SANTA FE – New Mexico households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will again receive the maximum amount for their household size for the month of July, the New Mexico Human Services Department announced today.

During the past four months, SNAP households that were not already receiving the maximum SNAP benefit amount for their household size received an increase to their benefits to bring them to the maximum amount. These increases were made to help ease circumstances for New Mexicans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“HSD is committed to helping New Mexicans keep food on the table during this unprecedented time when many are facing economic instability and food insecurity,” said Karmela Martinez, director of HSD’s Income Support Division which administers the SNAP program, formally known as food stamps. “This emergency assistance will help address the food needs in our communities.”

SNAP households will automatically receive the additional allotment in the same way they receive their current benefits. The July supplemental will be available to SNAP recipients on their regular issuance date.

Individuals seeking to apply for SNAP benefits may apply online through www.yes.state.nm.us or by phone at 1-800-283-4465.

SNAP benefits are determined by household size and net income amount. The net income amount is determined by taking the household’s gross income and subtracting allowable deductions. Allowable deductions are items like, housing, utilities, childcare costs and medical expenses. The net monthly income is then multiplied by 30 percent, the number that remains is subtracted from the maximum monthly allotment, and the remaining amount is the total allotment for the household size.  Additionally, new SNAP applicants will be approved for the supplemental benefit.

The Human Services Department provides services and benefits to more than 1 million 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.