SANTA FE, N.M. — Thousands of New Mexico families impacted by October flooding have additional time to request replacement food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP.
The New Mexico Health Care Authority announced that households in six flood-affected counties have until Nov. 12, 2026, to apply for replacement benefits for food lost during the flooding.
State officials estimate approximately 17,547 households are eligible for the extension. The assistance is available to SNAP recipients who were evacuated because of flooding and lost food purchased with SNAP benefits.
The extension applies to eligible households in parts of:
- Cibola County
- Rio Arriba County
- Sandoval County
- San Juan County
- Santa Fe County
- Socorro County
Eligible ZIP codes include:
87020, 87026, 87034, 87053, 87401, 87402, 87410, 87412, 87413, 87420, 87506, 87520, 87528, 87551 and 87801.
According to the Health Care Authority, replacement benefits may cover the value of food lost during the floods, up to the household’s regular monthly SNAP allotment.
“No family should have to choose between recovering from a flood and putting food on the table,” said Niki Kozlowski, director of the Health Care Authority’s Income Support Division.
To receive replacement benefits, households must complete and sign a replacement request form. Officials say telephonic signatures will be accepted for requests submitted by phone.
Residents seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the New Mexico Health Care Authority before the Nov. 12 deadline.
