New SNAP work requirements will affect 55,000 New Mexicans

More than 55,000 New Mexicans will face new work requirements next year to keep receiving federal food assistance. 

Congress changed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program requirements and funding levels earlier this year in H.R. 1, a tax and spending package affectionately dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” by President Donald Trump. Those changes include increased work requirements that will go into effect Jan. 1. Under the new policy, 55,750 adult state residents will have to work, volunteer or attend training for 80 hours a month to keep their food assistance. The work hours can be a combination of different activities. 

“These are federal requirements, not state policy, but our job is to make sure New Mexicans don't lose food benefits because they didn't know about the changes,” Niki Kozlowski, director of HCA’s Income Support Division said in a statement. “We know this may be stressful for families who depend on SNAP. Our staff can help you understand whether you qualify for an exception or how to report your work or volunteer hours.”

The new requirements increase the age of people who are required to work to receive food assistance to include adults ages 55 to 64. They also place work requirements on more parents and caregivers. Parents or caregivers with dependents age 14 and older have to meet work rules unless an exception applies. Previous automatic exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth have been eliminated. 

Local waivers are limited to areas with unemployment above 10%. 

Native Americans are exempt and do not have to comply with the new rule.

In essence, the work rules apply to people between ages 18 and 64 who are physically and mentally able to work and are not responsible for a child under 14. 

The new law will affect SNAP eligibility when someone first applies for benefits or renews their case on or after Jan. 1. For most people, the work requirement will begin the month after their renewal is due or the month after they first apply for SNAP. 

Approximately 460,000 New Mexicans receive SNAP benefits, or about 21% of state residents. That's the highest enrollment rate in the nation.

New Mexico ranks high nationally for food insecurity, according to Feeding America's 2025 Map the Meal Gap report, which found New Mexico ranked the fourth highest in the nation for childhood food insecurity. Approximately one in four children in the state are at risk of hunger. The state also ranked third nationally for older residents at risk of food insecurity, behind Mississippi and Indiana. The report found one in five older New Mexicans are at risk of going hungry. 

SNAP recipients can report work activities or exceptions online at yes.nm.gov, by phone at 1-800-283-4465 or in person at a local Health Care Authority Income Support Division office. More information can be found online at HCA.NM.Gov/updates-about-federal-changes. HCA staff are available to help people navigate the new requirements.