The Health Care Authority (HCA) has issued a reminder to around 8,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in certain counties and pueblos about the need to comply with federal work requirements to maintain their food benefits. The affected individuals are classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) and reside in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties, as well as San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna pueblos.
To continue receiving food benefits, these SNAP customers must meet specific federal work requirements or request an exemption. "We encourage SNAP customers facing these federal work requirements to stay in touch with our department and carefully review any mail they receive for important notices," said Niki Kozlowski, director of HCA’s Income Support Division. She emphasized the importance of reporting work requirements or requesting exemptions to retain benefits.
The federally mandated work requirements took effect on January 1, 2025. They apply to individuals aged 18 to 54 who are physically able to work and do not have dependents. Those who do not qualify for other exemptions must adhere to these rules. More information is available on the FAQ page.
For those who have not met the requirement or reported an exemption, SNAP benefits will only be available for three months before they stop. Starting March 10, HCA will send reminders to those not meeting the criteria. To remain eligible for benefits, impacted individuals must either work a total of 80 hours per month—whether paid or unpaid—or participate in a qualifying work program or educational activity for the same duration.
SNAP customers can confirm their compliance or report exemptions through several channels: online at YES.NM.GOV, by calling the HCA Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465 from Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., or by visiting a local HCA Income Support Division Office.
If SNAP benefits cease due to non-compliance with work requirements, eligibility can be regained by meeting the requirement for 30 consecutive days and reapplying for benefits. Exemptions can be reported at any time to restart SNAP benefits.
