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 the letter says
You can ask"Did you get a letter from Income Support about work rules? Can I see it?"
You can ask"How old are you? Does a child under 14 live with you?"
You can say"This rule does not apply to everyone. Many people are exempt. Let's check together."
Since January 1, 2026, many SNAP adults ages 18 to 64 must do 80 hours a month of work or other activities. This includes Grant County.
Without the hours or an exemption, SNAP stops after 3 months. The 3 months are counted in a 3-year period that runs June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2029.
At the Gospel MissionFood at the Mission does not depend on SNAP. Offer meals and a pantry bag today.
2Check for an exemption first
People who are exempt do not need any hours. Common ones: a child under 14 in the home, pregnant, a health problem or disability that limits work, in drug or alcohol treatment, Native American, half-time student, working 30 hours a week, on unemployment, or caring for someone who can't care for themselves.
Homeless for more than 6 months, or more than once in the last year? In New Mexico that can count as "unfit for work". Tell Income Support.
See the guide "Might be exempt from the new SNAP or Medicaid work rules".
3What counts toward 80 hours
Paid work, work traded for goods or a place to stay, unpaid work, volunteering for a nonprofit, job training, or a SNAP work program all count.
They can mix them. Example: 40 hours of part-time work plus 40 hours of volunteering is 80.
80 hours a month is about 20 hours a week.
New Mexico Health Care Authority - SNAP Employment & Training
SNAP E&T: job search help, training, work experience, apprenticeships for SNAP r
(800) 283-4465
NM Workforce Connection - Silver City (America's Job Center)
Job search, training and unemployment help
575-538-3737
420 W. Broadway St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm (may close 12-1 for lunch)
For volunteer places, see the guide "Wants to volunteer, or needs community service hours".
Volunteer at the Silver City Gospel Mission to earn hours: kitchen, pantry, clothing bank, thrift store or front desk. Tap Website below to sign up, then ask Mission staff to sign your hours log. Check with Income Support that they accept it.
Silver City Gospel Mission
Volunteer at the Mission (hours for SNAP or Medicaid work rules)
575-388-5071
111 S. Texas St., Silver City · Weekdays during Mission hours
4Keep proof of every hour
Bring
- Pay stubs
- a volunteer log signed by the person in charge
- training attendance sheets
The state has a free form called "Verification of Volunteer Hours" (ABAWD 002). It lists each date, the hours, the organization, and who can confirm the hours.
Report hours when they apply, at renewal, and any time hours drop below 20 a week.
Turn proof in at yes.nm.gov (upload it), at the Income Support office, or by mail or fax (the address is on the form).
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 MissionThe case worker can help print the form, fill it in, and upload it.
At the Gospel MissionNo safe address for letters? Use the Mission's free mail service: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
5If SNAP already stopped
They can get SNAP again by doing 80 hours in any 30 days in a row, then reapplying. Or by becoming exempt.
There is no limit on how many times they can get back on this way.
NM Health Care Authority - YES New Mexico Connect
Online benefits portal and resource finder
· 24/7 online
Others in the household keep their SNAP. Only this person's share stops.
If they think the decision is wrong, they can ask for a fair hearing within 90 days of the letter.
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 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
See the guide "Lost their EBT card, or SNAP benefits stopped".
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
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.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
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.