New Mexico to reinstate interview requirement for SNAP and TANF applicants

SANTA FE, N.M. — The New Mexico state government will again require people to do an interview when applying for and recertifying their SNAP and TANF benefits.

Starting Sept. 1, the New Mexico Health Care Authority will require all New Mexicans renewing these benefits to complete an interview as a part of the recertification process. This comes as the federal government ended a pandemic-era interview waiver for these benefits.

Now, New Mexicans receiving SNAP or cash assistance will have an interview with HCA staff as a part of their applications. They say the interview provides additional information that staff need to issue benefits. They add it can help connect people to additional assistance.  

“Our priority is to ensure that eligible New Mexicans continue receiving essential support,” said Niki Kozlowski, HCA Income Support Division Director. “We recognize that this adjustment may require some getting used to. But our team is here to help with the necessary interviews and applications.”

Starting Oct. 1, new SNAP and TANF applicants will also need to do an interview to determine eligibility.

According to HCA, they plan to contact people through mail, email and text 45 days before their renewal due date. They will provide the time and details for the interview. They say you can do the interview over the phone or in-person, as well.

You can learn more and apply for benefits and services by: 

• Visiting Yes.state.nm.us and completing the online application.
• Visiting one of the ISD Field Offices across the state to apply in-person.
• Calling 1-800-283-4465, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., to complete an application over the phone.