Up to $750 for households that did not receive an economic impact payment

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Human Services Department was appropriated $5 million from House Bill 1, during the second special session of the New Mexico Legislature last month to provide emergency financial assistance to low income state residents who did not receive a federal coronavirus tax relief economic impact payment. The Human Services Department has partnered with the Taxation and Revenue Department to disburse the funds to New Mexican families. This will be a one-time payment of up to $750 for eligible New Mexico households, depending on the number of eligible applicants.

New Mexico residents must submit their information to determine if they qualify via an online portal beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, December 5, 2020. The portal will remain open until 5 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2020. Incomplete submissions may be disqualified from consideration.

https://www.yes.state.nm.us/yesnm/cares.  

The information requested includes the following:

• First name, last name;
• Social security number or individual taxpayer identification number or New Mexico drivers license number;
• Residential address and/or mailing address; and
• Direct deposit information (US bank account number and routing number) if available.

Both departments are working within a very tight timeframe to ensure this appropriation is distributed prior to a December 28, 2020 deadline set in HB-1. The process must be completed by December 28, so it will necessarily be quickly completed, done completely online, and will not be supported by a live call center. While the results may not be 100 percent perfect, the Human Services and Taxation and Revenue departments will do their best to distribute this money within these constraints.

“It is imperative that we continue to support New Mexico families who are struggling during this challenging time and move to distribute the funds as quickly as possible,” said Karmela Martinez, director for the Income Support Division at the Human Services Department.

New Mexicans who wish to hear a recording with information regarding this process may dial: 833-651-4836.

Individuals who have questions or may need assistance with this process may contact the following community partners:

• NM CAFé
• El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos
• Partnership for Community Action
• New Mexico Voices for Children
• Somos Un Pueblo Unido

Frequently asked questions:

What is the CARES Disaster Relief?

The State of New Mexico was appropriated $5 million to provide financial relief from the hardship caused by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Through this federal appropriation, the state is offering a one-time cash assistance payment to qualifying New Mexico residents.

Payments will be provided to qualified households with the lowest incomes first and there will be a limited number of applicants accepted based on funding availability. All applicants must submit their information online by 5 p.m. Friday, December 11, 2020. Payments will be issued by December 28, 2020. Applicants will receive a final communication regarding qualifying status.

Will my other Income Support benefits be impacted?

This one-time benefit amount will NOT be considered in determining your eligibility for any program administered by the Human Services Department. This includes food, cash, energy or medical assistance.

How do I know if I qualify?

To qualify you must:

• Be a New Mexico resident.
• Not have been eligible to receive an economic impact payment from the federal government.
• Not be incarcerated.
• At the time of submission, you will receive a message indicating if you are pre-qualified or not, meaning that your application appears complete and does not disqualify you.
• A final communication regarding qualifying status and payment amount will be sent to you through text, email or letter.

Where can I request assistance?

New Mexico residents must submit their information to determine if they qualify via an online portal beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, December 5, 2020. The portal will remain open until 5 p.m., Friday, December 11, 2020. Applicants will only be accepted during this time. https://www.yes.state.nm.us/yesnm/cares.  

At the time of submission, you will receive a message indicating if you are pre-qualified or not. This should not be considered a final determination regarding receipt of benefits. A final communication regarding qualifying status and payment amount will be sent to you through text, email or letter.

How much will I receive?

Payment eligibility and amounts are subject to the availability of funds and will be issued to the lowest income applicants first. Only one payment per household will be issued. Payments will be sent by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department.

How will I get my payment?

Applicants will have the option to enter a U.S. savings or checking account information in order to receive a direct deposit. Direct deposit is the fastest and most secure way to get your payment. If an applicant does not provide banking information a check will mailed to the mailing address provided. Please make sure to enter a valid mailing address.

When will I get my payment?

All direct deposits will be completed, and all checks mailed on or before December 28, 2020. Applicants will receive a final determination, including payment amount. If an applicant receives a notice of final determination but does not receive a payment via direct deposit or check, please contact the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department at (866) 285-2996.