If you have diabetes in New Mexico, you may qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, SNAP, and state programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available in 2025.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes, have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability, and have enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and your diabetes must be severe enough to prevent you from working. In 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals. If your earnings are above these limits, you may not qualify for benefits. Diabetes is considered a disability if it causes complications that severely limit your ability to work, such as vision loss, kidney disease, or nerve damage.
| Program | Key Eligibility | 2025 SGA Limit | |---------|----------------|----------------| | SSDI | Work credits, medical disability | $1,620 (non-blind), $2,700 (blind) | | SSI | Low income/resources, medical disability | $1,620 (non-blind), $2,700 (blind) |
In New Mexico, people with diabetes may qualify for Medicaid if they meet income and disability requirements. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and some diabetes supplies. Children with diabetes may qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which provides coordinated care and support. New Mexico also offers SNAP (food stamps) for low-income families, including those with diabetes. If you lose federal SNAP benefits, the state may provide emergency food assistance. Medicaid eligibility can continue for up to two months after losing SSI, giving you time to reapply under another category. Elderly or disabled SNAP households receiving the State SNAP Supplement will continue to get $100 per month.
Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025 Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025 Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025 Source: NM Governor, 2025
In 2025, SSDI and SSI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: SSA.gov, 2025
Medicaid covers about 1 in 4 New Mexicans, including children with diabetes. SNAP helps about 1 in 5 New Mexicans, including those with diabetes. If federal SNAP is suspended, the state may provide emergency food assistance.
Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025 Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025 Source: NM Governor, 2025
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses, including diabetes supplies. New Mexico offers ABLE accounts through the state’s ABLE program.
Source: ABLE National Resource Center
For SSI in 2025, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620 for non-blind, $2,700 for blind). Medicaid and SNAP have their own income limits based on household size and state rules.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025
You must report changes in your income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. If you lose federal SNAP benefits, check for state-funded food assistance.
Source: SSA.gov, 2025 Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025 Source: NM Health Care Authority, 2025
Contact a local disability attorney or the New Mexico Health Care Authority for help with your application. They can help you gather records, fill out forms, and appeal denials.
Yes, diabetes can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it causes complications that severely limit your ability to work, such as vision loss, kidney disease, or nerve damage. You must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.
Gather your medical records, check your work credits or income, and apply online at SSA.gov or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for Medicaid and SNAP at Yes.NM.Gov.
You need proof of your diabetes and how it affects your ability to work, such as doctor’s notes, lab results, hospital records, and records of complications like vision loss or kidney disease.
Yes, children with diabetes may qualify for Medicaid, Children’s Medical Services, and SNAP. These programs provide health care, coordinated care, and food benefits for children with chronic illnesses.
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for statutorily blind individuals. If your earnings are above these limits, you may not qualify for benefits.
In 2025, SSDI and SSI benefits will increase by 2.5% due to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This means your monthly payment will be higher to keep up with inflation.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, you can work, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit. If you earn more than the limit, you may lose your benefits. There are work incentives to help you keep benefits while working.
If federal SNAP benefits are suspended, New Mexico may provide emergency food assistance through state-funded programs. Elderly or disabled SNAP households will continue to get $100 per month.
Report any changes in your income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes online, by phone, or in person.
You can get help from a local disability attorney, the Social Security office, or the New Mexico Health Care Authority. They can help you with applications, appeals, and reporting changes.
