New Mexico Administrative Code
Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
Chapter 139 - FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Part 500 - FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY - NEED DETERMINATION
Section 8.139.500.9 - PROSPECTIVE BUDGETING
Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 6, March 26, 2024
A. Initial month procedures: "Initial month" means the first month for which a household is certified for participation in the food stamp program following any period during which the household was not certified for participation. Eligibility and food stamp benefit amount for households submitting an initial application will be based on circumstances for the entire calendar month in which a household files its application.
B. Varied benefit amount: As a result of anticipating changes, a household's food stamp benefit amount for the month of application may differ from the amount in later months.
C. Retroactive benefits: For households that have completed the application process by the 30th day after application, and have been determined eligible, the food stamp benefit amount will be provided retroactively to the date of application.
D. Recertification procedures: Eligibility and food stamp benefit amount for recertification will be determined prospectively based on circumstances anticipated for the certification period beginning the month following the expiration of the current certification period.
E. Mass change procedures: Adjustments to the maximum food stamp benefit amount, income standards, shelter and dependent care deduction limits, state utility standard adjustments, and overall adjustments to financial assistance payments and mass changes in federal benefits, such as social security and SSI benefits, are made by a mass change. The adjustment is made in the month before the change is effective to allow for adequate notice to affected households.
F. Determining resources: Available resources at the time the household is interviewed will be used to determine the household's eligibility.