SANTA FE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — New Mexico families who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will face new documentation requirements starting May 1 as the state moves to more closely verify certain household expenses used to calculate benefit amounts.
Beginning May 1, the New Mexico Health Care Authority will require families to provide documentation of shelter, utilities and dependent care expenses when they apply for SNAP and when they report changes to those expenses.
The agency said the change is intended to ensure benefit amounts are determined accurately and that households receive the correct level of support they qualify for.
When families provide complete information about their expenses, we can make sure their benefit amount is calculated correctly,” Acting Deputy Secretary Niki Kozlowski said. “Without verification, those expenses may not be counted, which could result in lower SNAP benefits than a family actually qualifies for.
To verify shelter expenses, SNAP customers can submit lease or mortgage statements, public housing agreements, or letters from landlords.
For utility costs, customers can provide copies of their utility expenses from the utility company, proof of the utility bill, or any document showing responsibility for paying the utility. For dependent care expenses, families can submit dependent care agreements, provider letters with cost and attendance details, or other documentation showing responsibility for the cost.
The state said it is implementing the change to improve accuracy and reduce errors, with the goal of keeping the program operating effectively and ensuring families receive the correct benefit amount.
Families who have difficulty obtaining documents can get assistance from Health Care Authority caseworkers.
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If an applicant cannot provide verification directly, they may submit the names and contact information of people who can confirm the expenses, such as a landlord or daycare provider. If verification cannot be obtained through other means, a household may submit a sworn statement attesting to the expenses.
The agency said current SNAP customers will not experience any disruption to their benefits at this time. At each renewal, expenses will be reviewed and verification may be required if information has changed, is outdated, or cannot be verified through available sources.
Families with an upcoming renewal are being told to wait to receive their renewal packets before sending documents. Documents can be submitted through a YES.NM.gov account or in person at a local Income Support Division office.
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