While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.
Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.
In New Mexico, the TANF program is known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). To learn more about TANF and the assistance benefits it provides, visit the New Mexico TANF website here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The TANF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.
For more information on the services the TANF program provides to participating families, review the New Mexico TANF website found here.
TANF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the New Mexico Human Services Department. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, TANF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.
Both TANF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. Most TANF participants also qualify for Food Assistance due to the low-income requirement of both programs. For more information about Food Assistance, click here.
To apply for Food Assistance and/or TANF, visit YesNM here.
If you have questions about TANF or Food Assistance, call the Customer Service Center at 1 (800) 283-4465.
The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources. Families can receive these benefits for up to 60 months throughout their lifetime.
Learn more information about New Mexico TANF here.
To qualify for TANF in New Mexico, you must meet the following requirements:
To learn more about who can receive TANF benefits, click here.
Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, complete the following three steps:
Learn about the TANF eligibility requirements here.
Find a list of what you need to apply on the Application for Assistance here.
To apply for TANF online, create an account on YesNM here and fill out the virtual application form.
To apply for TANF in person, click here to find the nearest New Mexico Income Support Field Office location.
To apply for TANF by fax, fill out the Application for Assistance found here and send it with copies of your necessary documents to 1 (855) 804-8960.
To apply for TANF by mail, fill out the Application for Assistance and send it with copies of your necessary documents to the following address:
Central ASPEN Scanning Area (CASA)
PO Box 830
Bernalillo, NM 87004
If you have any further questions about the application process, call the New Mexico Customer Service Center at 1 (800) 283-4465.
Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:
After you apply for TANF, you will be contacted within ten days to schedule an eligibility interview. You must participate in this interview before your family can be approved for benefits.
After the interview, you will receive a notice in the mail from the Human Services Department 30 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits. If approved for benefits, you will also receive an EBT card in the mail.
Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.
Learn more information about how to use your EBT card and how benefits will be distributed here.
If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call 1 (800) 283-4465.
If you do not agree with the TANF benefit decision given to you by the New Mexico Human Services Department, you can appeal your decision in person, by phone, or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.
To file an appeal in person, visit a local Income Support Field Office. You will need to speak with a representative and tell them why you are appealing your determination. Find your nearest location here.
To file an appeal by phone, call 1 (800) 432-6217.
To file an appeal by mail, review the appeal instructions that are included with your deamination letter.
For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or for any further questions about your application, call the New Mexico Customer Service Center at 1 (800) 283-4465.
To send the New Mexico Human Services Department information physically, you can fax your documents or questions to 1 (855) 804-8960 or mail them to the following address:
Central ASPEN Scanning Area (CASA)
PO Box 830
Bernalillo, NM 87004
You can also visit or call a local Income Support Field Office for further assistance. Find your nearest location here.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.