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New Mexico • Neurological/Developmental
If you have cerebral palsy in New Mexico, you may qualify for federal programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), New Mexico Medicaid, and state-specific resources. This guide outlines eligibility, application steps, income limits, ABLE accounts, and where to get help.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, have enough work credits based on your age, and be unable to perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is earning more than $1,620 per month in 2025 ($2,700 if statutorily blind)[5]. For SSI, your income and resources must be below certain limits, and you must have a qualifying disability[7]. Both programs require medical evidence of your condition, such as cerebral palsy, meeting the Social Security Administration’s criteria[7].
New Mexico does not have a separate state definition for disability—most applicants with cerebral palsy qualify under SSA rules[1]. For Medicaid, eligibility depends on income, household size, and severity of your disability. The Medicaid waiver program (HCBS) is for people who need a nursing home level of care but wish to stay at home. State employees can enroll in a separate disability plan that replaces part of your salary for up to a year if you cannot work and do not qualify for workers’ compensation—but this plan is not for dependents and is paid for by the employee[4]. If federal SNAP benefits are interrupted, state supplements are available for eligible households, including those with disabilities[2].
Apply for SSDI or SSI
Apply for New Mexico Medicaid or Waivers
Apply for State Employee Disability
Apply for SNAP State Supplement
SSDI offers monthly benefits if you’ve worked and paid into Social Security, and your cerebral palsy prevents you from working for a year or more[1]. SSI provides help for very low-income people with disabilities, including children with cerebral palsy[7]. Medicare comes with SSDI after 24 months; Medicaid may be available for low-income children and adults with disabilities in New Mexico.
ABLE Accounts allow people with permanent disabilities (including cerebral palsy) to save up to $18,000/year (2025) for disability expenses without affecting SSI resource limits.
New Mexico Medicaid covers children and adults with cerebral palsy, including those with extensive needs through Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. The state’s employee disability plan replaces up to 60% of your salary for up to 12 months if approved, but only for state employees[4]. In November 2025, the state is offering a $30 million food benefit supplement to eligible disabled households due to federal SNAP interruptions[2]. The New Mexico Human Services Department administers SNAP, TANF, and other food and cash assistance programs. For parents and caregivers, state waivers and Medicaid may cover respite care, therapies, and adaptive equipment. For more information, see our page on Medicaid Waivers (HCBS).
ABLE accounts help people with cerebral palsy save for disability-related expenses (e.g., housing, education, health care) without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Earnings grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals are not taxed. New Mexico does not have its own ABLE program, but residents can enroll in any state’s plan—such as stABLE New Mexico or the national ABLE For All plan.
SSI: In 2025, monthly federal benefit rates increase by 2.5%. The SGA limit for SSDI is $1,620 (non-blind) and $2,700 (blind) per month[5]. Income and resource limits for SSI and Medicaid are strict—consult the Social Security website or contact your county office for current thresholds.
If your income or resources go up, you must report the change to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report increases can result in overpayments, which you must repay. Always keep records of your income, medical expenses, and work activity. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.
During the fall 2025 federal government shutdown, eligible New Mexicans—including those with disabilities—received a state-funded supplement on their EBT cards if they already received SNAP. Always check the New Mexico Human Services Department for the latest food benefit updates if you rely on SNAP[2].
If you work for the State of New Mexico and develop a disability that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for short-term disability benefits. You must have paid premiums for at least 12 months before your disability starts, and benefits last up to one year[4].
Yes, children with cerebral palsy may qualify for SSI if their family’s income and resources are low enough and the child’s condition is severe enough to meet Social Security’s disability rules. Medicaid may also cover health care and therapies.
SSI is for low-income people with little work history; SSDI is for those who have worked and paid into Social Security. Both require a qualifying disability. See our guide on **SSI vs SSDI**.
Yes, Medicaid waivers (HCBS) may pay for home care, therapies, and adaptive equipment if you need a nursing home level of care. Apply through the Human Services Department.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals[5].
Report any changes—like starting work, getting married, or moving—to Social Security and Medicaid right away to avoid overpayments. See **Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes**.
During federal SNAP interruptions, the state may offer emergency food benefits for eligible households, including those with disabilities[2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and not legal advice. Always check with official agencies for the latest rules and consult a benefits specialist or attorney if you have questions.
You can work part-time and still get benefits, but if you earn over the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025), your SSDI benefits may stop. Work incentives and ticket-to-work programs may help. See **SSI & SSDI Work Incentives**.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid. You can open one through any state’s ABLE program online.
State employees in New Mexico can buy into a disability plan that pays part of their salary if disabled, but this is not for dependents and requires 12 months of premiums paid first[4].
A disability attorney, community legal aid, or your local Social Security office can help. Start with your county’s Human Services Department for Medicaid and SNAP questions.
