A free directory of 1434 places to get help in and around Grant County, New Mexico: shelter, food, recovery, health care, benefits, legal help and more. Kept up to date by the Silver City Gospel Mission.
Wants to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or cash helpUse when someone wants to apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid (Turquoise Care), or cash help (TANF or General Assistance), or needs to renew them.
Lost their EBT card, or SNAP benefits stoppedUse when someone lost their EBT card, had it stolen, forgot the PIN, sees no money on the card, or got a letter that SNAP is ending or has stopped.
Gets Social Security and needs a payee or representativeUse when someone on SSI or Social Security needs someone to manage their check (a payee), wants a different payee, has a payee problem, or wants someone to help with their claim.
A senior (55+ or 60+) needs helpUse when an older guest (55 or older) needs food, help at home, Medicare help, or may not be safe.
Who it's for: Anyone who needs ID or documents for work, housing or benefits. NO ID AT ALL - suggested order: 1) BIRTH CERTIFICATE (born in NM): Grant County Public Health Office, 2610 N. Silver St., Suite 7 (call 575-538-5318 first; vital records hours are limited). Form 607 plus the homeless Self-Attestation form = free (otherwise $10). With no photo ID, bring 2 or more backup papers (Social Security card, medical records, school records, tax form, baptismal certificate, voter card, tribal or school ID), or have a parent, sibling, grandparent, adult child or spouse with ID request it. Born in another state: use the CDC Where to Write listing. 2) STATE ID: MVD Silver City field office, 1876 Hwy 180 E (book an appointment, 888-683-4636). The Standard ID (not good for flights or federal buildings) is easiest: an identity paper from MVD List A (birth certificate, Social Security card, NM Corrections or federal prison photo ID, DD-214, Medicaid or Medicare card, SNAP/benefits printout from the HCA office, medical record under 1 year old (not ER/urgent care), Mexican consular ID, tribal ID, or an ID expired less than 1 year). If homeless, an affidavit or notarized letter from Mission staff stating where the person stays or receives services replaces the 2 proofs of NM address. The ID card is free if homeless (the person or the Mission signs an attestation; no notary needed) or 75+. A temporary paper ID is given the same day. A REAL ID also needs a birth certificate or passport plus SSN proof and 2 address proofs. 3) SOCIAL SECURITY CARD (free): with the new ID, order online at ssa.gov/myaccount (US citizens 18+, no changes), or start online and finish at the Las Cruces office (2141 Summit Ct.) within 45 days; questions 800-772-1213. 4) JUST RELEASED FROM NM PRISON: ask the probation/parole officer (Silver City 575-388-7312) to help with documents; keep the NMCD photo ID and release papers.
NM Department of Veterans Services - Benefits Division
State veteran property tax exemptions and reduced vehicle feesconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans · Utilities and bills
Up to $10,000 off the taxable value of a veteran's property; full exemption for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability on their home; reduced car registration for veterans without enough property; free state park pass.
Who it's for: NM-resident veterans (honorable discharge) and unmarried surviving spouses; disabled veteran exemption requires a VA service-connected disability rating.
New Mexico Works (job help for families on TANF cash aid)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Jobs and training · Children, youth and families
Job program for people getting TANF cash aid. Career Link pays for part-time (20 hr/week) work with private employers; Wage Subsidy places people in full-time government jobs. Also helps with HSE (GED) and training.
Constituent Services (complaints about benefits handling)confirmed October 2026
Benefits
HCA's constituent liaison handles complaints and stuck cases about HCA services (SNAP, Medicaid, cash aid) when the local office or call center has not solved the problem.
Medicaid choice for Native Americans (IHS, tribal clinics, fee-for-service)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Native American services
Most Native Americans on NM Medicaid can choose to stay in regular fee-for-service Medicaid instead of a Turquoise Care plan, and can always use IHS or tribal clinics either way. Customer service helps enroll or switch.
Who it's for: American Indian and Alaska Native people on NM Medicaid. Can opt out of a plan in the first 90 days of each 12-month lock-in period. An HCA Native American Liaison is reachable by an online contact form.
