The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) announced on July 24, 2023, that its office in Portales, N.M., will extend its office hours to better assist customers. The new office hours for the Portales location at 1500 S Ave. D will be from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday according to a news release by the New Mexico Human Services Department.
"HSD is committed to supporting low-income families in their community," said Karmela Martinez, Income Support Division director.
The decision to increase the hours comes after HSD took into account the concerns raised by the Roosevelt County Commissioners' office and the Roosevelt County Health Council about the unique challenges faced by rural communities in accessing public assistance benefits. HSD aims to ensure timely and accurate benefits for all qualified New Mexicans, regardless of their method of communication, according to the release.
“We’re thrilled to be able to extend office hours to better serve our customers in Roosevelt County,” Martinez continued.
The Income Support Division offers automated eligibility processes, enabling online applicants to receive efficient eligibility determinations without visiting an office. With various options available for applying, renewing or reporting changes, all New Mexicans in need of food assistance, cash assistance or health insurance can apply for benefits online. Additionally, the release reported that the Customer Service Center provides a wide range of services comparable to in-office assistance.
The release made clear just how many New Mexicans rely on HSD assistance.
The HSD serves a population of 1,070,126 individuals in New Mexico through various programs, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support and Behavioral Health Services the release claims.