Residents of Lincoln County who were impacted by the June 23 storm and flooding can apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits, according to the New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA). The application period runs from August 18 through August 24.
“We encourage all Lincoln County residents affected by the recent storms and floodings to apply for food assistance,” said Kari Armijo, 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.”
Federal approval for D-SNAP in Lincoln County was granted following a request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Approximately 7,297 households in the county may qualify for this aid after a Presidential Disaster Declaration included all of Lincoln County due to severe weather.
Households already receiving regular SNAP benefits—about 1,309 in total—may be eligible for additional support if they do not currently receive the maximum benefit amount for their household size. These households can call (800) 283-4465 or visit an HCA office in person to seek supplemental benefits for one month.
The deadline to report food loss has also been extended until August 24. Residents can make reports at the local HCA field office at 26387 Hwy 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM during business hours or by calling HCA at (800) 283-4465 between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
To manage demand, HCA will process applications alphabetically by last name over the first three days: A-J on August 18; K-S on August 19; T-Z on August 20. From August 21 through August 24, applications will be accepted from all residents regardless of last name.
In-person applications are being accepted at the Disaster Resource Center located at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch (709 Mecham Dr., Ruidoso). Hours are weekdays from August 18-22 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and from August 23-24 between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Phone applications are available from August 18-22 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; no phone applications will be taken over the weekend.
Eligibility is based on factors such as damage or destruction of property, loss or reduction in income, or disaster-related expenses that have not been reimbursed. Qualified households will receive one month’s worth of D-SNAP benefits loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer card that works like a debit card at participating retailers.
Applicants must verify their identity and provide information about household income and disaster-related expenses when applying. Benefit amounts vary by household size; for example, a single-person household may receive $292 while an eight-person household could get up to $1,756 per month with additional funds available per extra member.
The HCA provides information in English and Spanish along with interpretation services in multiple languages through CTS Language Link. Relay New Mexico is also available around-the-clock to assist customers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
