New Mexico Administrative Code Title 8 - SOCIAL SERVICES
1) Eligibility for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (8.102.400 NMAC)
Case: Income and Resource Limits
TANF eligibility is determined by income and resources:
Applicants must have household income below a specified percentage of the federal poverty level.
Certain resources, such as a primary home or personal vehicle, may be excluded.
Families with income slightly above limits may qualify for a partial grant depending on family size.
Example: A family of four with income at 85% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for reduced TANF support to cover childcare and basic necessities.
Case: Work Requirements
TANF recipients must participate in work activities unless exempt due to age, disability, or caring for a disabled family member:
Activities include job search, education, vocational training, or community service.
Failure to meet work requirements can result in reduction or termination of benefits.
This ensures TANF not only provides support but also encourages self-sufficiency.
2) Child Protective Services (CPS) Investigations (8.40.2 NMAC)
Case: Mandatory Reporting
Any person who suspects child abuse or neglect must report it immediately:
Reports can be made by phone, online, or in writing.
CPS is required to investigate all credible reports within 24–72 hours, depending on severity.
Case: CPS Investigation Process
During an investigation, CPS may:
Interview the child, parents, and other household members.
Review medical, school, and social service records.
Determine if the child is in imminent danger, requiring temporary removal.
CPS ensures the safety of children while balancing family rights and privacy.
3) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eligibility (8.303.2 NMAC)
Case: Income and Deduction Rules
SNAP benefits are provided to households with limited resources and income:
Countable income includes wages, self-employment earnings, and public benefits.
Allowable deductions include child care costs, medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, and housing costs.
Example: A single mother working part-time may receive SNAP benefits calculated after subtracting childcare and medical expenses from gross income.
Case: Work and Employment Requirements
Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must meet certain work requirements:
Work at least 20 hours per week or participate in approved work programs.
Failure to meet work requirements can temporarily disqualify them from SNAP.
This ensures that SNAP provides a safety net while encouraging employment for those capable of working.
4) Medicaid Eligibility and Coverage (8.301 NMAC)
Case: Medicaid for Low-Income Families
Low-income families with children may qualify for Medicaid if:
Household income is below state-specified thresholds, often tied to federal poverty guidelines.
Certain asset limits apply for some Medicaid categories.
Case: Medicaid for Aged, Blind, or Disabled
Elderly or disabled individuals may qualify for Medicaid:
Must meet income and asset tests.
Some categories allow coverage for long-term care, home and community-based services, or specialized therapies.
Case: Program Application Process
Applicants must:
Complete forms providing personal, financial, and medical information.
Submit documentation such as pay stubs, bank statements, or medical records.
Participate in eligibility interviews and follow-up reviews.
Medicaid ensures access to health care for vulnerable populations, including children, elderly, and disabled individuals.
5) Adult Protective Services (APS) (8.41.2 NMAC)
Case: Reporting Abuse of Vulnerable Adults
Anyone who suspects abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults must report:
Vulnerable adults include elderly or disabled individuals unable to protect themselves.
APS investigates reports to determine if intervention is needed.
Case: APS Investigation and Intervention
APS may:
Conduct interviews with the adult, caregivers, and witnesses.
Coordinate with law enforcement, healthcare providers, or social workers.
Arrange protective services, including guardianship or temporary placement if necessary.
This ensures the safety and dignity of vulnerable adults while addressing potential abuse.
6) Child Support Enforcement (8.100 NMAC)
Case: Establishment of Support Orders
Child support orders are established by:
Determining parental income and expenses.
Applying state guidelines to calculate support obligations.
Considering special needs of the child, such as medical care or educational costs.
Case: Enforcement Actions
The Child Support Division may enforce orders through:
Wage garnishment or income withholding.
Tax refund interception.
Legal actions including contempt of court.
This ensures children receive financial support from both parents consistently.
7) Foster Care and Adoption Services (8.46 NMAC)
Case: Licensing Foster Homes
Foster homes must meet standards:
Home inspections, background checks, and safety compliance are required.
Foster parents receive training on child development, trauma-informed care, and reporting responsibilities.
Case: Adoption Assistance
Adoptions through HSD may include:
Financial subsidies for children with special needs.
Ongoing post-adoption support services for families.
These provisions protect children while providing supportive environments for their development.
Summary
NMAC Title 8 establishes rules for a wide range of social services, including:
TANF eligibility and work requirements.
Child Protective Services reporting and investigations.
SNAP income, deduction, and work rules.
Medicaid eligibility and coverage for families, elderly, and disabled.
Adult Protective Services for vulnerable adults.
Child support establishment and enforcement.
Foster care licensing and adoption services.
These regulations ensure that New Mexico provides safety nets, health coverage, and protective services while setting standards for accountability, fairness, and access to vulnerable populations.
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