Starting in January 2025, New Mexico’s SNAP program will implement new work rules affecting certain recipients. These changes primarily target able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), requiring them to work, volunteer, or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to continue receiving benefits beyond three months.
If you’re a SNAP recipient in New Mexico, it’s important to understand who these rules apply to, what exemptions exist, and how to stay eligible. This guide covers everything you need to know about New Mexico’s SNAP work requirements for 2025.
Key Changes to SNAP Work Rules in New Mexico
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | January 1, 2025 |
| Who’s Affected? | ABAWDs aged 18-54 in certain counties |
| Work Requirement | 80 hours/month (work, volunteering, or job training) |
| Exemptions | Disabled individuals, seniors (60+), pregnant women, those with dependents |
| Non-Compliance Consequence | SNAP benefits limited to 3 months in a 36-month period |
| Support Programs | SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Program for job assistance |
| Official Resource | New Mexico SNAP Program |
The goal of these new rules is to encourage employment and self-sufficiency among SNAP recipients while ensuring that those who truly need assistance continue receiving benefits.
What Are the New SNAP Work Rules in New Mexico?
The new SNAP rules require ABAWDs to:
✔ Work at least 80 hours per month in a paid job.
✔ Volunteer with nonprofits or community organizations.
✔ Participate in a SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program to develop job skills.
These requirements are part of a federal initiative aimed at reducing reliance on food assistance by encouraging workforce participation.
🔹 Important: The work requirement does not apply to all SNAP recipients—only to able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).
Who Are ABAWDs?
ABAWDs (Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents) are:
✔ Adults aged 18-54.
✔ Not pregnant.
✔ Not disabled.
✔ Do not have children or dependents in their household.
In New Mexico, this includes residents of:
📍 Bernalillo, Santa Fe, Eddy, and Los Alamos counties.
📍 Certain pueblos like San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Laguna.
These areas must comply with the federal SNAP work requirements, meaning residents must meet the work obligation or risk losing benefits.
How to Meet the 80-Hour Work Requirement
To remain eligible for SNAP benefits beyond three months, ABAWDs must complete 80 hours of approved activities each month. You can:
✔ Get a job (part-time, full-time, or temporary work).
✔ Volunteer at a nonprofit or community organization.
✔ Enroll in the SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Program, which offers:
- Job search training
- Internships & apprenticeships
- On-the-job training
💡 Tip: You can combine multiple activities to reach the 80-hour total, such as:
🔹 Working 40 hours + Volunteering 40 hours.
To learn more, visit the New Mexico SNAP E&T Program.
Who Is Exempt from the New Work Rules?
Not everyone has to meet these new requirements. You may be exempt if you:
✔ Have a disability preventing you from working.
✔ Are 60 years or older.
✔ Are pregnant.
✔ Care for a dependent child in your household.
✔ Are medically unfit for employment (requires doctor verification).
📌 What to Do if You Qualify for an Exemption:
1️⃣ Contact your local SNAP office to confirm your exemption.
2️⃣ Submit any required medical or legal documentation.
3️⃣ Keep your exemption status updated to avoid benefit interruptions.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Work Requirement?
If you fail to meet the 80-hour work requirement, the consequences are serious:
⛔ Your SNAP benefits will be limited to just 3 months in a 36-month period.
⛔ After 3 months, your benefits will be cut off unless you meet the work requirement or qualify for an exemption.
⛔ You can reapply later if you start working or enter a qualifying program.
These rules are designed to motivate recipients to find stable employment while ensuring that those in need continue receiving support.
How to Prepare for the New SNAP Work Rules
If you are an ABAWD affected by these changes, here’s how to stay eligible:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
✔ Confirm whether you fall under the ABAWD category.
✔ Check if you qualify for an exemption (disability, pregnancy, caregiving, etc.).
Step 2: Find a Qualifying Work Activity
✔ Look for a job (part-time, full-time, temporary).
✔ Find volunteer opportunities in your area.
✔ Enroll in the SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Program.
Step 3: Track Your Hours
✔ Keep proof of work, volunteer hours, or training participation.
✔ Submit documentation to your local SNAP office if needed.
Step 4: Stay Informed
✔ Check for updates from New Mexico SNAP.
✔ Speak with a SNAP caseworker if you have concerns.
The 2025 SNAP work rules in New Mexico will impact many able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). If you don’t meet the 80-hour monthly work requirement, your benefits may be limited to just three months.
However, help is available! You can stay eligible by:
✔ Finding a job, volunteering, or joining a job training program.
✔ Checking if you qualify for an exemption.
✔ Using SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) resources to gain skills and employment.
🔹 Prepare now to avoid losing your benefits! For more details, visit the New Mexico SNAP website or contact your local SNAP office.