Office of Fair Hearings: appeal a SNAP, Medicaid, cash aid or LIHEAP decisionconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Legal help, courts and re-entry
If benefits are denied, cut or closed, ask for a fair hearing by phone, mail, email or fax. A judge usually hears the case by phone. Medicaid health plan problems: finish the plan's own appeal first. SNAP: ask within 90 days of the notice.
Who it's for: Anyone who applied for or gets SNAP, Medicaid (Turquoise Care), TANF/General Assistance, LIHEAP or other HCA benefits, or child support enforcement, and disagrees with a decision. A helper can be named as authorized representative.
Bring: Name and case number, the notice you got, the reason you disagree and what benefit was affected, and a phone number to reach you.
Turquoise Care Community Benefit (in-home care instead of a nursing home)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability
Medicaid program for people who qualify for nursing-home care but want to stay home: personal care aides (a family member may be paid), respite, adult day, home-delivered meals, home changes, emergency alert buttons. Ask the plan care coordinator.
Who it's for: Turquoise Care (Medicaid) members who meet nursing facility level of care, assessed at home by their plan's care coordinator. Not for 24-hour care. People not on Turquoise Care: call the Aging and Disability Resource Center 1-800-432-2080.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)11 services
State burial assistance (up to $200) for people on assistanceconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Death and burial
The state may pay up to $200 toward funeral costs for someone who was getting state financial or medical assistance, when the estate and legally responsible relatives cannot pay and no one else will. Family or the funeral home can request it.
Where: 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Person who died was receiving state financial/medical assistance; resources available for the funeral under $600 (counts cash, burial insurance, Social Security/VA death benefits); spouse or parents of minor unable to pay. Claims decided within 30 days.
Bring: Death certificate, funeral home bill, info on any insurance or death benefits
Call first · Free
Cash assistance (TANF, General Assistance)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Children, youth and families · 1 miles from Silver City
Monthly cash help for very low-income families with children (TANF) or adults who cannot work (GA).
Benefits printout or letter to use as ID and address proof at MVDconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · 2 miles from Silver City
People on SNAP, Medicaid or cash aid can ask for a benefits profile printout or award letter. MVD accepts these (dated within a year) as identity and NM residency proof, which helps people with no other papers get an ID.
Medicaid for Working Disabled Individuals (WDI)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Seniors and disability · 3 miles from Silver City
Medicaid category that lets people with disabilities keep full Medicaid while working, with no premiums or copays, at income levels well above regular Medicaid. If you also have Medicare, it pays Medicare premiums and deductibles. Also covers some people
Hours: Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
Where: 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Adults 18+ with SSDI or a documented severe medical/psychological condition who are working (2023 flyer: at least $1,640 per quarter) and meet income/resource limits
Bring: SSDI award letter or medical records, pay stubs, proof of address, bank statements and other asset records, signed medical releases
Hours: State website lists the Lordsburg office open Tuesdays only, 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Other days call 1-800-283-4465 (Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm) or use the Silver City office.
SNAP, Medicaid, cash help and LIHEAP (T or C office)confirmed October 2026
Food · Benefits · Utilities and bills · 92 miles from Silver City
State office in T or C taking applications for SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, General Assistance and LIHEAP energy help; useful for clients moving to Sierra County.
Trained Roadrunner staff help people apply for SNAP (food stamps), answer questions and help with keeping benefits under new work rules. Call, email snap@rrfb.org or fill out the web form; they call back within about 2 business days.
Who it's for: Anyone in New Mexico who may qualify for SNAP, including single adults, seniors, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.
SNAP Outreach Hotline (help applying or recertifying by phone)confirmed October 2026
Food · Benefits
Trained staff pre-screen for SNAP and help people complete or renew a SNAP application by phone, statewide. They also train partner agencies and volunteers to help clients apply.
Who it's for: Anyone in New Mexico who wants help applying for or renewing SNAP, including people experiencing homelessness, seniors, people with disabilities and working families.
Bring: ID, income information and household details if available; staff can explain what documents are needed.
