HCA News:
SANTA FE — In response to new federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility rules that will cut food assistance for thousands of lawfully present immigrants, New Mexico is launching a temporary state-funded food assistance program to provide a one-time lump-sum payment to affected households.
Approximately 19,485 lawfully present immigrants in New Mexico are projected to lose federal SNAP eligibility over the course of the year as they come up for renewal.
To address the anticipated loss of benefits, and with the support of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the New Mexico Legislature appropriated $12 million during the October special legislative session to provide temporary, state-funded food assistance for current SNAP customers affected by the federal change.
The one-time lump-sum payment is calculated as an individualized percentage of a household’s prior SNAP benefit, to help offset the immediate loss of federal food assistance. HCA encourages affected SNAP customers to keep their EBT cards, which will be used to issue the temporary state-funded assistance.
Eligibility for the state-funded assistance is tied to the SNAP renewal process. Current SNAP customers who lose federal eligibility due to the change must complete their renewal to be assessed. The one-time payment will be issued retroactively to eligible customers who lost federal benefits on or after Jan. 1, 2026. Each eligible household will receive a notice informing them of approval.
The new restrictions stem from a federal policy change under H.R. 1 that took effect Jan. 1, 2026. The law narrows the list of immigration status categories that qualify for SNAP. As a result, some lawfully present immigrants who were previously eligible may lose federal food benefits when they renew or apply, including, for example, refugees, asylees and other individuals allowed to enter the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons.
“Federal changes do not change the importance of completing your SNAP renewal on time,” said New Mexico Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo. “Renewal keeps people connected, helps us determine eligibility accurately, and allows state-funded assistance to reach families faster. No one should assume they can no longer get help—renewing is how we make sure support continues during this transition.”
New applicants who apply for SNAP on or after Jan. 1, 2026, and do not meet federal immigration eligibility requirements will not be eligible for the state-funded benefit.
For more information about SNAP changes, visit hca.nm.gov/snapchanges
Need help? Visit a local HCA Income Support office or call 1.800.283.4465, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Even if SNAP eligibility changes, HCA can help connect individuals and families to community food and support resources.