FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NM HSD Contact:
Tim Fowler, timothy.fowler@hca.nm.gov, 505-795-1563
NM ALTSD Contact:
Joey Long, joey.long@altsd.nm.gov, 505-690-9238
June 18, 2024
Senior Summer SNAP Supplement
11,834 New Mexicans will receive an extra $135 in SNAP benefits.
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) in partnership with the Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) is delivering additional food supports this month to adults over 60 and adults with disabilities who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Throughout June, 11,834 New Mexicans will benefit from an extra $135 in SNAP benefits. The one-time benefit will be issued to older adults and adults with disabilities who received the SNAP State Supplement in February 2024. This additional food support is part of the state’s efforts to reduce food insecurity throughout New Mexico.
“We are so grateful to once again partner with HSD in bringing additional relief to older New Mexicans and adults with disabilities,” said ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer. “This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that New Mexicans have the resources they need to continue to purchase nutritious foods.”
The money for this increase came from the state general fund thanks to the efforts of Gov. Lujan Grisham and state legislators and will support at-risk New Mexicans with additional dollars for food. SNAP funds are frequently spent at grocery stories and farmers’ markets, directly benefitting local economies.
“Through this collaboration, we provided much-needed additional food support for New Mexicans who face significant barriers,” said Kyra Ochoa, deputy cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department. “Using state general funds to create extra benefits for seniors and people living with disabilities is a great example of how working together to build strong inter-departmental partnerships can best serve New Mexicans in need.”
Qualifying SNAP customers do not have to take any action. the supplemental benefit will be added automatically to their EBT card. For questions regarding these additional SNAP benefits, please call the Human Services Department at 1-800-283-4465.
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We talk, interpret and smile in all languages. We provide written information to our customers in both English and Spanish and interpretation services are available in 58 languages through our provider, CTS Language Link. For our hearing, and speech impaired customers, we utilize Relay New Mexico, a free 24-hour service that ensures equal communication access via the telephone to individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled.
The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to 981,127 New Mexicans through several programs including: the Medicaid Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Child Support Program, and several Behavioral Health Services.
The New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) was established in 2004 to provide resources, connection and advocacy for seniors and adults with disabilities. The department oversees the state’s Area Agencies on Aging to elevate the quality of care at senior centers, offers advocacy through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteer program, and provides intervention through the agency’s national award-winning Adult Protective Services. Additionally, ALTSD houses the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, which offers options counseling, education, and connection to resources. For more information about ALTSD, visit aging.nm.gov or follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram @NewMexicoAging.