SNAP ELIGIBILITY BASED ON TANF ELIGIBILITY

SB 137 prohibits using eligibility for New Mexico’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to automatically qualify households for federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits. It restricts SNAP eligibility to households receiving cash assistance (like TANF), Social Security benefits, or general assistance, rather than allowing TANF status alone to confer SNAP access. The bill also prevents state agencies from excluding SNAP benefits based on TANF or Medicaid rules unless required by federal law. This policy change directly affects low-income households seeking food assistance in New Mexico, effective January 1, 2027.