Residents of Lincoln County affected by the recent storm and flooding may be eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits. Applications are open from August 18 to August 24, allowing those impacted to receive essential food assistance during this challenging time.
Kari Armijo, secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority, encourages all eligible residents to apply promptly, emphasizing the importance of D-SNAP as a critical resource for families coping with disaster-related hardships. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham secured federal approval to extend these benefits to Lincoln County following the severe storm and flooding on June 23.
Approximately 7,297 households in Lincoln County may qualify for D-SNAP food assistance, while 1,309 households already receiving regular SNAP benefits could be eligible for supplemental aid if they have not reached the maximum benefit for their household size. Eligible SNAP recipients can apply to increase their monthly benefits for one month by calling or applying in person.
The deadline to report food loss due to the disaster has also been extended to August 24. Residents can report food loss in person at the local Health Care Authority (HCA) office in Ruidoso Downs or by phone. Staff are available to assist applicants Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with phone lines open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
To manage the application process efficiently, HCA will assist residents alphabetically by last name during the first three days of applications, with all applicants eligible thereafter. The application schedule is as follows: August 18 for last names A-J, August 19 for K-S, August 20 for T-Z, and August 21-24 for all last names.
Applications can be submitted in person at the Disaster Resource Center located at Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Branch from August 18 to 24, with extended weekday hours. Phone applications are accepted from August 18 to 22 during specified hours but will not be accepted on the last two days.
To qualify for food assistance, households must have experienced damage or loss related to the disaster, including home damage, loss or reduction of income, or unreimbursed expenses. Eligible families will receive one month of D-SNAP benefits, loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used at authorized grocery stores and online retailers.