USDA National Hunger Hotline (Hunger Free America)
National Hunger Hotline - find food near you (English and Spanish)confirmed October 2026
Food · Benefits
Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (Spanish 1-877-8-HAMBRE) to find nearby food pantries, meal sites, SNAP, WIC and summer meals for kids. Also by text and online. Good backup when a client is traveling or moving.
Western New Mexico University - One Stop2 services
Student One Stop (basic needs center)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · School, GED and reading
WNMU basic-needs center for students: the student food pantry, SNAP help and referrals to housing, health and other services. 3rd floor of the Student Memorial Building; weekdays 8am-4pm; bring your Mustang Card.
Where: Student Life Office, 3rd Floor, Student Memorial Building, 1000 W College Ave, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: WNMU students (on-campus and online); show Mustang Card. The monthly mobile food pantry (1st Wednesday) is open to students, staff, faculty and the community.
SNAP application help and resource referrals for WNMU studentsconfirmed October 2026
Food · Benefits · School, GED and reading · 1 miles from Silver City
One Stop staff help WNMU students with SNAP eligibility questions, applications and enrollment, and connect them to local food, housing, health care, transportation and money help. For on-campus and online students.
HMS Family Support Services (benefits, SNAP, utility help, insurance sign-up)confirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Food · Medical care · Benefits · Utilities and bills · 1 miles from Silver City
Community health workers help with SSI/disability applications (HMS is a state SOAR provider), SNAP, utility help, Medicaid/Medicare/exchange enrollment, sliding-fee sign-up, and housing and transportation referrals.
Family Support Services (benefits help, parenting classes, car seats)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · Children, youth and families · 45 miles from Silver City
Staff help people apply for SNAP, utility help and Medicaid/Medicare/beWellnm; housing and ride referrals; New Eyes glasses vouchers; child car seats; parenting classes; help for pregnant/parenting teens and seniors.
NM Department of Veterans Services - Veteran Service Officer
Veterans benefits helpconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans · 1 miles from Silver City
State veteran service officer helps veterans and families apply for VA disability, pension, health care, education and New Mexico state veteran benefits.
Where: WNMU campus, Juan Chacon Bldg., Room 138-A, 1000 W. College Ave., Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Veterans and families
Bring: DD-214 (or NA 13038), VA award letter and VA letters, NM driver's license/ID or other NM residency proof; widows bring marriage and death certificates.
Free tax preparation (claim Earned Income and Working Families credits)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Money and banking · 1 miles from Silver City
IRS-certified volunteers and WNMU business students prepare and e-file tax returns for free during tax season, helping people claim refunds and credits such as the EITC and NM Working Families Tax Credit, even with low income.
Benefits · Money and banking · 1 miles from Silver City
WNMU business students, IRS-certified through Tax Help New Mexico, prepare and e-file federal and NM returns for free, including credits like EITC and NM rebates that can bring cash to people with little income.
Financial Assistance Program (charity care)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · 2 miles from Silver City
Hospital bill help for uninsured or underinsured patients: free care under 200% of poverty, big discounts at 200-400%, hardship review, self-pay discounts and interest-free payment plans up to 1 year. Toll-free 866-574-4989.
Indigent burial or cremation assistanceconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Death and burial · 2 miles from Silver City
Under NM law the county of residence pays for burial or cremation of an indigent person when no family or estate can pay (statute allows up to about $600). Does not cover viewing or funeral services. Families, funeral homes or the Office of the Medical In
Grant County Indigent Hospital and County Health Care Fund
Indigent hospital/ambulance claimsconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · 2 miles from Silver City
County indigent fund helps pay hospital and ambulance bills for low-income county residents. No dedicated phone is published; call the county main line and ask for the indigent claims administrator, or ask Gila Regional Patient Financial Services.
NM Health Care Authority - Child Support Services Division
Child support (in-state line)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Legal help, courts and re-entry · Children, youth and families · 2 miles from Silver City
Establish/enforce/modify child support; Silver City office at 3088 32nd St Bypass Suite B. HCA now routes child support calls through 1-800-283-4465 (ask for child support).
NM Health Care Authority - Refugee Resettlement Program
Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistanceconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · 3 miles from Silver City
Short-term state-run cash aid and medical coverage for newly arrived refugees and others with ORR-eligible status who do not qualify for regular TANF or Medicaid, plus refugee social services. Applied for through Income Support Division offices.
Hours: Statewide call center Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm
Where: 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City, NM (map)
Who it's for: Refugees, asylees and other ORR-eligible immigrants living in NM. Since May 2025, Refugee Cash Assistance lasts only 4 months from eligibility (was 12). Cannot get other state cash aid or SSI at the same time; employable adults must register for work. SSN not required.
Bring: Immigration documents (I-94, asylum approval), ID, proof of income
Gila Valley Market - SNAP/EBT and Double Up Food Bucksconfirmed October 2026
Food · Benefits · 28 miles from Silver City
Year-round farmers market in Gila run with the library. Use your EBT card for food tokens (produce, meat, cheese, eggs) and get Double Up Food Bucks: spend $20 SNAP, get $20 more for fresh produce. WIC vouchers handed out on some dates.
Mid-West New Mexico Community Action Program (MWNMCAP)
Catron County TEFAP commodities and emergency foodconfirmed October 2026
Food · Benefits · 95 miles from Silver City
Community action agency that brings USDA TEFAP commodities, emergency food and food vouchers to Catron County, and helps with SNAP and other applications; staff travel to Catron communities.
Catron County Wellness Center (drop-in center)not yet confirmed: call first
Mental health and crisis · Benefits · Phone, mail and internet · 100 miles from Silver City
Drop-in center with computers, phones and an exercise room. Staff help people apply for SNAP, unemployment, Social Security and other benefits. Classes during the year. Started to support people with mental health and substance use problems.
Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains - Las Cruces
Refugee and asylee resettlement and support servicesconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Benefits · Jobs and training · Faith and community · 113 miles from Silver City
One of two NM refugee resettlement agencies. Helps refugees and people granted asylum with housing, jobs, English classes, cultural orientation and case management during their early years in the U.S. Has an office in Las Cruces.
NM Health Care Authority - Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (Southwest Regional Office)
Regional office for DD Waiver and Mi Via services (serves Grant County)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · 113 miles from Silver City
Regional state office that oversees developmental disability waiver services in southwest New Mexico. Staff can explain the DD Waiver and Mi Via self-directed waiver, help families already in services, and point new applicants to intake.
Independent living services and rep payeeconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · 113 miles from Silver City
Center for Independent Living serving Grant County: disability advocacy, peer mentoring, living-skills training, and Social Security representative payee. Small food pantry for disabled/55+.
Sierra County Indigent Health Care (help paying medical bills)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · 115 miles from Silver City
County fund that helps low-income Sierra County residents pay for hospital and other medical care when they cannot get Medicaid. Apply through the county Indigent Health Care Office.
Where: 1712 N. Date, Suite D, Truth or Consequences, NM (map)
Who it's for: Medically indigent adults (18+, or married/emancipated) who have lived in Sierra County at least 90 days and are not eligible for NM Medicaid. Income limit set by county ordinance.
Bring: Proof of Sierra County residence (90+ days), income, ID, medical bills; Medicaid denial if you have one.
U.S. House of Representatives - New Mexico 2nd District Office
Casework help with stuck federal cases (Social Security, VA, IRS)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · Veterans · 115 miles from Silver City
The congressional office for Grant County helps constituents with problems at federal agencies such as Social Security, the VA and the IRS, for example a delayed Social Security card or benefits case. Needs a signed privacy release form.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) - El Pasoconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Housing and rent help · Benefits · Jobs and training · Veterans · 155 miles from Silver City
Helps very-low-income veterans who are homeless or about to lose housing with short-term emergency housing, rent and utility help, VA benefits and job help.
Housing and rent help · Benefits · Faith and community · 230 miles from Silver City
Wraparound support for refugee families after resettlement: basic needs, education help and connection to community, aimed at long-term self-sufficiency. Also offers low-cost immigration legal help (separate line 505-539-0274).
SOAR SSI/SSDI application helpconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · 235 miles from Silver City
SOAR-trained specialists help homeless clients apply for SSI/SSDI: interviews, gathering medical records, writing the SOAR medical summary report, going to SSA appointments, and filing reconsiderations. One of NM's main SOAR providers.
Transforming Lives Center for Men - short-term care and recoveryconfirmed October 2026
Emergency shelter · Food · Alcohol and drug recovery · Benefits · ID and documents · Faith and community · Hygiene and personal care · 300 miles from Silver City
Christian men's center offering 7-30 day short-term care (bed, meals, clothing, showers, case management) and a path into a year-long recovery program.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico2 services
Care coordination and transition of careconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Seniors and disability
Assigns a BCBSNM staff person to coordinate medical, behavioral and long-term care, including complex case management and help when moving between hospital, nursing facility and home. Voluntary.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (Turquoise Care)
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (BCBS members)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Transportation
Turquoise Care (Medicaid) members with BCBS can get free rides to covered medical, dental and behavioral health appointments through ModivCare. Book ahead; a 24/7 Ride Assist line handles rides home and after-hours trips.
Free online search for free or reduced-cost services by ZIP codeconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Food · Benefits · Utilities and bills
A national directory of free and low-cost programs (food, housing, bills, health, jobs, legal) searchable by ZIP code (88061). Listings can be texted or emailed to a client, and the site works in many languages. Some national and online programs show up h
Medicare (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Medicare questions, plan help and Extra Help referralsconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Seniors and disability
Official Medicare line for questions about coverage, enrolling, finding plans and replacement Medicare cards. For free one-on-one counseling, ask NM Aging & Long-Term Services for a SHIP counselor (800-432-2080).
Housing stability assistance: help with rent, mortgage or deposit for Molina Medconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Benefits
Molina's 2026 Turquoise Care extra benefits include money toward rent or mortgage payments and housing deposits to help a member stay housed. It needs prior approval and has limits. Molina members should ask their care coordinator.
National Council on Aging - BenefitsCheckUp2 services
Free online screening for senior benefitsconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability
Online questionnaire that lists the federal, state and private programs an older adult may qualify for (Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, SNAP, LIHEAP, drug and dental help) with how to apply.
Hours: Online 24/7
Who it's for: Built for adults 55+ and younger people with disabilities on Medicare; anyone can screen for someone else.
Online screener for senior benefits (food, health, utilities, money)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability
Free online questionnaire that shows older adults and people with disabilities which federal, state and local benefits they may qualify for (SNAP, Medicare Savings, LIHEAP, Extra Help, etc.) and how to apply.
Who it's for: Mainly adults 55+ and people with disabilities
Prescription assistance program search and free drug discount cardconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits
Free website and helpline listing drug-company patient assistance programs, low-cost clinics and a free drug discount card. Helpful for people without insurance or with high copays.
Help with SNAP, Medicaid and TANF problems and wage claimsconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Statewide advocacy law office that fixes problems in the benefits system. Can answer some questions about Medicaid, SNAP and cash assistance denials or cutoffs, small-loan issues and sometimes wage theft. Mostly policy work, so individual help is limited.
Money to help crime victims with medical, counseling, funeral and lost wage costconfirmed October 2026
Domestic and sexual violence · Benefits · Legal help, courts and re-entry · Money and banking · Death and burial
State fund that repays crime victims for costs not covered elsewhere, such as medical and counseling bills, lost wages, funeral costs and relocation after violent crime. Apply within two years of the crime.
New Mexico Health Care Authority - SNAP Employment & Training
SNAP E&T: job search help, training, work experience, apprenticeships for SNAP rconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Jobs and training
Free program for SNAP (food stamp) recipients that pairs people with a case manager for job search training, work experience, education, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships. Hours count toward SNAP work requirements, which helps people keep their bene
Free help with IRS and state income tax disputesconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Lawyers represent low-income people in disputes with the IRS, such as a denied Earned Income Credit, a notice of deficiency, collections or levies, and related state tax problems. Does not prepare tax returns.
Fostering Connections (extended foster care and aging-out support, 18-26)confirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Benefits · Children, youth and families
Voluntary help for young people leaving foster care: extended foster care to 21, housing programs, Medicaid, tuition waivers, education vouchers and start-up funds. Youth who left can re-enter.
Hours: State office hours
Where: Santa Fe, NM
Who it's for: Young people currently in NM foster care or who left foster care at 18 or older, up to age 26 (extended foster care 18-21)
HIV medication (ADAP) and insurance premium/copay helpconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits
State program that pays for HIV medicines, private insurance premiums and copays, and other support for people living with HIV, through enrollment with a case manager in the HIV Services Provider Network (in SW NM: DOH Community Collaborative Care in Las
NM Department of Veterans Services - Women Veterans Program
State Women Veterans Program (benefits help and referrals)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans
State office that is the first point of contact for women veterans in NM. Connects them with state and federal benefits and with help for housing, childcare, legal problems, jobs, PTSD and military sexual trauma.
NM Department of Workforce Solutions - Unemployment Insurance
File for unemployment benefitsconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Jobs and training
Apply for unemployment after losing a job through no fault of your own, and certify weekly. Silver City job center staff can help with computer access.
NM Health Care Authority - DDSD Pre-Service Intake Bureau
Apply for the DD Waiver or Mi Via waiver (developmental disabilities)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability
Statewide intake office that takes applications for the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver and Mi Via self-directed waiver and tracks applicants on the Central Registry. The state reports it has ended the long DD waitlist and now makes rolling allocat
Who it's for: New Mexicans with an intellectual or developmental disability that began before age 22 (or a related condition); must meet Medicaid financial rules
Bring: Application packet; proof of diagnosis (psychological or medical evaluation); ID and proof of NM residency
Medicaid reentry services before release from jail/prisonconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Legal help, courts and re-entry
Medicaid program giving people in NM prisons, participating county jails and youth facilities case management, addiction medication (MOUD) and a 30-day supply of medicines at release, starting up to 90 days before release, with a warm hand-off to an MCO c
Who it's for: Medicaid-eligible adults and youth in participating facilities nearing release.
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Seniors and disability
State programs that pay the Medicare Part B premium (about $200 a month back in the Social Security check) and, for QMB, also Medicare deductibles and copays. One application places you in the right level. New Mexico has no asset test.
NM Health Care Authority - Turquoise Care Value-Added Services chart
Compare the extra benefits each Medicaid plan gives (flex funds, free phones, prconfirmed October 2026
Housing and rent help · Benefits · Transportation · Phone, mail and internet
Each of the four NM Medicaid plans (BCBS, Molina, Presbyterian, UnitedHealthcare) offers extras on top of regular Medicaid. The 2026 chart shows rent and deposit help, pre-tenancy help with IDs, application fees and utilities, flex funds for non-medical n
Who it's for: People enrolled in NM Medicaid (Turquoise Care). Many extras need prior approval and have limits.
Low Income Comprehensive Tax Rebate: cash refund even with little or no incomeconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Money and banking
Low-income New Mexico residents can get a rebate by filing a state return (PIT-1 with Schedule PIT-RC), even if they owe no tax and had no job. The size of the rebate depends on income and household size. Clients can file through a free VITA or Tax-Aide s
Who it's for: NM residents with modified gross income of $36,000 or less (2024-2025 forms). Can't be claimed as someone else's dependent. Must not have been in jail or prison for the full year.
Bring: ID, Social Security card or ITIN, any income papers (W-2, SSA-1099), a NM address. Free tax sites can file for people with zero income.
Free case management for serious or chronic illnessconfirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits
Free one-on-one case managers help people with serious illness deal with insurance denials, medical bills, finding treatment, and living costs, and connect them to aid funds.
Medicaid care coordinators for Presbyterian members with chronic, complex physical or behavioral health needs: in-home needs assessment, care plan, help staying out of the ER and connecting to community programs. Local line 505-923-8858.
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (Presbyterian members)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Transportation
Presbyterian Turquoise Care members can schedule free non-emergency rides to covered appointments through ModivCare, 24 hours a day. Book at least 48 hours ahead; same-day rides only for urgent care.
National line (benefits, SSI, replacement card)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · Seniors and disability
SSA national line (TTY 800-325-0778): SSI/SSDI, retirement, Medicare help. Replacement SS card is free: adult US citizens with a NM license or ID can order online at ssa.gov/myaccount; others start online and finish at Las Cruces in 45 days.
Bring: Social Security number; for online card: my Social Security account (Login.gov or ID.me) and NM driver's license or state ID; no name, birth date or other changes.
Report a death and $255 lump-sum death paymentconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Death and burial
One-time $255 payment to a surviving spouse (or certain children) of a worker with enough Social Security credits. Reporting the death also starts survivor benefits and stops checks that would have to be paid back.
Who it's for: Surviving spouse who lived with the deceased or was getting benefits on their record; otherwise a child eligible for benefits on the record
Bring: Deceased's Social Security number, death certificate, your ID
Representative Payee Program: get, change or appeal a payeeconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Seniors and disability · Money and banking
SSA appoints a payee (person or organization) when a beneficiary can't manage benefits. A beneficiary can ask SSA to change payees, appeal the need for a payee within 60 days, or show (doctor's statement, court order) they can now manage their own money.
Social Security Administration - Las Cruces office (serves Grant County)
SSI, disability, retirement and replacement Social Security cardsconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · ID and documents · Seniors and disability
Nearest Social Security office for Grant County (no SSA office in Silver City). SSI, disability, retirement, Medicare help and replacement SS cards (free). Card is mailed, not given same day. Call first; many things can be done by phone or online.
Bring: Unexpired photo ID (NM ID, license or passport; if none, ask about Medicaid/insurance card, school, employee or military ID). Proof of citizenship if never shown before. For disability: doctors, medicines, work history.
Social Security Administration - Ticket to Work Help Line
Free work help and benefits counseling (WIPA) for SSI/SSDI recipientsconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Jobs and training · Seniors and disability
Free federal program that helps people on SSI or SSDI go to work without losing needed benefits too fast. The help line explains Ticket to Work, connects you to job services, and refers you to a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) benefits coun
Veterans burial allowance and plot allowance (incl. unclaimed veterans)confirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans · Death and burial
VA pays part of burial and funeral costs for eligible veterans (about $1,032 burial plus $1,032 plot allowance for deaths on or after Oct 1, 2026), and pays whoever buries an unclaimed veteran. Can also cover transport to a national cemetery.
Who it's for: Whoever paid the funeral costs (family, friend, funeral home or organization) for a veteran not dishonorably discharged who died of a service-connected cause, under VA care, or while getting VA pension/compensation, among other conditions
Bring: Death certificate, funeral receipts, veteran's discharge papers
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Women Veterans Call Center
Call, text or chat line for women veteransconfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Veterans
Women veterans (and those calling for them) can get help enrolling in VA care, making appointments, understanding eligibility and disability ratings, and learning about other VA benefits, and get connected to the local women's health contact.
Free Medicaid rides to medical appointments (UHC members)confirmed October 2026
Medical care · Benefits · Transportation
UHC Turquoise Care members can book free rides to covered appointments. Call at least 3 business days ahead for local trips and 2 weeks ahead for long-distance trips (e.g., Albuquerque or Las Cruces specialists).
USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) - Benefit Finder
Federal benefit finder: answer questions to see which government benefits and ficonfirmed October 2026
Benefits · Money and banking
The official federal tool replaced benefits.gov. You choose categories (death, disabilities, disasters, food, health, housing and utilities, jobs, military and veterans, retirement, welfare and cash help) and it lists federal benefits you may qualify for,
Some help people need still isn't available in Grant County, like inpatient detox, a local public defender office, and help applying for disability. See the list, and tell us if your organization can help fill one, or if you know of help we've missed.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date
Phone numbers, hours and services change all the time. Volunteers call each place to make sure its listing is still right, so no one makes a trip for nothing. You can do it from home, on your own schedule. An hour a week makes a real difference.
For other organizations: this directory is free to use and share. Download the whole directory (spreadsheet, updated live).
Please credit the Silver City Gospel Mission, and remember that hours and services change: call ahead before sending someone.
Kept by the Silver City Gospel Mission · 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061 · 575-388-5071 · Updated October 28, 2026.
Information comes from the providers themselves, public sources and our staff. It is offered as a help, not a guarantee; please call ahead.