About 55,750 New Mexicans will be required to work, volunteer, or participate in training for at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving SNAP food benefits due to new federal regulations that take effect January 1, 2026. The rules were passed by Congress in July and expand work requirements for able-bodied adults up to age 64.
Previously, the work requirements applied to adults ages 18-49, but under the new law, those between ages 55 and 64 are now included. Additionally, the changes introduce an exception for Native Americans while removing automatic exemptions previously granted to veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth.
The updated policy will impact individuals when they apply for or renew their SNAP benefits on or after January 1, 2026. For most recipients, these changes will begin either the month following their renewal date or after a new application is submitted.
“These are federal requirements, not state policy, but our job is to make sure New Mexicans don’t lose food benefits because they didn’t know about the changes,” said Niki Kozlowski, director of HCA’s Income Support Division. “We know this may be stressful for families who depend on SNAP. Our staff can help you understand whether you qualify for an exception or how to report your work or volunteer hours.”
Under the revised rules:
- Adults ages 55–64 must now meet work-related criteria.
- Parents or caregivers with dependents aged 14 and older are subject to the requirement unless exempted.
- Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth no longer have automatic exemptions.
- Local waivers from these rules are limited only to areas where unemployment exceeds ten percent.
- Native Americans are exempt from complying with these specific requirements.
These requirements apply if individuals are between ages 18 and 64, physically and mentally able to work, and not responsible for caring for a child under age 14. Those affected must complete at least eighty hours per month through employment, volunteering, schooling or job training programs; different activities can be combined to fulfill this total.
Exemptions include being under age eighteen or over sixty-five; receiving SSI or general assistance disability benefits; having a physical or mental disability preventing work; meeting TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) work requirements; caring for young children under fourteen or incapacitated persons; receiving unemployment benefits; participating in drug/alcohol treatment programs; being enrolled at least half-time in school/training/higher education; pregnancy; qualifying as Native American under federal law; or residing in Luna County, Taos Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo or San Felipe Pueblo.
Hours counted toward meeting requirements can include paid employment as well as unpaid volunteer service. Education and participation in approved federal/state/local job programs also count toward the monthly total.
SNAP customers can report their compliance with these requirements—or any exceptions—online at YES.NM.GOV (https://www.yes.state.nm.us/yesnm/home/index), by phone at 1-800-283-4465 during business hours Monday through Friday (7 a.m.–6:30 p.m.), or in person at local Health Care Authority Income Support Division offices.
If someone loses eligibility due to non-compliance but later meets the eighty-hour threshold for thirty consecutive days—and reapplies—they may regain their SNAP benefits. Qualifying exceptions can also be reported at any time so that benefits may resume.
More information about these changes is available on the Health Care Authority website (https://www.hca.nm.gov/updates-about-federal-changes). Those seeking assistance finding employment can visit www.dws.state.nm.us (https://www.dws.state.nm.us).
