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 January, announced the New Mexico Human Services Department. SNAP recipients will receive the extra amount Jan. 23, 2022.

“The additional SNAP benefits have a particularly positive impact for socially vulnerable communities, children and for populations that are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and poverty,” Angela Medrano, HSD Deputy Secretary. “These benefits also help our economy. Every SNAP dollar generates $1.84 in economic activity. If people are buying more groceries, someone has to stock it, package it, shelve it, process it, ship it.”

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. 

 “Ever since COVID-19 hit, prices for food have continued to go up. My regular amount of SNAP on my EBT card only recently went from $25 to $54. Neither of those amounts are enough to keep food in my home just for me and for my grandson on the three days I watch him before and after school,” said SNAP recipient Marilee Sanders. “I appreciate it so much when I see the full allotment in my account.” 

 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.

We talk, interpret and smile in all languages.  We provide written information to our customers in both English and Spanish and interpretation services are available in 58 languages through our provider, CTS Language Link. For our hearing, and speech impaired customers, we utilize Relay New Mexico, a free 24-hour service that ensures equal communication access via the telephone to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled.

 The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 1,051,755 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.

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