What is NMCAP?

NMCAP is a New Mexico Human Services Department program that makes it easier for people who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to get food assistance.

How do I know if I can get NMCAP Benefits?

You may receive NMCAP food assistance if:

• You get SSI; (If married and living with your spouse, he/she also receives SSI);
• Are 22 years of age or older;
• Do not receive income from work;
• Buy and fix meals separately from the other people at home;
• Have no dependent children younger than 22 living at home.
• You do not receive Tribal Commodities

When will I know if I can get NMCAP Benefits?

You will be notified by letter within 30 days as to whether or not your NMCAP application was approved. If you do not agree with the letter, you can ask for a Fair Hearing on the decision. Remember, our job is to serve you. It is our policy to ensure that everyone who applies for and qualifies for NMCAP receives these benefits in a timely manner and in accordance with the law.

What else should I know?

If you are getting SSI and you—

• Pay more than 1/2 of your income each month for rent, mortgage, and utility costs or
• Pay $35.00 or more a month for out-of-pocket medical costs,
• You may get a higher benefit amount if you apply through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly the Food Stamp program)
• If you are waiting for approval of your SSI and need food assistance right away, you may apply at your local ISD office

How do I ask for NMCAP Benefits?

You need to fill out an application. You can call 1-877-636-5453 to request an application be mailed to you or download the application
The completed application can be mailed to your local ISD Office or the NMCAP Office at:
830 Camino Del Pueblo
Bernalillo, NM 87004

What is the EBT card?

When you are approved for NMACP you will be issued an Electronic Benefits Card (EBT). Your EBT card is used like a bank debit card. Each month your NMCAP allotment will be deposited into your EBT account. You will then use this card to purchase food items at most grocery stores. For information about the EBT card click Here

Nutrition Education

The Nutrition Education Program can help you stretch your NMCAP Benefits. You can also learn tasty and nutritious new recipes. These free classes are taught at sites throughout New Mexico. For information about classes in your area, call (877) 993-3637

Civil Rights

All programs administered by the Human Services Department (HSD) are equal opportunity programs. If you believe you have been treated unfairly because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, you may file a complaint. Complaints of discrimination may be filed with the New Mexico Human Services Department central office or the local Human Services county office. Complaints of discrimination about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program may be filed with the USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave, S.W. Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call 1-866-632-9992 or 202-401-0216 (TDD). Complaints of discrimination about Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance programs may be filed with the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Health & Human Services, 1301 Young Street, Suite 1169, Dallas, TX 75202 or call 1-800-368-1019 (voice) and 1-214-767-8940 (TDD). (08/16/11)