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SNAP Changes

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What You Need to Know

SNAP rules changed Jan. 1, 2026. If you get SNAP, you may need to complete 80 hours of work or other approved activities each month and report your hours when you renew, unless you qualify for an exemption.

Activity hour can include:

  • Work (paid or unpaid)
  • Volunteering or community service
  • Job training
  • Workforce or education programs

Many people are exempt.

Check whether work or activity hours apply to you.

Be ready for your SNAP interview!

Having the right information ready can help process your case faster.

Provide verification of:

  • Valid photo ID
  • Information for all household members
  • Income information for all household members
  • Housing Expenses
  • Utility Expenses
  • Childcare Expenses

    Keep your information current!

    • New job or raises
    • Changes in who lives with you
    • Changes in rent or utilities

     

    • For volunteer opportunities in the Albuquerque area visit oneabqvolunteers.com
    • For more volunteer opportunities across the state see the New Mexico Volunteer Sites List
    • This optional form helps Able-Bodies Adults Without Dependents keep track of volunteer hours. The person in charge of the volunteer work must sign it. You only need to submit this form when applying for your first grant, renewing it, or if your reported work hours are less than 20 hours per week. Volunteer Hours Verification Document

    The Key Changes
    • Some adults must complete 80 work or activity hours within a month.
    • You may need to report your work or activity hours when you apply for or renew your SNAP.
    • You can combine different types of activities to reach your 80 activity hours.
    • Some people who were exempt before may now need to meet the rule.
    • If you do not meet the rule for three months, your SNAP may stop. You can regain eligibility by meeting the rule.
    • Some lawfully present immigrants may no longer qualify for SNAP when they renew their benefits.

    Find FAQ’s and more information click here..

    Who It Impacts

    The work or activity hour rule may apply if all of these are true:

    1. You are 18 to 64 years old
    2. You are able to work
    3. You are not caring for a child under 14
    4. You do not qualify for an exemption

    This rule does not apply in some areas:

    • Luna County
    • Laguna Pueblo 
    • San Felipe Pueblo
    • Taos Pueblo
    • Tesuque Pueblo 

    You may be exempt if you:

    • Are pregnant
    • Have a disability or get SSI
    • Care for someone
    • Work 30 + hours per week
    • Are a student
    • Get unemployment
    • Are in certain treatment programs
    • Are Native American

    Changes to some previous exemptions

    Some groups who were previously exempt may now need to meet the rule if they do not quality for another exemption. Examples include:

    • Veterans who do not meet another exemption
    • People experiencing homelessness who are not otherwise exempt
    • Young adults aging out of fostercare
    • Adults up to age 64

    How to Prepare for Changes
    • Check whether work or activity hours apply to you.
    • See if you qualify for an exemption.
    • Be ready to report your exemption, if you have one.
    • If the work or activity hour apply, make a plan to reach 80 work or activity hours within a month.
    • Keep copies of the following for your records:
      • Pay stubs
      • Volunteer logs (the person in charge must sign it).
      • Job training forms
    • Make sure your contact information is up to date, and watch for letters from HCA.

    How to Report your Work or Activity Hours

    (When required)
    Online:
    YES.NM.GOV

    Upload your documents
    Phone:
    1-800-283-4465
    Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
    In person:
    Local HCA Income Support Division Office
    You need to report at these times:
    • When you apply for SNAP
    • At your SNAP renewal
    • If your hours drop below 20 hours per week (80 hours per month)
    Why this matters:
    • If you do not meet the 80 work or activity hours rule, the month counts as a missed month.
    • After 3 missed months, your SNAP benefits may stop.
    • You can get SNAP again of you meet the rule later.

     

    Immigrant Eligibility Changes

    Started January 1, 2026

    Federal SNAP rules have changed for some lawfully present immigrants.

    Under the new federal law, H.R.1, some lawfully present immigrants no longer qualify for federally funded SNAP when they renew their benefits.

    Your eligibility will be reviewed when you renew your SNAP benefits.

    SNAP Utility Deduction

    Started November 1, 2025 

    If your household does not include: 

    • A person 60 or older, or 
    • A person with a disability, 

    then LIHEAP alone will no longer count toward your SNAP utility deduction. 

    You will need to tell us if you pay for heating or cooling costs for your home. If you don’t have a utility bill, lease, or landlord letter, ask us for help showing your heating and cooling costs.  

    👉 Learn more: New SNAP Utility Deduction Rules