If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis in New Mexico, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state programs for health care, food, and support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what help is available.
To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in New Mexico, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death. You also need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,810 in wages, up to four credits per year. Most adults need 40 credits, with half earned in the last 20 years[6].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, including those with disabilities like Rheumatoid Arthritis. SSI is not based on work history. You must meet strict income and asset limits set by the Social Security Administration[6].
Both SSDI and SSI require that you cannot do substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind[5].
In New Mexico, people with Rheumatoid Arthritis may qualify for Medicaid if they meet federal SSI criteria or other state rules. Medicaid covers health care for eligible disabled adults and children[3].
If you lose federal SNAP (food stamp) benefits, New Mexico may provide state-funded food benefits to help you and your family[2].
Children with Rheumatoid Arthritis may qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which offers coordinated care and support[3].
New Mexico also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities who need long-term care but want to live at home[3].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. New Mexico residents can open an ABLE account through the state program[3].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. New Mexico may have different rules for Medicaid and food help. Always check current limits at YES.NM.GOV or with the Health Care Authority[3].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and state agencies. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the SSA online portal or call to report changes[6].
Contact a local disability attorney or advocate for help with your application. Many offer free consultations.
Always report changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments and loss of benefits.
Yes, if your Rheumatoid Arthritis stops you from working for at least a year and meets SSA rules. You may qualify for SSDI if you have enough work credits, or SSI if you have low income and resources[6].
You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need medical records and work history to show your disability[6].
In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are statutorily blind. Earning more than this may affect your benefits[5].
Yes, if you meet federal SSI criteria or other state rules. Medicaid covers health care for eligible disabled adults and children in New Mexico[3].
New Mexico may provide state-funded food benefits to help low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities if federal SNAP ends[2].
Yes, New Mexico’s Children’s Medical Services program helps kids under 21 with chronic illness or disability, including Rheumatoid Arthritis. It offers coordinated care and support[3].
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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A Medicaid waiver lets people with disabilities get long-term care at home instead of in institutions. New Mexico offers waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS)[3].
You must report changes in income or living situation to Social Security and state agencies. Not reporting can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the SSA online portal or call to report changes[6].
Yes, New Mexico residents can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[3].
