STATE NEWS

New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits will receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of December as the state continues its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, announced the New Mexico Human Services Department.

“We are especially grateful to provide additional food assistance for New Mexicans as we head into the holiday season,” said Karmela Martinez, director of the Income Support Division which administers the SNAP program, formally known as food stamps. “Many New Mexico families are struggling as the pandemic rages on and our low-income residents need all the support, they can get to stay healthy and safe this time of year.”

The emergency assistance will increase a household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum food benefit amount for their household size (see table below). SNAP recipients do not have to take any action to receive these additional food benefits as they will be placed directly on their EBT cards.

SNAP recipients with a regular issuance date of Dec. 1-12, will receive a supplement on Dec. 12, 2020. SNAP recipients with a regular issuance date of Dec. 13-30, will receive their benefits and the supplement on their regular issuance date.

Since March of 2020, SNAP households that were not already receiving the maximum SNAP food benefit for their household size have received an increase bringing their food benefits to the maximum amount each month. These increases were made to help reduce food insecurity for New Mexicans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Individuals seeking to apply for SNAP benefits may apply online through www.yes.state.nm.us or by phone at 1-800-283-4465. Newly approved SNAP recipients will be eligible for the supplemental benefit.