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 language and what they need
You can ask"What language are you most comfortable in? Do you read it too?"
You can ask"Where do you need help: a benefits office, the doctor, court, Social Security, or MVD?"
You can say"You have a right to a free interpreter at most government offices, hospitals and courts. You do not have to bring your own."
2Their right to a free interpreter
Federal law says offices and clinics that get federal money must give free language help. This includes Income Support (SNAP and Medicaid), Social Security, hospitals and clinics.
They can ask for an interpreter in person or by phone. They do not have to pay, and they should not have to wait for days.
You can say"Necesito un intérprete en español, por favor." (I need a Spanish interpreter, please.)
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
Social Security Administration
National line (benefits, SSI, replacement card)
800-772-1213
· Mon-Fri 8am-7pm local time; online 24/7
Gila Regional Medical Center
Hospital main line / operator
575-538-4000
1313 E 32nd St, Silver City · 24/7
3Court: free interpreters
New Mexico courts give free interpreters for court dates, in Spanish, other languages and sign language. Tell the court clerk as soon as possible, before the court date.
New Mexico Courts - Language Access Services
Free court interpreters (spoken and sign language)
505-827-4800
4Forms and websites in Spanish
YES New Mexico (yes.nm.gov) has SNAP and Medicaid applications in Spanish.
NM Health Care Authority - YES New Mexico Connect
Online benefits portal and resource finder
· 24/7 online
Social Security and MVD have many forms and pages in Spanish. Ask for them at the counter.
At the Gospel MissionThe case worker can help fill in forms.
5Deaf or hard of hearing
Deaf people have a right to a free sign language interpreter at hospitals, courts and government offices.
NM Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Las Cruces Office
Deaf and hard of hearing advocacy and interpreter information (southern NM)
575-525-1037
2407 W Picacho Ave, Suite A-100, Las Cruces · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Relay New Mexico (NMCDHH / Hamilton Relay)
Free phone relay for deaf, hard of hearing and speech-disabled callers (711)
711
· 24/7
See the guide "Can't hear well, needs hearing aids, or is deaf".
6If they were refused, or want to learn English
If an office would not give an interpreter, write down the date, place and who they spoke to. They can file a complaint.
NM Department of Workforce Solutions - Human Rights Bureau
File a discrimination complaint (job, housing, credit, public places)
800-566-9471
· Statewide phone/online; weekday business hours
ACLU of New Mexico
Civil rights legal complaints (online intake)
505-266-5915
Albuquerque
Literacy Link-Leamos
Adult tutoring, GED/HiSET, ESL and citizenship
575-388-0892
515 W. College Ave. (Silver City Public Library), Silver City · Office Tue-Fri 10am-12pm and 2-5pm (subject to change)
See the guide "Wants a GED or to learn to read, write or speak English".
More help like this
Has no ID at allUse when someone has no photo ID and needs a New Mexico state ID card for benefits, work, housing or a shelter bed.Needs a birth certificateUse when someone needs a certified birth certificate for an ID, a job, benefits or housing. Covers people born in New Mexico and in other states.Lost their Social Security cardUse when someone lost their Social Security card or never had one and needs a replacement for work, housing or benefits.Lost their driver's license, has a DWI, or needs it reinstatedUse when someone lost their driver's license, had it suspended or revoked, has a DWI, or needs an ignition interlock license.Needs a passportUse when someone needs a U.S. passport book or passport card, for travel, for a job, or as a strong photo ID.Needs a marriage, divorce or death certificateUse when someone needs a certified copy of a marriage license, a divorce decree, or a death certificate, for a name change, ID, benefits, a pension, a bank or a funeral.
See all guides in Papers and ID →
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?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
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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.