NMHCA News:

SANTA FE — Residents of Lincoln County affected by the recent storm and flooding may be eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.  

Residents can apply from Aug. 18 to Aug. 24. 

“We encourage all Lincoln County residents affected by the recent storms and floodings to apply for food assistance,” Kari Armijo said, secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority. “Disaster SNAP is an essential resource, and we urge anyone who believes they are eligible to apply as soon as applications open.” 

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham requested and received federal approval to provide D-SNAP benefits to Lincoln County. About 7,297 households in the affected areas may be eligible for food assistance. The Presidential Disaster Declaration includes the entire county following the severe storm and flooding on June 23. 

1,309 households already receiving SNAP benefits may be eligible for supplemental benefits. SNAP households that do not already receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size may call 800.283.4465 or apply in person to increase their monthly benefit for one month.    

Additionally, the deadline to report food loss has been extended to August 24. People can report food loss in person at the local HCA field office, located at 26387 Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Reports can also be made by calling HCA at 800.283.4465 between, 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m.  

HCA will assist residents alphabetically by last name during the first three days of the application period. The remaining days will be open to all applicants, regardless of their last name. 

Application Schedule 

• Aug. 18: A-J 
• Aug. 19: K-S 
• Aug. 20: T-Z 
• Aug. 21-24: A-Z 

Apply In-Person: 

• Location: Disaster Resource Center at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch, 709 Mecham Dr. Ruidoso, NM 88345 
• Aug. 18-22, 2025: Weekdays, 9 a.m.– 7 p.m.  
• Aug. 23-24, 2025: 9 a.m.– 2 p.m.  

Apply by Phone: 

Call 1.800.283.4465. Phone applications are accepted during the following hours: 

• Aug. 18-22: 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. 
• No phone applications will be accepted on Aug. 23-24. 

Residents may qualify for food assistance if they experienced damage or destruction to their home or belongings, a loss or reduction in income, or unreimbursed expenses related to the disaster. Eligible households will receive one month of D-SNAP benefits to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or participating online retailers. Benefits will be deposited onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which functions like a debit card.  

HCA staff will determine applicants’ eligibility. The only requirement to apply for D-SNAP is to verify your identity and have information about your household’s income and any expense related to the disaster. The table below shows the benefit levels: