These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what they need
You can ask"Do you need help with food, with doctor bills, or with cash for basics?"
SNAP is a monthly card for buying groceries.
Medicaid (Turquoise Care) is free or low-cost health insurance.
TANF is cash help for very low-income families with children. General Assistance is for adults who cannot work.
2Gather what they have
Bring
- Photo ID
- proof of income (pay stubs or award letters)
- rent and utility costs
- Social Security numbers for everyone applying
- children's birth certificates (for cash help)
You can say"Bring what you have. We can start even if something is missing."
At the Gospel MissionThey can use the Mission as their mailing address for free: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
3Apply online together at YES New Mexico
At the Gospel MissionSit with them and apply at yes.state.nm.us.
NM Health Care Authority - YES New Mexico Connect
Online benefits portal and resource finder
· 24/7 online
4Or apply at the Income Support office
The office is at 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City.
The lobby is open Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm. Phone line Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
SNAP, Medicaid, TANF/GA, LIHEAP office
800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm (closed 12-1:30pm); phone center Mon-Fri 7am-6:30pm
5Get free help by phone
Roadrunner Food Bank staff help people apply for or renew SNAP by phone (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm).
Roadrunner Food Bank
SNAP Outreach Hotline (help applying or recertifying by phone)
844-684-6268
· Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Hidalgo Medical Services also helps patients with SNAP and Medicaid sign-up.
Hidalgo Medical Services
HMS Family Support Services (benefits, SNAP, utility help, insurance sign-up)
575-534-0248
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City
6Watch the mail and answer every letter
You can say"The state will send letters. Answer each one by the date on it, or the case can close."
At the Gospel MissionFood from the Mission does not wait for SNAP. Offer a pantry bag and meals now.
7If they are denied or cut off
They can ask for a fair hearing. For SNAP, ask within 90 days of the notice.
NM Health Care Authority
Office of Fair Hearings: appeal a SNAP, Medicaid, cash aid or LIHEAP decision
505-476-6213
P.O. Box 2348, Santa Fe · Business hours
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Help with SNAP, Medicaid and TANF problems and wage claims
505-255-2840
301 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque · Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
Bring
- The denial letter
- case number
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.