New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVII, Issue 8 / April 21, 2026

This is an amendment to 8.100.130 NMAC, Sections 26 and 28 effective 5/1/2026.

8.100.130.26 DEDUCTIONS/ALLOWANCES VERIFICATION STANDARDS - SHELTER:

A. [The applicant/recipient’s statement is acceptable for verification of shelter expenses, if the information given is not questionable. If information is questionable or inconsistent; ISD must clearly document why the household’s statement was unacceptable and what information requires additional verification. When further information or verification is requested the following items shall be acceptable] The applicant/recipient is required to provide verification to determine if the household can claim the shelter expense:

(1) [An obligation to pay for shelter is considered a deduction for SNAP. If the expense is questionable and verification of a shelter expense is requested and not provided, SNAP benefits will be determined without allowing a deduction for shelter expenses. When further verification is requested, documents which may be used to verify an obligation to pay for shelter include:] An obligation to pay for monthly shelter expenses is considered a deduction for SNAP. If verification of a shelter expense is requested and not provided, the SNAP benefits will be determined without allowing a deduction for shelter expenses. Documents which may be used to verify the obligation to pay for shelter include:

(a) mortgage payment book;

(b) written statement from the bank or other financial institution;

(c) rent receipt;

(d) written statement from the landlord;

(e) lease agreement;

(f) copies of bills for property taxes or house insurance;

(g) correspondence with the taxing authority or insurance agency; or

(h) additional items as listed on ISD 135 “proof checklist”.

(2) [If documentary evidence is not readily available or is questionable, a collateral contact may be selected to verify the obligation to pay shelter or use other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC.] If documentary evidence is not readily available, a collateral contact may be selected to verify the obligation to pay for shelter or the use of other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC.

B. Utilities: [The applicant/recipient’s statement is acceptable for verification of utility expenses, if the information given is not questionable. If information is questionable or inconsistent; ISD must clearly document why the household’s statement was unacceptable and what information requires additional verification. Documents which may be used to verify an obligation to pay for utilities include:] An obligation to pay for the utility expense is considered a deduction for SNAP. If verification of a utility expense is requested and not provided, the SNAP benefits will be determined without allowing a deduction for the utility expenses. Documents which may be used to verify the obligation to pay for the utility expense include:

(1) utility bills;

(2) rent receipt, lease agreement, or written statement from the landlord showing the household is responsible for payment of utilities;

(3) written statement from a utility provider;

(4) additional items as listed on ISD 135 “proof checklist”; or

(5) [if documentary evidence is questionable, a collateral contact with the landlord or the utility provider may be selected to verify the obligation to pay for utilities or use other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC.] if documentary evidence is not readily available, a collateral contact may be selected to verify the obligation to pay for utilities or the use of other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC.

[8.100.130.26 NMAC - Rp 8.100.130.26 NMAC, 7/1/2024; A, 5/1/2026]

8.100.130.28 DEDUCTIONS/ALLOWANCES VERIFICATION STANDARDS - DEPENDENT CARE:

A. [The applicant/recipient’s statement is acceptable for verification of dependent care expenses, if the information given is not questionable. If information is questionable or inconsistent; ISD must clearly document why the household’s statement was unacceptable and why information requires additional verification.] An obligation to pay for the dependent care expense is considered a deduction for SNAP. If verification of a dependent care expense is requested and not provided, the SNAP benefits will be determined without allowing a deduction for the dependent care expenses. Documents which may be used to verify the obligation to pay for the dependent care expense include:

B. Documents which may be used to verify dependent care costs:

(1) current bill;

(2) written statement from the provider;

(3) additional items as listed in ISD 135 “proof checklist”; or

(4) [if documentary evidence is not readily available, or is questionable a collateral contact with the care provider may be used as verification of dependent care costs or use other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC.] if documentary evidence is not readily available, a collateral contact may be selected as verification of dependent care cost or the use of other acceptable methods of verification as set forth in 8.100.130.9 NMAC.

[8.100.130.28 NMAC - Rp 8.100.130.28 NMAC, 7/1/2024; A, 5/1/2026]