Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Lori Pace
New Mexico is home to 2.1 million residents, and the state has one of the nation’s highest rates of poverty at 21%. Children are also the most affected by poverty, with a rate of 29%. Nearly 430,000 people in the country live in poverty. This makes it difficult for some families, especially single parents, to provide their children with basic necessities. The state has implemented some important programs to help address the problem of poverty. Most of these programs in New Mexico are there to help people as well as single mothers become self-sufficient so that they can provide for their families. This guide will discuss the financial grants and aid available to single moms in New Mexico.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Department of Human Services launched the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to assist low-income families in meeting their basic needs. Participants receive electronic benefits through SNAP that they can use to purchase food at certain retail outlets. To confirm your eligibility, you can contact the DHS at 800-432-6217.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The program provides short-term cash aid to single mothers in New Mexico. You can use the benefits to pay for food, childcare, housing, and other basic needs. DHS will give you more information about how to apply. Contact them at 800-432-621.
Medicaid
If you do not have health insurance, you can apply for Medicaid. Single moms who want to cover their families can do so at a low cost with this program. Medicaid is a federal health care program that covers a wide range of services. For more information, call 1-888-997-258.
New MexiKids/New MexiTeens
New MexiKids, New MexiTeens offer low-cost or no-cost health insurance for children and young adults up to age 19. This program is for children aged 0-12 and New MexiTeens is for teens aged 13-19.
Both programs cover regular checkups, doctor’s visits, dental care, hospitalization, prescriptions, and glasses, as well as hearing and vision tests. The programs are available to children whose families have an income of less than 245% of the federal poverty line (FPL), or 305% if they are under five years old.
New Mexico Child Care Assistance Program
New Mexico CCAP offers childcare assistance to families that meet income requirements. It covers most families with an income that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The subsidy amount is determined by your gross monthly income and family size. It also depends on the type of child care and its cost. Am I Eligible is a great tool for families to use. Child Care Resource and Referral can help you find a child-care provider. Call them at 1-800-691-9067.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in New Mexico helps families with minor children who are struggling to pay their bills. The program will allow them to save some money on heating and cooling costs. To confirm your eligibility, you can contact LIHEAP at 800-283-4465.
New Mexico Works
NM Works, an initiative of Human Resources Department of Human Resources is aimed to help single mothers and families in need who are having difficulty finding or keeping a job. Single mothers can benefit from the program by finding jobs that suit them and receiving counseling to help them succeed in their new roles. You can contact NM Works at 505-476-6230 if you want to know more about the program.
Unemployment Insurance
New Mexico’s Unemployment Insurance program is there to provide financial assistance to residents who lost their job due to no fault on their part. Cash payments can be made based on what they received from their former employer. The grant recipients must also actively seek employment while receiving their grant.
School Breakfast and Lunch Program
This program provides low-cost and free meals to schoolchildren who are underprivileged. The amount of income per household and the number of children in the family will determine whether the meals are free or low-cost. Children of families that are enrolled in the TANF Program will be automatically eligible.
You must meet the income limits to qualify for this program. To apply for this program, you will need to contact the school where your child attends.
Head Start Program
Head Start in New Mexico offers childcare assistance as well as help for young children under the age of five to improve their social and behavioral skills. The program is open to single moms who have low incomes.
Transportation Assistance
New Mexico’s transportation costs can be high, especially if your car is not working. State offers better alternatives and low-income households can get free rides to medical appointments. Medicaid enrollees can receive free transportation to doctor’s visits, lab tests, and other medical appointments.
Legal Aid
The Legal Aid Programs in New Mexico offer free legal services for single mothers and families with low incomes. Legal assistance is available in many different areas, including evictions, foreclosures, legal rights, and domestic violence.
Housing Assistance Program
Housing assistance programs in New Mexico are designed to assist low-income residents to live in housing owned by Local Housing Agencies for a reduced price. The agencies receive funding from the government and use it to subsidize rents in local areas. You must be considered low-income to qualify for this program.
Bottom Line: Help For Single Mothers In New Mexico
There is a big variety to choose from when it comes to asking for assistance. The federal government and nonprofits work hard to support the community they are in, the best that they can. To learn more about other assistance offered to help single mothers in the state of New Mexico, visit these articles:
