SANTA FE – New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits will continue to receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of November, announced the New Mexico Human Services Department. SNAP recipients will receive the extra amount Nov. 14, 2021.

“The extension of emergency SNAP benefits is critical to providing children across New Mexico with nutritious meals,” said Angela Medrano, HSD Deputy Secretary. “Many New Mexico families will use this assistance to prepare meals this upcoming holiday season.”

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. 

“In May of 2021, it was getting tougher than normal to keep food in the house due to COVID-19.  I decided to apply for SNAP benefits. I found out that I qualified but not for the household maximum, however my case worker advised me that by default I will be receiving in addition to the qualified amount, the additional COVID-19 emergency allotment, in total would bring my SNAP benefits up to the maximum amount,” said Rob Culbertson, a SNAP customer in White Sands. “This has been a huge help, considering that I am on a social security fixed income of not much. It’s also opened up grocery delivery to my home, considering that I am limited to taxi or bus transportation this has been invaluable.”

Beginning 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.

Below is a table that reflects the maximum monthly allotment per household size.

The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 1,042,799 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.

###