Low-Income Resources in New Mexico
This page is a public directory of programs that may help with food support, housing and utilities, child and family care, healthcare resources, and crisis services. Availability and eligibility vary by program. If something looks outdated, please let us know.
- Food resources
- Housing and utilities
- Child and family care
- Healthcare resources
- Crisis care
- Debt help
Food resources
If you need help with groceries, start with SNAP in New Mexico. For WIC and local food pantries, the resources below can help you find a clear starting point. If you are unsure where to begin, see the Crisis care section for New Mexico 211.
SNAP (Food Assistance) — apply through YES New Mexico
Helps with: Monthly food benefits for eligible households.
How to start: Apply and manage benefits through the YesNM portal.
- Apply: YES New Mexico
- Program details: SNAP overview (NM HCA)
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) — New Mexico WIC
Helps with: Nutrition support for eligible pregnant people, infants, and young children.
How to start: Check eligibility and contact a local clinic to enroll.
- Apply: How to apply for WIC
- Call: 866-867-3124
Find a food pantry — Roadrunner Food Bank (Food Finder)
Helps with: Locating food pantries, meal programs, and distribution sites in many New Mexico communities.
How to start: Use the map to search by address or ZIP code.
Housing and utilities
If housing or utility bills are the main concern, New Mexico routes many programs through state agencies and local partners. For energy assistance, start with LIHEAP and follow the application path through YesNM.
LIHEAP (energy assistance) — New Mexico
Helps with: Help paying heating and cooling energy costs for eligible households.
How to start: Apply through the YesNM portal.
- Program details: LIHEAP overview (NM HCA)
- Apply: YES New Mexico
Rent and housing resources — Housing New Mexico (MFA)
Helps with: Renter resources and housing program information across New Mexico.
How to start: Start with renter resources and linked rent and utility assistance pathways.
Move-in assistance and eviction prevention — YesNM
Helps with: Potential support for rent, deposits, and eviction prevention (program rules vary).
How to start: Review eligibility and application details through YesNM.
Child and family care
Families may need help with child care costs or temporary cash assistance. New Mexico uses state programs and application portals for these services. If you are unsure what is available in your area, New Mexico 211 can help you find local options (see Crisis care).
Child care assistance — New Mexico ECECD
Helps with: Help paying for child care and early childhood services (program rules vary).
How to start: Apply online through the ECECD eligibility portal.
- Program info: Child care assistance
- Apply: ECECD eligibility portal
NMWorks (TANF cash assistance)
Helps with: Temporary cash assistance for eligible families with children, plus work support services.
How to start: Apply through YesNM and follow the financial assistance pathway.
- Program details: NMWorks (TANF) overview
- Apply: Financial assistance (YesNM)
Healthcare resources
If healthcare coverage or medical costs are a concern, Medicaid in New Mexico is administered through managed care (often referred to as Turquoise Care). You can apply online through YesNM, or by phone if you need help with the application.
Medicaid (Turquoise Care) — apply through YesNM
Helps with: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible New Mexico residents.
How to start: Apply online, or apply by phone if you need support.
- Apply: YES New Mexico
- Program details: Turquoise Care overview
- Apply by phone: 855-637-6574
Find a community health center (low-cost clinics) — HRSA
Helps with: Locating federally supported health centers that often offer sliding-fee care.
How to start: Search by location to find a clinic near you.
Crisis care
If you or someone in your household is in immediate danger, call 911. If you need urgent emotional support or help finding local services, the options below can help you find the right next step quickly.
New Mexico 211
Helps with: Local referrals for food, housing, utilities, childcare, healthcare, and crisis resources.
How to start: Dial 211, or use the direct line if needed.
- Dial: 2-1-1
- Direct: 505-245-1735
- New Mexico 211 information
- National 211 directory
New Mexico Crisis & Access Line (NMCAL)
Helps with: 24/7 support for mental health and substance use concerns, plus local referrals.
How to start: Call the crisis line, or dial 988.
- Call: 1-855-NMCRISIS (662-7474)
- Call or text: 988
- NMCAL website
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Helps with: Support, safety planning, and local referrals for domestic violence.
How to start: Call, text, or chat.
- Call: 800-799-7233
- Text: START to 88788
- Hotline website
Disaster Distress Helpline (SAMHSA)
Helps with: Crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
How to start: Call or text.
- Call or text: 800-985-5990
- Text: TalkWithUs to 66746
- Helpline details
If debt is part of the picture
Many people looking for assistance are also dealing with credit card balances, collections, payday loans, or medical bills. If you want a calm review of options, Money Fit offers nonprofit credit counseling and education. We’ll help you understand what’s realistic, without pressure.
Note: Program availability and eligibility vary. Money Fit does not provide cash assistance and cannot guarantee outcomes.
Last reviewed: January 2026 | URL: /low-income/new-mexico/