$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
New Mexico Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in New Mexico
SSDI in New Mexico - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in New Mexico - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in New Mexico as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2026
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in New Mexico?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. In New Mexico you may also qualify for Medicaid (Turquoise Care), since the state expanded coverage for low-income adults.
How long does SSDI take in New Mexico?
New Mexico reviews the medical part of your claim through its Disability Determination Services. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity, which is $1,690 in 2026. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in New Mexico - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in New Mexico - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In New Mexico, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. New Mexico does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in New Mexico?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care). No separate application is needed.
Does New Mexico add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Most recipients get only the federal amount. New Mexico adds $100 a month for a single recipient living in a licensed adult residential care home, but not for people living on their own.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in New Mexico
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in New Mexico
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does New Mexico offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled get a full property-tax waiver on their primary home, and starting with the 2026 tax year, veterans rated 10% to 99% get a property-tax exemption that matches their rating percentage. The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services can help you file. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in New Mexico
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in New Mexico
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout, 2026
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout, 2026
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout, 2026
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in New Mexico?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid, called Turquoise Care in New Mexico, is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare counseling in New Mexico?
Yes. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), run through the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. You can reach it through the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 1-800-432-2080.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in New Mexico
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in New Mexico
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education, 2026
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in New Mexico public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in New Mexico?
Once you give written consent, the school must complete the evaluation within 60 calendar days. If your child is found eligible, the school then has 30 calendar days to develop the IEP.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in New Mexico (Turquoise Care)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying New Mexico residents.
Medicaid in New Mexico (Turquoise Care)
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying New Mexico residents.
New Mexico Medicaid, delivered through managed care called Turquoise Care, is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more, usually at no cost. New Mexico expanded Medicaid, so low-income adults can qualify based on income alone, with no asset test. There are no co-pays for covered services.
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month, and there are no co-pays for covered services
New Mexico Health Care Authority, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults 19 to 64 can qualify with income up to about 138% of the federal poverty level, with no asset test
New Mexico Health Care Authority, 2026
BABIES COVERED
1 in 2
New Mexico has one of the highest shares of births covered by Medicaid in the country
CMS, 2023
Who qualifies
- Adults 19 to 64 with income up to about 138% of the federal poverty level, with no asset test
- Children and pregnant people at higher income levels, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online through YesNM at yes.nm.gov, or in person at your local Income Support Division office. Have proof of income, identity, and New Mexico residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. The same YesNM portal also screens you for SNAP and cash assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico delivers Medicaid through managed care plans under the name Turquoise Care, which replaced Centennial Care in 2024. It is the same federal Medicaid program, run by the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid (Turquoise Care) is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Do Native Americans have to use a managed care plan?
No. Native American members can choose to enroll in a Turquoise Care managed care plan or opt out and keep fee-for-service Medicaid, and they can switch at any time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in New Mexico
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in New Mexico
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP helps qualifying New Mexico households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto an EBT card, called the FIT Card in New Mexico, and can be used at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. The program is run by the New Mexico Health Care Authority through its Income Support Division.
GROSS INCOME LIMIT
200% FPL
New Mexico uses a broad-based rule that raises the gross income limit to 200% of the federal poverty level, higher than the federal 130%
New Mexico Health Care Authority, FY2026
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
USDA / New Mexico HCA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (about $5,360/mo for a family of four)
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in New Mexico
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through YesNM at yes.nm.gov, or in person at your local Income Support Division office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. The same portal also screens you for Medicaid and cash assistance.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in New Mexico?
Yes. New Mexico raises the gross income limit to 200% of the poverty level, so many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied.
How long does SNAP approval take in New Mexico?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can be done by phone.
What is the FIT Card?
