The Health Care Authority said people who get food or cash aid should get a text message or letter in the mail 45 days before they need to renew and schedule an appointment. (Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images)
Anyone who qualifies to receive public food or cash aid will need to plan time for an interview if they want to renew benefits.
On Sept. 1, the New Mexico Health Care Authority will require people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to complete an interview in-person or over the phone to continue getting support from the federal food program.
This will also be the same for cash assistance that comes from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a program cited for helping New Mexicans cover costs for transportation, schools costs and utility payments.
According to a 2022 Legislative Finance Committee report, more than 60 percent of people in the state who qualified for the cash assistance program did not receive it.
Around 25% of the state receives SNAP benefits, the highest rate in the country.
A month later on Oct. 1. anyone who’s looking to start a new application process to get on the cash assistance or food aid programs will also have to complete an interview.
These changes come in part due to a waiver lifted by the federal government, according to the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
Advocates call for permanent, expanded SNAP outreach
People could renew or apply for new aid without having to go through an interview as a means to help under protections when the U.S. government still had a public health emergency for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The Health Care Authority said people who get food or cash aid should get a text message or letter in the mail 45 days before they need to renew and schedule an appointment.
Interviews can be conducted over the phone or at any Income Support Division Office in the state.
Anyone can check the status of their SNAP now by visiting their benefits page online or check in at a local office. The Health Care Authority said people can also call 1-800-283-4465 to set up an interview, check on the status or even apply for new benefits.
The phone line should be open between 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
The state must provide interpreters for non-English speakers.
CORRECTION: Thursday Aug. 29, 2024. 9:30 a.m.:
This article has been corrected to accurately reflect that 60% of those that qualify of TANF did not get the aid.
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