Law passed in July expands work requirements, removes exemptions for veterans and homeless individuals
SANTA FE — About 55,750 New Mexicans will need to work, volunteer or attend training for 80 hours a month to keep receiving SNAP food benefits under the new federal law taking effect Jan. 1, 2026.
These federal mandates, passed by Congress in July, expand work requirements for able-bodied adults to include those ages 55-64, add an exception for Native Americans, and remove exceptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth.
The new law will only begin affecting SNAP eligibility when someone first applies for benefits or renews their case on or after Jan. 1, 2026. For most people, it will begin the month after their renewal is due or the month after they first apply for SNAP, giving households time to understand and prepare for this change.
“These are federal requirements, not state policy, but our job is to make sure New Mexicans don’t lose food benefits because they didn’t know about the changes,” said Niki Kozlowski, director of HCA’s Income Support Division. “We know this may be stressful for families who depend on SNAP. Our staff can help you understand whether you qualify for an exception or how to report your work or volunteer hours.”
What’s changing
Under the new federal law:
- Adults ages 55–64 must now meet work rules.
- Parents or caregivers with dependents ages 14 and older must now meet work rules unless an exception applies.
- Veterans, people experiencing homelessness and former foster youth are no longer automatically exempt.
- Local waivers are now limited to areas with unemployment above 10 percent.
- Native Americans are exempt and do not have to comply with this new rule.
These rules apply when you next apply for or renew SNAP benefits after Jan. 1, 2026.
Who these rules apply to
The work rules apply to you if:
- You are between ages 18 and 64.
- You are physically and mentally able to work.
- You are not responsible for the care of a child under age 14.
If an exception does NOT apply to you, you must work, volunteer, attend school or job training for a total of 80 hours a month to keep your benefits. You can combine activities to complete the 80 hours a month.
Who is exempt
You are exempt from the work rules if any of the following apply:
- You under age 18 or age 65 and older.
- You receive SSI or general assistance disability benefits.
- You have a physical or mental disability that prevents work.
- You are meeting TANF work requirements.
- You are caring for a child under age 14 or for an incapacitated person.
- You are caring for a household member with a disability.
- You are receiving unemployment benefits.
- You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
- You are enrolled at least half-time in school, training, or higher education.
- You are pregnant.
- You are considered Native American under 25 U.S.C. 1603 or 1679.
- You are a resident of Luna County, Taos Pueblo, Tesuque Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo or San Fellipe Pueblo.
What you need to know
- You must work or participate in approved activities for 80 hours per month.
- Hours may include paid work, work in exchange for goods, or volunteer service.
- You may also meet the requirement through education, job training or through federal, state or local work programs.
- The new rule applies the next time you apply for or renew SNAP on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
- Current SNAP eligibility rules will not change before that date.
How to report work requirements or exceptions
SNAP customers can report their work activities or exceptions:
- Online: YES.NM.GOV
- Phone: 1-800-283-4465 (7 a.m.–6:30 p.m., Mon–Fri)
- In person: Local HCA Income Support Division office.
If benefits stop, individuals can regain eligibility by meeting the 80-hour requirement for 30 consecutive days and reapplying. If they qualify for an exception, they can report it at any time to restart benefits.
For more information, visit HCA.NM.Gov/updates-about-federal-changes or call
1-800-283-4465. If you need help finding a job, visit www.dws.state.nm.us.
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