The FIT Card is New Mexico’s EBT card. Your monthly SNAP benefits are loaded onto it, and it is accepted at most grocery stores and many farmers markets across the state.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in New Mexico
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in New Mexico
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or cash assistance usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON MEDICAID OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on Medicaid, SNAP, or cash assistance automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or cash assistance are automatically income-eligible
- New Mexico residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-866-867-3124 or your local WIC clinic to schedule an appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of New Mexico residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or cash assistance enrollment. If approved, you receive your New Mexico eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by New Mexico's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIHEAP in New Mexico
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIHEAP in New Mexico
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
New Mexico's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and run by the New Mexico Health Care Authority through its Income Support Division. Cooling help matters in New Mexico, where summer heat drives up bills.
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
Households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can qualify for heating and cooling help
New Mexico Health Care Authority, 2026
CRISIS HELP
Within 18 hours
Households facing a life-threatening energy emergency can get help within 18 hours
New Mexico LIHEAP State Plan, 2025
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
New Mexico Health Care Authority, 2026
Who qualifies
- New Mexico households with income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, people with disabilities, or high energy burden
- Households on SNAP, cash assistance, or SSI are generally income-eligible
How to apply
Apply online through YesNM at yes.nm.gov, or in person at your local Income Support Division office. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. Benefits are generally paid once per year, so apply when the season opens. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for LIHEAP?
New Mexico uses a 150% federal poverty guideline income limit. If you receive SNAP, cash assistance, or SSI, you generally meet the income test. In a life-threatening emergency, some households over the limit may still qualify.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. LIHEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply. If utilities are included in your rent, your caseworker can confirm how the benefit applies.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in New Mexico (beWellnm)
Subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance through New Mexico’s marketplace.
ACA Subsidies in New Mexico (beWellnm)
Subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance through New Mexico’s marketplace.
ACA subsidies are tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan. New Mexico runs its own marketplace, called beWellnm, instead of using HealthCare.gov. Because the state also adds its own premium help, many enrollees pay very little each month.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
84,000+
New Mexicans enrolled in a beWellnm marketplace plan for 2026
beWellnm, 2026
PAY UNDER $10 A MONTH
More than half
More than half of beWellnm enrollees pay less than $10 per month for coverage
beWellnm, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for the year ahead. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
beWellnm, 2026
Who qualifies
- New Mexicans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in New Mexico
How to apply
Apply online at beWellnm (bewellnm.com). Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available at 1-833-862-3935.
Frequently asked questions
Is New Mexico on HealthCare.gov?
No. New Mexico runs its own marketplace, beWellnm, so you enroll there instead of HealthCare.gov. The subsidy rules are the same federal rules, plus extra state premium help.
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for subsidies?
Apply anyway. beWellnm screens you for New Mexico Medicaid (Turquoise Care). Because New Mexico expanded Medicaid, many low-income adults qualify for free coverage instead.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in New Mexico (NM Works)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in New Mexico (NM Works)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
New Mexico's cash assistance program is delivered through NM Works, the state's version of TANF. It provides monthly cash to families with children who have very limited income, along with job support. The cash is loaded onto an EBT card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the New Mexico Health Care Authority and comes with a federal 60-month lifetime limit.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$550/mo
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no countable income (this is the benefit paid, not the income limit)
New Mexico Health Care Authority, FY2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
$1,888/mo
A family of three can qualify with countable income up to about 85% of the federal poverty guidelines (this is the limit, not the benefit)
New Mexico Health Care Authority, FY2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
60 months
The federal lifetime cap on cash assistance for adults, with hardship exceptions in New Mexico
New Mexico Health Care Authority, 2026
Who qualifies
- New Mexico residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with countable income below about 85% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Adults must take part in the NM Works program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through YesNM at yes.nm.gov, or in person at your local Income Support Division office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through YesNM also screens you for SNAP and Medicaid. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an EBT card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive cash assistance in New Mexico?
A federal 60-month lifetime cap applies to adults. New Mexico allows hardship exceptions that can extend assistance beyond that limit for families who meet certain conditions.
What's the difference between NM Works and TANF?
They are the same thing. NM Works is New Mexico's name for the federal TANF program, run by the New Mexico Health Care Authority.
