Support available for ABAWD SNAP customers to keep food benefits
SANTA FE — The Health Care Authority reminds approximately 8,000 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) customers in specific counties and pueblos that they must take action to keep their food benefits.
SNAP customers classified as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) who live in Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties as well as San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna pueblos, must meet federal work requirements or request an exemption to continue receiving food benefits. The HCA is notifying affected customers by mail about their specific deadline.
These federally mandated work requirements, implemented on Jan. 1, 2025, apply to individuals who:
- Are between the ages of 18 and 54.
- Are physically able to work.
- Do not have any dependents, such as children or other individuals they care for.
- Live in one of the specific counties and pueblos.
- Do not qualify for any other exemption.
Certain exemptions exist for those who meet specific criteria. More information is available on the FAQ page.
“We encourage SNAP customers facing these federal work requirements to stay in touch with our department and carefully review any mail they receive for important notices,” said Niki Kozlowski, director of HCA’s Income Support Division. “To keep their food benefits, individuals must report their work requirements or request an exemption.”
ABAWD SNAP customers who haven’t met the work requirement or reported an exemption can only receive food benefits for three months. After that, their benefits will stop until they report the work requirement or request an exemption.
Starting March 10, HCA will send reminder notices to customers who are not meeting the requirements. To remain eligible, those directly impacted must:
- Work a total of 80 hours per month. Work can be for pay, in trade for something other than money, or as a volunteer.
- Participate and comply with a work program for a total of 80 hours per month.
- Any other educational or training activities.
- Any combination of work and work program hours for a total of 80 hours per month.
SNAP customers subject to ABAWD requirements can contact HCA to confirm they are meeting the work requirement or report an exemption by:
- Reporting online at YES.NM.GOV.
- Calling the HCA Customer Service Center at 1-800-283-4465, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- Visiting a local HCA Income Support Division Office.
If SNAP benefits stop, individuals can regain eligibility by meeting the work requirement for 30 consecutive days and reapplying for benefits. If they qualify for an exemption, they can report it at any time to restart their SNAP benefits.