N.M. Admin. Code § 8.102.110.8 - GENERAL

A. Application form: The application shall be submitted on a form designated by the HCA either electronically or in writing and is made under oath by an applicant with whom a dependent child resides. The HCA shall assist an applicant in completing the application for cash assistance or services. The application must contain a statement of the age of the child; residence; a statement of property in which the applicant has an interest; a statement of the income that the applicant or other benefit group members have at the time the application is filed; a signature under penalty of perjury from the applicant; and other information required by the HCA.

B. Interview:

(1) A face-to-face interview with the applicant shall be required in order to obtain information needed to the determine eligibility, verify, and record the facts supporting the application; and to give the applicant information about HCA programs and program requirements. When circumstances warrant, the household shall be interviewed by telephone or another place reasonably accessible and agreeable to by the applicant and the caseworker in accordance with 8.102.110.11 NMAC.

(2) The applicant must identify all individuals living in the residence whether or not the individuals are requesting assistance. The applicant and the HCA shall identify all individuals who must be included in the benefit group.

(3) Other information, documents, and collateral contacts may be required to determine eligibility. Requests for verification are made in accordance with provisions set forth in 8.100.130 NMAC.

C. Resource planning session: The applicant shall be provided a resource planning session no later than 30 days after an application is filed. The HCA shall attempt to provide a resource planning session prior to approving the application, but it is not mandatory. Failure to provide a resource planning session shall not impede registration or processing of the application. The focus of the resource planning session is to ascertain the applicant's immediate needs, assess the applicant's financial and nonfinancial options, and to provide general information about HCA assistance programs. The caseworker shall assist the applicant in exploring and accessing any other financial or non-financial options that may meet the benefit group's needs. If there is any indication that the applicant might be eligible for SSI, the relative advantages of the SSI program shall be explained and the applicant shall be referred to the local social security office.

D. EBT orientation: NMW cash assistance benefits shall be authorized and available through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) account. The HCA shall provide EBT training to an applicant in order to be able to access cash assistance benefits.

E. Application processing time limit: An application for NMW cash assistance shall be processed no later than 30 days after an application is filed. No later than five days after the application is approved, a reimbursement for childcare shall be provided, subject to the appropriation and availability of state or federal funds.

Notes

N.M. Admin. Code § 8.102.110.8

8.102.110.8 NMAC - Rp 8.102.110.8 NMAC, 7/1/2001; A, 11/15/2007; A, 7/1/2013; A, 7/15/2013, Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXV, Issue 12, June 25, 2024, eff. 7/1/2024