New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 139 - FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Part 120 - CASE ADMINISTRATION - CASE MANAGEMENT
Section 8.139.120.13 - REQUIREMENTS FOR MASS CHANGES
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A. Mass changes: Certain changes initiated by the state or federal government may affect the entire caseload or significant portions of it.
B. Federal changes: Authorized adjustments which may affect SNAP benefit amount for participating households include the maximum SNAP allotment, standard deduction, excess shelter and dependent care deductions, and income eligibility standards. These changes go into effect for all households annually on October 1. Adjustments to federal standards are made prospectively.
C. Cost of living adjustments: Cost of living increases and any other mass changes in federal benefits, such as social security and SSI benefits, shall be treated as mass changes for SNAP purposes. ISD is responsible for automatically adjusting a household's SNAP benefit amount to reflect such a change. Households shall not be responsible for reporting these changes.
D. Mass changes in public assistance: When overall adjustments to cash assistance payments are made, corresponding adjustments in SNAP benefits shall be handled as a mass change. Households shall be given advance notice of any adjustment in the SNAP benefit amount. If a household requests a fair hearing, benefits shall continue at the former amount only if the issue being appealed is that eligibility or SNAP benefit amount was determined incorrectly.
E. Utility standard: Authorized adjustments shall be effective for all October SNAP issuances. Households whose certification periods overlap annual adjustments in the state's mandatory utility allowance shall be informed at the time of certification that the adjustment shall be effective in October 1; the household shall be informed of the adjusted benefit amount, if known at the time of certification. Adjustments in the state's mandatory utility allowance are made prospectively.