Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A.
Opt in/out: An applicant can choose to receive benefits through
the regular food stamp program if:
(1)
combined shelter and utility expenses, as defined at 8.139.520.11 NMAC, are
greater than $315.00; or
(2)
out-of-pocket medical expenses, as defined at 8.139.520.11 NMAC, are at least
$35.00 a month.
B.
Application requirements: The application at minimum will
contain:
(1) the applicants name, and
address;
(2) receipt of income and
amount;
(3) amount of applicable
deductions, such as shelter and medical; and
(4) must be signed by the applicant or
authorized representative.
C.
Application filing:
Potential NMCAP recipients will receive applications from the department based
on interface data supplied by SSA. NMCAP applicants also have the right to
apply at:
(1) a social security (SSA) office;
or
(2) a local ISD county
office.
D.
Processing standards: Applications are processed by the department and
notice of disposition is sent to the applicant.
(1)
Standard processing: An
application shall be processed as soon as possible and the applicant afforded
an opportunity to participate no later than 30 days from the date of
application.
(2)
Expedited
processing: In the month of application, NMCAP applicants shall be
considered as standard supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) program
applicants and may qualify for expedited service.
E.
Authorized representatives:
The head of the household or the spouse or any other responsible member of the
household may designate an individual who is a non-household member to act on
its behalf in applying, obtaining or using NMCAP benefits.
(1) The caseworker shall obtain a copy of the
household's written authorization for the authorized representative and
maintain it in the household's case record. No limit shall be placed on the
number of households an authorized representative may represent.
(2) Even if the household member is able to
make an application and obtain benefits, the household should be encouraged to
name an authorized representative to use the NMCAP benefits in case illness or
other circumstances prevent household members from using the benefits
themselves.
(3) The authorized
representative's identity shall be verified and a copy of the document
maintained in the household's case file.
