New Mexico has rolled out a temporary, state-funded food assistance program aimed at protecting immigrant households who are losing access to federal SNAP benefits in 2026.
The move comes in response to new federal eligibility rules under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which took effect on January 1, 2026, and tightened access to SNAP for certain immigrant groups.
To soften the impact, the state has committed $12 million to help affected families continue affording basic food needs.
This assistance is limited, targeted, and tied closely to SNAP renewal status.
Who Is Eligible for New Mexico’s New Food Assistance Program?
Eligibility is very specific. This program is not open to new applicants and is only available to households already receiving SNAP before 2026.
You may qualify if all of the following apply:
Immigration Status
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Immigrants with legal presence who are now excluded under the new federal law, including:
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Refugees
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Asylees
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Individuals admitted for urgent humanitarian reasons
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SNAP Status
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You were receiving SNAP benefits before January 1, 2026
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You are losing federal SNAP eligibility during your 2026 renewal due to the new rules
Who Does Not Qualify
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New SNAP applicants after January 1, 2026 who do not meet federal immigration requirements
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Households that were not receiving SNAP prior to the rule change
How the New Mexico Immigrant Food Assistance Works
Unlike traditional SNAP benefits, this program provides a one-time lump sum payment, not monthly deposits.
Key details:
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The payment amount is calculated case by case
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It is based on a percentage of the SNAP benefits the household previously received
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Funds are state-funded, not federal
Two Critical Steps to Receive the Payment
New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) officials stress that missing either step can disqualify a household, even if it otherwise qualifies.
Complete Your SNAP Renewal
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Eligibility is determined during the SNAP renewal process
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If the renewal is not completed on time, the state cannot assess or issue the payment
Keep Your EBT Card
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Funds will be deposited directly onto existing EBT cards
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Do not discard your card, even if you are notified that federal SNAP benefits have ended
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