LOOKING FOR ASSISTANCE
The Health Care Authority’s mission is: We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
General Assistance for Disabled Adults and Unrelated Children
What is the purpose of this service?
The objective of General Assistance (GA) is to provide cash assistance to dependent needy children and disabled adults who are not eligible for other cash assistance programs.
Basic General Assistance Rules
- You must provide your Social Security Number within 60 days of approval.
- You must be:
- a citizen of the United States;
- a naturalized citizen;
- an alien who entered the United States as a legal permanent resident or PRUCOL before August 22, 1996; or
- an alien who entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, and who meets the definition of a qualified alien, and is subject to the five-year bar from participation in the federally funded TANF cash assistance program.
- You must be living in the state of New Mexico, and have demonstrated intent to remain in the state through the duration of services.
- You CANNOT be:
- included as a benefit group member and receiving cash assistance from another department cash assistance program;
- a SSI recipient;
- a recipient of benefits from a federally-funded TANF program (including a tribal program) or Bureau of Indian Affairs – General Assistance program;
- a recipient of a government-funded adoption subsidy program; or
- a recipient of benefits from a TANF or GA program in another state.
- You may not be the payee for more than one General Assistance payment.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program, Medicaid, LIHEAP and other similar programs are not considered concurrent assistance and shall not make an individual ineligible for the General Assistance program.
What happens once I return my application?
You will be asked to come in for an interview in about ten days. Your assigned worker will give you a list of things you need to provide. This information will tell your worker about you and your household so he or she can determine if you qualify for GA cash assistance. Bring as much of the requested information as you can to the interview. This will help us to help you faster.
If, after your interview, you need to provide more information, your worker will make a list of things you need to do. Your worker will explain how much time you have to gather the information. If you need more time, or you can’t get the information required, tell your worker as soon as possible.
When will I know if I can get GA cash assistance?
You will be notified by letter within 95 days as to whether or not your GA cash assistance was approved. If you do not agree with the decision, you can ask for a Fair Hearing. Remember, our job is to serve you. It is our policy to ensure that everyone who applies for and qualifies for cash assistance receives those benefits in a timely manner and in accordance with the law.
How will I receive my monthly allotment?
Each month your GA cash assistance allotment will be deposited into an Electronic Benefits Card. Like a debit card, you can use the EBT card to withdraw cash or purchase items your family needs. For information about the EBT card click HERE.
More Information and Resources
- Note: The majority of people who qualify for General Assistance may qualify for other services provided by HSD
- For more details or assistance with your application please contact your nearest ISD Field Office