Tens of thousands of people in New Mexico will need to meet new requirements to keep receiving SNAP food benefits once a federal law goes into effect.Those federal mandates are for able-bodied adults, including those aged 55 to 64, to work, volunteer or attend training for 80 hours monthly. The federal law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.The new law will only begin affecting SNAP eligibility when someone first applies for benefits or renews their case on or after the new year begins. The state Health Care Authority said this means it will begin after their renewal is due or the month after first applying to SNAP.The state agency said early notice will give households time to understand and prepare accordingly.Niki Kozlowski, the director of the income support division at HSA, said her staff will be available to help families navigate the change in food assistance requirements.”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,” Kozlowski said. “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.” Below are details for what is changing and who the rules apply for.What’s changing in 2026?Adults aged between 55 and 64 must now meet work rules.Parents or caregivers with dependents aged 14 and older must now meet work rules, unless an exception applies.Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt.People who apply to the rules must work or participate in approved activities for 80 hours per month.House may include paid work, work in exchange for goods, or volunteer serviceExceptions have been made in the mandate for Native Americans, according to the New Mexico Health Care Authority. Below are more details on who is exempt and who the rules apply to.Who is exempt from the work rules?Those under the age of 18 and age 65 or older.Those who receive Supplemental Security Income or general assistance disability benefits.People with a physical or mental disability that prevents work.Caring for a child under the age of 14 or for an incapacitated person.Caring for a household member with a disability.People receiving unemployment benefits.Those in a drug or alcohol treatment programPeople enrolled at least part time in school, training, or higher education.Those who are pregnant.Those who are a resident in Luna County, Taos Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo or San Felipe Pueblo.Who do these rules and mandates apply to?People aged between 18 and 64 on SNAP food benefits.Physically and mentally able to work.Those not responsible for the care of a child under age 14.SNAP customers can report their work activities or exceptions here. Other options include visiting your local HSA income support division office or calling them at 1-800-283-4465.Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. You can download it here.
Tens of thousands of people in New Mexico will need to meet new requirements to keep receiving SNAP food benefits once a federal law goes into effect.
Those federal mandates are for able-bodied adults, including those aged 55 to 64, to work, volunteer or attend training for 80 hours monthly. The federal law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
The new law will only begin affecting SNAP eligibility when someone first applies for benefits or renews their case on or after the new year begins. The state Health Care Authority said this means it will begin after their renewal is due or the month after first applying to SNAP.
The state agency said early notice will give households time to understand and prepare accordingly.
Niki Kozlowski, the director of the income support division at HSA, said her staff will be available to help families navigate the change in food assistance requirements.
“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,” Kozlowski said. “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.”
Below are details for what is changing and who the rules apply for.
What’s changing in 2026?
- Adults aged between 55 and 64 must now meet work rules.
- Parents or caregivers with dependents aged 14 and older must now meet work rules, unless an exception applies.
- Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt.
- People who apply to the rules must work or participate in approved activities for 80 hours per month.
- House may include paid work, work in exchange for goods, or volunteer service
Exceptions have been made in the mandate for Native Americans, according to the New Mexico Health Care Authority. Below are more details on who is exempt and who the rules apply to.
Who is exempt from the work rules?
- Those under the age of 18 and age 65 or older.
- Those who receive Supplemental Security Income or general assistance disability benefits.
- People with a physical or mental disability that prevents work.
- Caring for a child under the age of 14 or for an incapacitated person.
- Caring for a household member with a disability.
- People receiving unemployment benefits.
- Those in a drug or alcohol treatment program
- People enrolled at least part time in school, training, or higher education.
- Those who are pregnant.
- Those who are a resident in Luna County, Taos Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo or San Felipe Pueblo.
Who do these rules and mandates apply to?
- People aged between 18 and 64 on SNAP food benefits.
- Physically and mentally able to work.
- Those not responsible for the care of a child under age 14.
SNAP customers can report their work activities or exceptions here. Other options include visiting your local HSA income support division office or calling them at 1-800-283-4465.
Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. You can download it here.
