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Qualifications for New Mexico Food Stamp Programs

More than 300,000 New Mexicans received food stamp benefits in 2009, according to the state's Human Services Department. That's approximately 15 percent of the New Mexico's population.



Food stamps are provided by the federal government through its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); however, New Mexico administers the program in the state. Food stamp benefits are available to those who meet certain qualifications.

  1. Income

    • To be eligible for food stamps, individuals and families must meet or be below income levels set by the federal government. These income levels depend on the number of people in a household and include all types of income, including jobs, pensions and Social Security benefits.

      For instance, a family of four living in New Mexico can claim a maximum of $2,389 in gross monthly income, which is 130 percent of the federal poverty level. If any family member is elderly or disabled, SNAP allows the household to claim a maximum of $3,032 in gross monthly income, or 165 percent of the federal poverty level.

    Resources

    • Like income, the federal government has set limits on how much resources a household can have in order to qualify for food stamps.

      Households may have up to $2,000 in countable resources, such as bank accounts, cash, and vehicles that are not used to generate income. If at least one member of the household is disabled or 60 years old or older, the limit increases to $3,000.

    Legal Status in the U.S.

    • U.S. residents are eligible to apply for food stamps; however, non-citizens must meet certain criteria in order to qualify. All applicants must be able to provide proof of their identity.

      A legal immigrant who either lived in the country for at least five years, already receives assistance or benefits for a disability, or is a child are allowed to apply for food stamps. Foreigners who are in the U.S. for humanitarian reasons or have been granted permanent resident status can also apply.

    Social Security Number

    • Every person in a household who is applying for food stamp benefits must have a Social Security number.

      The household must provide either every Social Security number or proof of an application for a Social Security number for each member.

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