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.
1Two rules, two sets of exemptions
SNAP rule: adults 18 to 64, started January 1, 2026. Medicaid rule: adults 19 to 64 in "Other Adults" Medicaid, starts January 1, 2027.
The exemptions are alike but not the same. Check each program.
You can ask"Does a child 13 or younger live with you or depend on you? Are you pregnant, or did you have a baby in the last year?"
You can ask"Do you have a health problem, injury, mental health condition or addiction that makes work hard? Are you in treatment?"
You can ask"Are you Native American? A veteran with a VA disability rating? In school? On unemployment, SSI, SSDI or Medicare?"
You can ask"How long have you been homeless? Were you in jail in the last 3 months? Do you care for someone who is sick or disabled?"
2Parents and caregivers, including single moms
SNAP: a parent or household member caring for a child under 14 is exempt.
Medicaid: a parent or caregiver of a child 13 or younger is exempt.
A single mother with a child 13 or younger is exempt from both rules.
When the youngest child turns 14, the rule may apply unless another exemption fits.
Caring for a disabled or sick person who can't care for themselves also counts.
3Health, disability and recovery
SNAP: any illness or disability, short or long term, that makes it harder to support yourself can count as "unfit for work".
If it is obvious, no paper is needed. If not, a note from a doctor, PA, nurse, nurse practitioner, psychologist or social worker works.
SNAP also exempts people applying for or getting SSI, SSDI or disability General Assistance.
Medicaid exempts people who are "medically frail": a disability, blindness, addiction, a disabling mental illness, or a serious or complex medical condition.
Both exempt people in a drug or alcohol treatment program, and people who are pregnant.
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver City Community Health Center: Primary medical care
575-800-1467
1007 N. Pope St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:00 pm
Southwest Counseling Center (formerly Border Area Mental Health Services)
Outpatient mental health and psychiatry
575-388-4497
315 S. Hudson St., Ste. 12, Silver City · Call for hours
See the guide "Has a disability and can't work (SSI or SSDI)".
4Homeless, veterans, Native Americans, and people leaving jail
Being homeless is no longer an exemption by itself. But for SNAP in New Mexico, "chronically homeless" counts as unfit for work: homeless more than 6 months, more than once in the last year, or unable to meet basic needs like shelter, food, heat and clothing.
Medicaid has no homeless exemption. Check the health exemptions.
Veterans are no longer exempt from SNAP just for serving. For Medicaid, a 100% VA rating or TDIU is an exemption. Bring the VA benefit summary letter.
NM Department of Veterans Services - Silver City Veterans Service Officer
Veterans service officer (VA claims help)
575-313-5627
1000 W College Ave (WNMU Juan Chacon Bldg, Rm 138-A), Silver City · Weekdays (call)
Native Americans are exempt from both rules. Their Medicaid renewals stay at 12 months.
Medicaid exempts people in jail and for 3 months after release. SNAP has no jail exemption.
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission can write an address or affidavit letter. See the guide "Needs a letter proving they are homeless, or to use the Mission's address".
5How to ask for the exemption
Tell Income Support: online at yes.nm.gov ("Report a Change"), by phone, or at the office at 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A.
Bring
- Case number
- photo ID if they have one
- a provider's note
- VA letter
- treatment program letter
- school or unemployment papers
Income Support must help people get proof they can't get alone. Ask for that help.
Report when things change, like a child turning 14 or treatment ending.
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
If they are told no and think it is wrong, they can ask for a fair hearing.
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
More help like this
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.Has a disability and can't work (SSI or SSDI)Use when someone can't work because of a health problem or disability and wants to apply for SSI or Social Security disability (SSDI).Has medical bills they can't pay, or lost their MedicaidUse when someone owes a hospital or doctor money, got a surprise bill, or their Medicaid was cut off.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.Wants their SNAP (food stamps) to last all monthUse when someone gets SNAP but runs out before the end of the month and wants a simple plan to make it last, plus free food to fill the gaps.
See all guides in Money and benefits →
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
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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.