Can I receive cash assistance and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. Cash assistance recipients are generally categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying at YesNM screens you for all three at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in New Mexico (with the Working Families Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in New Mexico (with the Working Families Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. New Mexico adds its own credit on top, the Working Families Tax Credit, worth a percentage of the federal EITC. You have to file a return to claim both.
FEDERAL EITC WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
NEW MEXICO ADDS
25% on top
The Working Families Tax Credit equals 25% of your federal EITC, and it is refundable
NM Taxation and Revenue Dept., 2025
OWE NO TAX?
Still get cash back
Both credits are refundable, so you receive the full amount as a refund even if you owe nothing
IRS / NM Taxation and Revenue Dept., 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers, though the state Working Families Tax Credit also allows ITIN filers
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the federal EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. You claim the New Mexico Working Families Tax Credit on your state return (Form PIT-1). Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers, who can help with both.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller federal credit, and the New Mexico Working Families Tax Credit adds a percentage on top.
Does New Mexico have its own version of the EITC?
Yes. The Working Families Tax Credit is New Mexico’s version, worth 25% of your federal EITC in tax year 2025. It is refundable and, unlike the federal credit, is also available to ITIN filers.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC and Working Families Tax Credit refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in New Mexico
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in New Mexico
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, claimed on your federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so lower-income families can receive it even when they owe no federal tax. New Mexico also has its own refundable state Child Tax Credit on top of the federal one.
FEDERAL CREDIT PER CHILD
$2,200
The 2026 federal maximum per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 refundable
IRS, 2026
NEW MEXICO ADDS PER CHILD
Up to $637
The refundable state Child Tax Credit is tiered by income, from $26 up to $637 per child
NM Taxation and Revenue Dept., 2025
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Both the federal refundable portion and the state credit can come back to you as a refund
IRS / NM Taxation and Revenue Dept., 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number for the federal credit
- New Mexico families with qualifying children for the state credit, with the amount based on income
- Part of the federal credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full federal credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the federal Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return, using Schedule 8812. You claim the New Mexico Child Tax Credit on your state return (Form PIT-1). You can claim both even if you don't normally file, and free filing help can walk you through them.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
For the federal credit, yes, each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date. The New Mexico state Child Tax Credit has its own rules on your state return.
Does New Mexico have its own Child Tax Credit?
Yes. New Mexico has a refundable state Child Tax Credit worth from $26 up to $637 per child, depending on your income, on top of the federal credit.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the federal Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in New Mexico
No-cost child care for working New Mexico families.
Child Care Assistance in New Mexico
No-cost child care for working New Mexico families.
New Mexico's Child Care Assistance Program helps families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is run by the Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD). As of November 1, 2025, New Mexico became the first state to offer no-cost child care to every eligible family, with no income limit and no co-pays. There is no income-based waitlist for the subsidy, though finding an open slot with a provider can still take time, especially for infants.
WHAT FAMILIES PAY
$0 copay
Co-pays are waived for all families, so eligible parents pay nothing for approved child care
New Mexico ECECD, 2025
INCOME LIMIT
No limit
As of November 1, 2025, there is no income cap; any family with a qualifying activity can apply
New Mexico ECECD, 2025
TYPICAL FAMILY SAVINGS
$12,000/child
The state estimates families save about $12,000 per child each year
NM Office of the Governor, 2025
Who qualifies
- New Mexico residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Families at any income level, since the income cap was removed in November 2025
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through the ECECD at nmececd.org, or call 1-800-832-1321. You will need proof of a qualifying activity such as work, school, or training, plus identity for parent and child. Co-pays are currently waived for all families, and the state gives at least three months’ notice before any change.
Frequently asked questions
Is there really no income limit for child care in New Mexico?
Correct. As of November 1, 2025, New Mexico removed the income cap for child care assistance. Any family with a qualifying activity, like work or school, can apply regardless of income.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
Nothing right now. Co-pays are waived for all families. The state has committed to giving at least three months’ notice before reinstating any co-pay.
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose any provider registered with ECECD, including licensed centers and registered family child care homes. ECECD pays the provider directly.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
