New Mexico work requirements for SNAP and Medicaid

What the 80-hour rule means in New Mexico, who runs it, and where to send your proof.

🛒 SNAP in New Mexico

Called Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), run by New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA), Income Support Division.

Adults 18–64 without a child under 14 at home need 80 hours a month of work, volunteering or training, or an exemption, to keep SNAP past 3 months in 3 years.

🩺 Medicaid in New Mexico

Expansion coverage is called New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) - Other Adults (expansion) group. New Mexico expanded Medicaid, so the work rule applies to adults 19–64 in the expansion group, starting January 1, 2027.

Run by New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA).

📌 Turquoise Care expansion adults subject from 2027-01-01. Governor co-signed the 2026-10-01 five-governor letter (OR, CA, ME, NM, VA) asking HHS to delay the 2027-01-01 compliance date; no delay granted as of 2026-10-10. SNAP: partial ABAWD time-limit waiver (some areas only) in effect as of 2026-10-01 per USDA FNS. Luna County and Laguna, San Felipe, Taos and Tesuque Pueblos waived.

Some areas of New Mexico have a federal waiver of the SNAP time limit. Ask your caseworker whether your county or city is included before counting hours.

Where to report and upload proof

YES New Mexico (YesNM): report changes and upload documents
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work rules (official)
New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care) - Other Adults (expansion) group (official)

Always follow the deadlines in the letters New Mexico sends you. If you get a notice about work requirements, answer it before the due date, even if you think you’re exempt.

What counts toward 80 hours

Paid work, including gig work like delivery or rideshare
Volunteering or community service (usually with a nonprofit or public agency)
Job training or a work program, including SNAP Employment & Training
For Medicaid: school at least half-time, or monthly income of at least $580

Check if you’re exempt · How to prove volunteer hours

Keep proof of every hour

my80hours is a free app that logs your hours, saves photos of pay stubs and sign-in sheets, gets volunteer letters signed, and makes a PDF for your caseworker. No sign-up. Your info stays on your phone.

Start my free log

State details last checked October 10, 2026.

This page explains federal rules as of October 10, 2026. It is not legal advice and my80hours is not a government site. Your state sets many details, so always follow the notices your state sends you, and ask your caseworker or a legal aid office if you’re unsure.

Sources