email.
“Each month, the SNAP program assists over 470,000 New Mexicans,” stated Kari Armijo, Secretary of the Health Care Authority. “The modifications to SNAP will enhance both the minimum benefits and eligibility thresholds for SNAP participants across the state.”
The state will expand the renewal certification period for benefits from 12 months to 36 months for SNAP recipients in three categories: individuals aged 60 and older, disabled individuals, and those with no earned income.
The HCA will issue an annual notice to these households to inform them about reporting changes to their household expenses. If there are no changes, the HCA will not need to take action until the 36th month.
Furthermore, a release stated that SNAP eligibility will rise from 165% to 200% of the federal poverty limit for all SNAP recipients. This will lead to an additional 67,697 families in New Mexico qualifying for the welfare program.
“For instance, a family of four earning a gross monthly income of up to $5,200 may now be eligible for benefits, assuming all other criteria for eligibility are satisfied,” the release stated. “In the past, a family of four qualified if their monthly income did not exceed $4,290.”
An HCA spokesman informed The Center Square that this will incur a cost of $764 million. New Mexico and the federal government will each contribute $382 million to that increase.