Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in New Mexico (Authority Guide 2025)

Last updated: August 2025

Quick help box (keep this handy)

• Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or if you’re in immediate danger.
• Suspect abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation? Call New Mexico Adult Protective Services (APS): 1-866-654-3219, or visit the NM Aging & Long-Term Services APS page: Report adult abuse to APS.
• Need help now but not 911? Call 2-1-1 or visit New Mexico 211 (United Way) to get connected to local food, housing, and bill help.
• Mental health or emotional crisis: Dial 988 or visit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• New Mexico Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 1-800-432-2080, ADRC (NM Aging & Long-Term Services).
• Disaster updates and assistance: NM Dept. of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (DHSEM) and FEMA Individual Assistance.
• Poison emergency: 1-800-222-1222, or visit the New Mexico Poison & Drug Information Center.
• Veterans in crisis: Dial 988, then press 1, or visit Veterans Crisis Line.
• Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP and more: YesNM (New Mexico Human Services Department Portal).

What to do first in a crisis (step-by-step)

1. If safety is at risk, call 911. If abuse or exploitation is suspected, call APS at 1-866-654-3219.
2. If you need food or shelter within 24–48 hours, call 2-1-1 and your local Area Agency on Aging (through ADRC: 1-800-432-2080) for meal and emergency help.
3. Apply online for emergency benefits (SNAP expedited service, Medicaid, LIHEAP) using YesNM. If you can’t apply online, call ADRC for assistance.
4. For utility shutoff notices, contact your utility’s assistance program immediately (see Utility Help section below). Ask about medical hardship protections and payment plans.
5. Keep notes: dates, names, case numbers, and any promised follow-ups.

Reality check: Paperwork and call wait times can be frustrating. Be persistent, ask for a supervisor when needed, and request “expedited” service if you lack food, face homelessness, or have a shutoff notice.

Immediate emergency assistance in New Mexico

Abuse, neglect, exploitation

• Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults 18+ who are vulnerable. They can arrange emergency services to reduce immediate risk. Report 24/7:
  • APS hotline: 1-866-654-3219
  • Learn more: APS – NM Aging & Long-Term Services
• If the danger is immediate, call 911 first.

Health, mental health, and crisis support

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for counseling and connections to local help. About 988
• Poisoning concerns: 1-800-222-1222, NM Poison & Drug Information Center
• Medicare and Medicaid coverage questions in emergencies: Contact ADRC (1-800-432-2080) or visit NM ADRC SHIP (Medicare Counseling)

Disaster, wildfire, flooding, and evacuations

• State emergency updates and shelters: NM DHSEM
• Federal disaster aid (when declared): FEMA Individual Assistance and FEMA Helpline 1-800-621-3362
• Prepare a “go bag” with medications, IDs, insurance cards, phone charger, and a list of doctors. Keep copies of important papers in a waterproof bag.

Tip: If you evacuate, call your pharmacy and health plan to transfer or replace prescriptions. Medicare Part D and most plans allow early refills during declared emergencies. Check with your plan or ADRC.

Fast help with money and bills

The Human Services Department (HSD) runs core benefits. You can apply online through YesNM.

• Apply for benefits: YesNM (HSD portal)
• HSD homepage: NM Human Services Department

SNAP (food stamps) with expedited service

• What it is: Monthly help to buy groceries. Many seniors qualify even with small monthly Social Security. Households with little income or cash may get expedited SNAP within 7 days under federal rules. See USDA’s rules: USDA SNAP: Expedited Service.
• How to apply: Apply via YesNM or visit an HSD field office (find locations via HSD; if you need help, call ADRC 1-800-432-2080).

