Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 18, September 24, 2024
A.
Opt in/out: An applicant can opt out of NM Extra Help SNAP at any
time. To be considered for regular SNAP benefits, the applicant must apply
through the regular SNAP application process as defined at 8.139.110
NMAC.
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 NM Extra Help SNAP recipients will receive applications from the
department based on interface data supplied by CMS.
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 NM Extra Help SNAP
applicants shall be considered as standard food stamp program applicants and
may qualify for expedited service in accordance with 8.139.110.16
NMAC.
E.
Authorized representatives: The head of the household or the spouse may
designate an individual who is a non-household member to act on its behalf in
applying, obtaining or using food stamp 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 food stamp 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.
