According To krqe The New Mexico Health Care Authority has unveiled new changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for residents affected by recent wildfires and floods.
Extended Hot Food Benefits
SNAP beneficiaries in New Mexico now have an additional 30 days, until August 25, to use their benefits for purchasing hot prepared foods from deli departments at EBT-authorized retailers. This extension aims to provide essential nutrition, convenience, and comfort to those recovering from the recent disasters.
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“Prepared hot meals are crucial, especially after the fires and floods,” said Kyra Ochoa, Deputy Secretary for the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “Being able to buy ready-to-eat meals can greatly assist families as they rebuild.”
This temporary benefit extension was granted following the Health Care Authority’s request in response to the fires and flooding. Note that this benefit does not apply to restaurants or non-EBT-authorized retailers.
Also Read: – New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Signs $100 Million Recovery Bill for Fire and Flood Relief
Disaster Food Benefits Expanded
Residents of San Juan and Rio Arriba counties impacted by flooding are now eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits. Affected individuals can apply for D-SNAP from August 12 to 16, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; August 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and August 19, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The expanded Presidential Disaster Declaration now includes individuals living or working in specific zip codes within these counties. Affected residents can apply for D-SNAP benefits at:
- San Juan County HCA Office, 101 W. Animas, Farmington, NM 87401
- Rio Arriba County HCA Office, 228 Paseo de Onate Street, Espanola, NM 87532
For those unable to visit these locations, applications can be completed by phone at 1-800-283-4465, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents must provide verification of identity, household income, and disaster-related expenses.
Eligible households will receive one month of D-SNAP benefits to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or select online retailers. Benefits are deposited onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card.
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Automatic Benefit Increases
SNAP households in the affected areas who are not already receiving the maximum benefit for their household size will receive a supplement to match the monthly SNAP allotment for one month.
Also Read- New D-SNAP Support for 25,000 Households Affected by Disasters in Northern New Mexico
D-SNAP Benefit Levels
The following table outlines the income limits and benefit amounts for D-SNAP:
| Household Size | Income Limit | D-SNAP Allotment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3,041 | $291 |
| 2 | $3,958 | $535 |
| 3 | $4,547 | $766 |
| 4 | $5,354 | $973 |
| 5 | $5,899 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $6,588 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $7,087 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $7,588 | $1,751 |
| Each Additional Member | +$501 | $219 |
The Health Care Authority will process applications alphabetically by last name during the first four days of the application period. The final three days will be open to all applicants:
- Monday, Aug. 12: A-G
- Tuesday, Aug. 13: H-N
- Wednesday, Aug. 14: N-T
- Thursday, Aug. 15: U-Z
- Friday, Aug. 16: A-Z
- Saturday, Aug. 17: A-Z
- Sunday, Aug. 18: Closed
- Monday, Aug. 19: A-Z