LIHEAP (home energy help)

• What it is: Help with heating or cooling bills. In emergencies (like a shutoff notice), ask about crisis processing. Program funding can run out during the year; apply early.
• Learn more and apply: YesNM – LIHEAP and HSD LIHEAP info: HSD LIHEAP

Medicaid (health coverage and long-term services)

• What it is: Health coverage for low-income adults and many seniors, including coverage for long-term services and supports (LTSS) and nursing facility care if eligible.
• Apply: YesNM – Medicaid
• Member help and plan information: HSD Medicaid

Utility company programs (contact right away if you get a shutoff notice)

• Electricity (PNM): Payment plans and assistance are listed here: PNM bill help and assistance programs
• Natural gas (New Mexico Gas Company): Assistance options and HEAT New Mexico: NMGC assistance
• Water (Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority): Customer assistance programs: ABCWUA assistance

Note: Each utility has its own rules for deposits, medical needs, and payment plans. Call as soon as you receive a notice.

Table: Emergency money and bills—where to start

Food and nutrition help

Senior meals (Older Americans Act programs)

• Congregate meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals are available statewide through the Aging Network.
• Contact: ADRC 1-800-432-2080, or visit NM Aging & Long-Term Services – ADRC. They will connect you to your local senior meal program.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP, “Senior Food Box”)

• What it is: Monthly USDA food package for low-income seniors.
• State/local providers distribute CSFP in New Mexico. For state contacts and local agencies, see USDA: USDA CSFP State Contacts.
• Many distributions in NM are coordinated with established partners such as Roadrunner Food Bank; find distributions: Roadrunner Food Bank.

Meals on Wheels (for those who can’t cook or leave home)

• Meals on Wheels is available in parts of New Mexico (for example, Albuquerque). Check eligibility and fees on your local provider’s site: Meals on Wheels of Albuquerque.

Table: Food programs at a glance

Reality check: Some meal routes have waitlists. If you can, use congregate meals while you wait for home delivery. Ask about temporary options or pantry deliveries.

Housing, home repairs, and weatherization

Emergency shelter and rehousing

• Coordinated Entry connects people to shelters and housing programs. Start with 2-1-1 or your city/county programs. For statewide coordination and local partners: New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness.
• Disaster sheltering and recovery: NM DHSEM and FEMA Individual Assistance.

Note: New Mexico’s pandemic-era Emergency Rental Assistance Program has closed to new applications. Check the state housing site for any updates or new funding: New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (Housing NM).

Weatherization Assistance Program (energy efficiency)

• What it is: Free home energy upgrades (insulation, air sealing, heating/cooling safety) for eligible households to lower bills and improve safety.
• Administered in NM by the Mortgage Finance Authority. Learn more: Weatherization – HousingNM (MFA).

Critical home repairs for low-income homeowners 62+

• USDA Section 504 Home Repair (Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants) can provide loans and, for 62+, grants to remove health and safety hazards.
• Program info (New Mexico): USDA Rural Development – Home Repair in NM and USDA RD New Mexico.

Property tax and homeowner relief

• New Mexico offers certain individual credits and rebates; seniors and low-income homeowners may qualify for property or income tax relief. See: New Mexico Taxation & Revenue – Individuals.
• Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemptions: NMDVS – State Property Tax Exemption.

Table: Housing and home repair resources

Tip: For any home contractor work, verify licenses and permits. Beware of storm-chaser scams after fires or floods. Report scams to the NM Attorney General: Consumer Protection – NM AG.

Health care, long-term care, and insurance help

Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS)

• Medicaid in NM can cover nursing facilities and home/community-based services for eligible seniors.
• Apply or renew: YesNM – Medicaid
• Questions about eligibility, plans, and benefits: HSD Medicaid or ADRC (1-800-432-2080).

Medicare counseling (SHIP) and fraud prevention (SMP)

• Free, unbiased help with Medicare, Medigap, Advantage plans, and drug plans. Also help with Extra Help (Part D) and Medicare Savings Programs.
• Contact: NM ADRC – SHIP or call 1-800-432-2080.
• If you suspect Medicare fraud or billing errors, ask about the Senior Medicare Patrol.

PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)

• What it is: PACE offers a full range of medical and support services to help eligible seniors live at home. Availability is limited to certain areas.
• Learn about PACE and search locations: Medicare.gov – PACE.

Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT)

• If you have Medicaid, you may be able to get rides to approved medical appointments through your health plan. Check your member card for the transportation number, or contact HSD: Medicaid info – HSD.
• If you don’t have Medicaid, your Area Agency on Aging may have ride options. Call ADRC: 1-800-432-2080.

Prescription savings

• Low-income subsidy (Extra Help) can reduce Medicare Part D drug costs: SSA – Extra Help.
• Ask your Part D plan about “transition fills” after disasters and early refills for evacuations.

Table: Health coverage and care navigation

Transportation options

• Medicaid NEMT: Call your Medicaid plan or visit HSD Medicaid.
• Area Agencies on Aging: Some offer vouchers or ride programs. Call ADRC 1-800-432-2080 to find local options.
• Public transit/paratransit:
  • Albuquerque area: Sun Van Paratransit and Rio Metro Regional Transit
  • Las Cruces: RoadRUNNER Transit and Dial-a-Ride info on the same site
  • Park & Ride (intercity): NMDOT Park & Ride
• Rural areas: Some senior centers coordinate volunteer rides to medical appointments. Ask your local senior center via ADRC.

Tip: When booking medical rides, call several days ahead and have your appointment details ready.

Legal help, safety, and consumer protection

• Legal advice for New Mexicans 55+: Legal Resources for the Elderly Program (LREP), a free helpline from the State Bar of New Mexico and NM Aging & Long-Term Services. Call 1-800-876-6657 or visit LREP – State Bar of New Mexico.
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Advocates for residents in nursing homes and assisted living. File complaints about care, rights, and discharges. NM Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
• Consumer complaints and scams: Report to the NM Attorney General’s Office: Consumer Protection – NM AG.
• Identity theft or Social Security scams: SSA – Protect Yourself from Scams and report to FTC – Identity Theft.

Reality check: If a company pressures you to “sign today,” slow down. Get written estimates, never pay in full up front for repairs, and verify licenses.

Utility, phone, and internet discounts

• Lifeline phone discount: Lowers cost of phone or internet for eligible households. Apply via USAC: Lifeline Support.
• Tribal Lifeline and Link Up: Extra discounts for eligible households on federally recognized Tribal lands. Learn more: USAC – Tribal Programs.
• Utility-specific programs: See PNM assistance, New Mexico Gas Company assistance, and ABCWUA assistance.

Note: The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new enrollments in 2024 due to lack of funding. Check USAC for updates: ACP information.

Veterans, tribal, LGBTQ+, and rural-specific help

Veteran seniors

• NM Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS): Claims assistance, state benefits, property tax exemptions for disabled veterans, and more. NMDVS.
• VA Health Care in NM: New Mexico VA Health Care System (Albuquerque).
• Pension plus Aid & Attendance: May help with in-home care or assisted living costs if you qualify. Learn more: VA Pension with Aid & Attendance/Housebound.
• Crisis: Dial 988, press 1.

Tip: Bring DD-214 and medical records to your NMDVS service officer appointment.

Tribal-specific resources

• Indian Health Service – Albuquerque Area: Federal health services for eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives. IHS Albuquerque Area.
• New Mexico Indian Affairs Department: State coordination, community resources, and tribal liaisons. NM Indian Affairs Department.
• Navajo Nation (for residents on Nation lands in NM): Social services and elder programs are administered by the Nation. Start here: Navajo Nation Division of Social Services.
• Tribal Lifeline/Link Up for phone service: USAC Tribal Benefits.

Reality check: Eligibility and services can differ by Tribe/Pueblo. Call your Tribal administration or elder program for site-specific details, and coordinate with IHS for medical care.

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE National LGBT Elder Hotline: 1-877-360-LGBT (5428). SAGE Hotline.
• Medicare and Medicaid are nondiscriminatory programs. If you face discrimination in health care or housing, you can file a civil rights complaint with HHS OCR: HHS Office for Civil Rights. For housing discrimination, see HUD: HUD – File a Fair Housing Complaint.

