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.
1Look at the letter together
You can ask"Can I see the letter? Is it about SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare or something else?"
You can ask"Who in the home is affected? Are there children or a pregnant person in the home?"
You can say"The rules changed for some immigrants this year. Many people still qualify, especially children. Let's look together."
2What changed in 2026
SNAP: Since January 1, 2026, SNAP is only for citizens, green card holders (some adults wait 5 years), certain Cuban and Haitian entrants, and COFA citizens.
Refugees, asylees, parolees and some others lost SNAP at their renewal, unless they now have a green card.
Medicaid: Since October 1, 2026, a similar rule applies to adult Medicaid.
Children under 21 and pregnant people who are here lawfully still qualify for New Mexico Medicaid, with no waiting period.
Green card holders who were once refugees or asylees do not have the 5-year wait for SNAP.
3If they lost SNAP
New Mexico paid a one-time state benefit on the EBT card to many households who lost SNAP for this reason after January 1, 2026. They had to finish their renewal first. Tell them to keep their EBT card.
Family members who still qualify, like citizen children, can keep or get SNAP. The parent only gives status and Social Security numbers for the people asking for benefits.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
SNAP food benefits
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · 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.
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch on weekdays, the food pantry, monthly food boxes, Thursday Morning Market and weekend snack bags. Everyone is welcome.
WIC and free school meals do not require any immigration status.
NM Department of Health - WIC
WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
575-388-9353
2610 N. Silver St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm
Silver Consolidated Schools - Student Nutrition
Free school breakfast and lunch
(575) 956-2022
2570 N Silver St, Silver City · School days; office 7 am-4 pm
Cobre Consolidated School District
Free school meals (Bayard, Hurley, Santa Clara, Hanover schools)
(575) 537-4010
900 A Central Ave. (district office), Bayard · School days
4If they lost Medicaid
New Mexico made a state program for immigrants who had Medicaid on September 30, 2026 (refugees, asylees, trafficking victims, parolees and others). Most got a letter from BeWell New Mexico on how to enroll. Help them follow it.
beWellnm (NM Health Insurance Exchange)
Health insurance enrollment help
833-862-3935
7601 Jefferson St NE, Suite 120, Albuquerque · Mon-Sat 7am-7pm (hours vary)
Emergency Medicaid still pays for true emergencies and for labor and delivery for people who meet the income rules, whatever their status.
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
Gila Regional Medical Center
Financial Assistance Program (charity care)
575-574-4989
1313 E 32nd St, Silver City · Patient Financial Services Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm
5Worried about "public charge"
Public charge rules got stricter on September 18, 2026. Immigration officers may now look at SNAP, Medicaid and other benefits used after that date, sometimes even by family members.
Public charge applies only to some people, mainly those applying for a green card through family or for some visas. It does not apply to refugees or asylees, or to green card holders applying to become citizens.
You can say"Before you apply for or cancel any benefit, talk to a free immigration lawyer. Every family is different."
New Mexico Immigrant Law Center
Free and low-cost immigration legal help
505-247-1023
625 Silver Ave SW, Albuquerque · Statewide phone/online; call for consultation days
Catholic Charities of Southern New Mexico - Legal Services Program
Immigration legal services
575-527-0500
2215 S. Main St., Suite B, Las Cruces · Mon-Fri approx. 9am-4:30pm, closed noon-1pm (third-party listing)
6If they think the decision is wrong
They can ask for a fair hearing (appeal). The deadline is on the letter, so act fast.
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
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal aid (local office)
575-388-0091
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City
At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help read the letter, fill out forms and keep copies.
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.