Amputation Benefits in New Mexico: 2025 Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying medical condition, like an amputation, that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You must also have earned enough work credits through past employment. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require that your condition meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability [1].

For SSDI, the SSA uses a formula to convert your earnings into work credits. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, up to four credits per year. Most adults need 40 credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years [6].

For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits. The 2025 SSI federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual, but this can be reduced by other income [5].

In New Mexico, individuals with amputations may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability criteria. Medicaid can provide health coverage for those who are disabled, blind, or aged. Children with disabilities may also qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which offers coordinated care and support [3].

New Mexico has also taken steps to ensure food security for those with disabilities. If federal SNAP benefits are suspended, the state may provide temporary food benefits to eligible residents, including those with disabilities [2].

To qualify for state disability benefits, you must have paid into the state’s self-insured program and meet the program’s definition of disability [7].

• Check if you meet SSDI or SSI eligibility requirements.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.
• For Medicaid, apply at YES.NM.GOV or call 1-800-283-4465.
• For food benefits, apply at YES.NM.GOV or visit an HCA office.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSDI and SSI. SSDI requires work credits; SSI requires limited income and resources [1].
• Step 2: Collect medical records that document your amputation and its impact on your ability to work.
• Step 3: Apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office [6].
• Step 4: For Medicaid, apply at YES.NM.GOV or call 1-800-283-4465. You may need to provide proof of income and disability [3].
• Step 5: For food benefits, apply at YES.NM.GOV or visit an HCA office. The state may provide temporary food benefits if federal SNAP is suspended [2].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments [5].

• SSDI: Provides monthly cash benefits to those who have paid into Social Security and have a qualifying disability, like amputation.
• SSI: Provides cash benefits to those with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to those who are disabled and meet income requirements.
• SNAP: Provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities.

• Medicaid: New Mexico offers Medicaid to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged and meet income requirements. Children with disabilities may qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which provides coordinated care and support [3].
• Food Benefits: The state may provide temporary food benefits to eligible residents, including those with disabilities, if federal SNAP benefits are suspended [2].
• State Disability Benefits: New Mexico offers disability benefits through its self-insured program for those who have paid into the program and meet the definition of disability [7].

ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI and other benefits. New Mexico residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. Learn more about ABLE accounts and how to apply [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].

For SSI in 2025, the federal benefit rate is $943 per month for an individual. This can be reduced by other income. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025 [5].

It is important to report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the excess. Learn more about avoiding overpayments and reporting changes [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].

• New Mexico Health Care Authority
  Phone: 1-800-283-4465

  Website

  For Medicaid and food benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Website

  For SSDI and SSI benefits.

• Can I get disability benefits in New Mexico if I have an amputation?

  Yes, if your amputation prevents you from working and meets Social Security’s definition of disability, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. You must also meet work credit or income requirements.

• How do I apply for disability benefits in New Mexico?

  You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. For Medicaid and food benefits, apply at YES.NM.GOV or call 1-800-283-4465.

• What is the income limit for SSI in New Mexico?

  The federal SSI benefit rate in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual. This can be reduced by other income. New Mexico does not have a separate SSI income limit.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits in New Mexico?

  Yes, but your earnings must not exceed the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025. Exceeding this limit may affect your benefits.

• What healthcare benefits are available for amputees in New Mexico?

  Medicaid provides health coverage to those who are disabled and meet income requirements. Children with disabilities may qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which offers coordinated care and support.

• Are there food benefits for people with disabilities in New Mexico?

  Yes, SNAP provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families, including those with disabilities. If federal SNAP is suspended, the state may provide temporary food benefits.