Rural seniors and families with limited access

• Use the ADRC for referrals to mobile food pantries, home-delivered meals, and volunteer driver programs: 1-800-432-2080.
• Phone and internet: Apply for Lifeline and ask your phone company about coverage in your area.
• Transportation: Check NMDOT Park & Ride and ask your AAA about medical ride vouchers.
• Health care: Use telehealth when available; ask your clinic if phone visits are allowed when internet is unreliable.

How to apply for benefits in New Mexico (SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid)

1. Online: Use YesNM to apply, check status, or upload documents.
2. In person: Visit an HSD field office (call ADRC 1-800-432-2080 if you need help finding one, or start at HSD).
3. Phone assistance: If you can’t use a computer, ask ADRC or a local senior center for help. You can also ask to appoint an Authorized Representative to help manage your case.
4. Documents: Keep photo ID (if available), Social Security number, proof of New Mexico residency, income proof (benefit letter, pay stub), medical expenses (for SNAP deductions), and utility/shutoff notices. If you lost documents in a disaster, tell the caseworker—flexibility may apply.

Reality check: It’s normal to have to follow up. Keep your case number and check your mail often. If you miss an interview call, contact HSD right away to reschedule.

Regional resources (selected, statewide contacts included)

Statewide starting points:

• ADRC (for meals, transportation, caregiver help): 1-800-432-2080, ADRC
• HSD benefits (SNAP, LIHEAP, Medicaid): YesNM
• 2-1-1: New Mexico 211
• Disaster and shelters: NM DHSEM

Area Agencies on Aging in NM:

• Bernalillo County/Albuquerque: Department of Senior Affairs (local AAA): City of Albuquerque Senior Affairs
• Non-Metro Area Agency on Aging (serves many counties outside Bernalillo): Non-Metro AAA (NCNMEDD) (look for Area Agency on Aging)
• State Aging & Long-Term Services Department (statewide programs and oversight): NM Aging & Long-Term Services

Selected local government resources:

• Albuquerque/Bernalillo County
  • Senior centers, meal sites, and case management: City of Albuquerque Senior Affairs
  • Paratransit: Sun Van
  • Water bill assistance: ABCWUA assistance
• Santa Fe County/City of Santa Fe
  • Senior services and meal programs: City of Santa Fe – Senior Services
• Doña Ana County/Las Cruces
  • Senior Programs: City of Las Cruces – Senior Programs
  • Transit: RoadRUNNER Transit
• San Juan County/Farmington
  • Senior services: City of Farmington – Senior Services
• McKinley County/Gallup
  • City resources: City of Gallup (search “senior center” and “human services”)

If your county or city isn’t listed, call ADRC (1-800-432-2080) or 2-1-1 for local contacts.

Warnings, reality checks, and practical tips

• Documents lost in a fire or flood: Ask agencies for temporary flexibility. Replace your NM ID at MVD New Mexico. Social Security cards: SSA – Replacement Card.
• Hospital bills: Ask the hospital about financial assistance (charity care) and itemized bills. Medicare beneficiaries can appeal certain charges—contact SHIP via ADRC.
• Avoid scams: No government agency will demand gift cards or threaten arrest. Report scams to the NM Attorney General – Consumer Protection.
• Utility shutoffs: Ask about medical certificates if someone in the home depends on life-sustaining equipment. Call your utility right away and apply for LIHEAP.
• Winter and extreme heat: Confirm heating system safety with Weatherization (MFA) and ask about cooling assistance if medically necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: I need food this week. What’s the fastest option?

• A: Call 2-1-1 for pantry and meal site locations near you: NM 211. Also apply for SNAP with expedited processing at YesNM. Seniors can also call ADRC (1-800-432-2080) to find the nearest congregate or home-delivered meals.

Q: I received a utility shutoff notice. What should I do first?

• A: Call your utility the same day to ask about payment plans and medical protections. Apply for LIHEAP immediately at YesNM. Check assistance pages: PNM, NM Gas Co., ABCWUA.

Q: Can I get SNAP faster if I have no money?

• A: USDA allows expedited SNAP for households with very low income/cash. Processing can be within 7 days. See USDA SNAP: Expedited Service and apply at YesNM.

Q: Is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) still open in New Mexico?

• A: The pandemic-era ERAP has closed to new applications. For any new housing funds or special programs, check HousingNM (MFA) and call 2-1-1.

Q: I’m in a nursing home and have a concern about my care. Who can help?

• A: Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for confidential help: NM Ombudsman.

Q: I’m a veteran—who can help me with benefits and healthcare in NM?

• A: Start with the NM Department of Veterans Services: NMDVS. For VA healthcare, see the New Mexico VA Health Care System. For pension/Aid & Attendance: VA info.

Q: What if I lost my ID in a wildfire/flood and need to apply for benefits?

• A: Tell HSD you were affected by a disaster—some flexibility may apply. Replace your NM ID at MVD. For Social Security cards: SSA Replacement Card.

Q: I live on Tribal land. Where should I go for health care and benefits?

• A: Contact your local IHS facility: IHS Albuquerque Area and your Tribal administration. For state benefits like SNAP or Medicaid, apply at YesNM. For phone service discounts, see USAC Tribal Benefits.

Q: How do I talk to someone about Medicare plans and billing?

• A: Call the ADRC at 1-800-432-2080 and ask for SHIP counseling: ADRC SHIP.

Q: Where can I find help with legal questions (wills, landlord issues, benefits)?

• A: The Legal Resources for the Elderly Program provides free legal advice by phone for New Mexicans 55+: 1-800-876-6657, LREP.

One-page reference tables

Table: Quick contacts

Table: State and federal agencies (official sources)

Resources (links and contacts)

• NM Aging & Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD): ALTSD homepage
• Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC): 1-800-432-2080, ADRC
• Adult Protective Services (APS): 1-866-654-3219, APS
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman: Ombudsman Program
• Human Services Department (HSD): HSD homepage, benefits portal YesNM
• LIHEAP info: HSD LIHEAP
• SNAP expedited service rules: USDA SNAP – Expedited
• Weatherization (MFA): HousingNM – Weatherization
• USDA Section 504 Home Repair (NM): USDA RD – NM Home Repair
• FEMA Individual Assistance: FEMA IA
• NM DHSEM: nmdhsem.org
• 2-1-1 (United Way): NM 211
• NM Poison Center: nmpoisoncenter.unm.edu
• LREP (Legal Resources for the Elderly): 1-800-876-6657, LREP
• NM Attorney General – Consumer Protection: nmag.gov
• NMDVS (Veterans): nmdvs.org
• New Mexico VA Health Care System: va.gov/albuquerque-health-care
• Indian Health Service Albuquerque Area: ihs.gov/albuquerque
• NM Indian Affairs Department: iad.state.nm.us
• Lifeline phone discount: lifelinesupport.org
• PNM assistance: pnm.com/help
• NM Gas Company assistance: nmgco.com/en/assistance
• Albuquerque Water Authority assistance: abcwua.org
• Rio Metro (ABQ region transit): riometro.org
• Sun Van Paratransit (ABQ): cabq.gov/transit/paratransit-service
• RoadRUNNER Transit (Las Cruces): las-cruces.org/131/RoadRUNNER-Transit
• NMDOT Park & Ride: parkandride.com
• USDA CSFP contacts: fns.usda.gov/csfp/csfp-contacts
• Roadrunner Food Bank: rrfb.org
• Meals on Wheels Albuquerque: mow-nm.org
• Medicare PACE info: medicare.gov – PACE
• SSA Extra Help: ssa.gov/extrahelp

Disclaimer

Program details, eligibility rules, funding levels, and contacts can change. Always confirm current information with the official agency or program website linked in this guide. If you spot an error or a broken link, please let us know.

About This Guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Sources Verified: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.