Spina Bifida Benefits in New Mexico: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits in New Mexico, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) rules. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits and a medical condition that prevents substantial work for at least a year. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Spina Bifida is often considered a qualifying disability if it severely limits your ability to work or live independently. The SSA uses a medical guide (Listing 11.08) to evaluate Spina Bifida cases. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI.

• SSDI: Requires 40 work credits (20 in the last 10 years) and a qualifying disability.
• SSI: No work credits needed; income and assets must be below set limits.
• Both programs require your condition to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

Citations: SSA Disability Qualifications (accessed 2025-11-06)

In New Mexico, people with Spina Bifida may qualify for Medicaid, food assistance, and state disability programs. Medicaid covers medical care and can include home and community-based services (HCBS) through waivers for those who need extra support. Children with Spina Bifida may qualify for Children’s Medical Services, which provides coordinated care. Adults who lose SSI eligibility may get up to two months of extended Medicaid. SNAP (food stamps) is available for low-income families, and the state may step in with emergency food aid if federal funds are cut. State disability benefits are also available for eligible state employees.

• Medicaid: Covers medical care, HCBS waivers for home support.
• Children’s Medical Services: For kids under 21 with chronic illness or disability.
• SNAP: Food assistance for low-income families.
• State Disability Plan: For state employees who can’t work due to illness or injury.

Citations: NM Health Care Authority Eligibility (accessed 2025-11-06), NM SNAP Updates (accessed 2025-11-06), NM State Disability Policy (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or at a local office.
• Apply for Medicaid and SNAP through NMHED or by phone.
• Check if you qualify for Children’s Medical Services or state disability benefits.
• Report changes to avoid overpayments.

Start your application at the NM Benefits Portal.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, including diagnosis, treatment history, and doctor’s notes for Spina Bifida.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or visit your local Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid and SNAP through the NM Human Services Department (NMHED) online, by phone, or in person. You can use the NM Benefits Portal or call 1-800-283-4465.
• Step 4: If you have a child with Spina Bifida, apply for Children’s Medical Services through the NM Department of Health.
• Step 5: If you are a state employee, check with your employer about the State Disability Plan.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, living situation, or medical status to all agencies to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Follow up on your applications and keep copies of all documents.

Citations: SSA Apply for Disability (accessed 2025-11-06), NMHED Benefits Portal (accessed 2025-11-06), NM Children’s Medical Services (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Monthly cash payments for people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Monthly payments for those with a qualifying work history.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): Food assistance for low-income families.
• Medicare: Health coverage for those who receive SSDI for 24 months.

Citations: SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): New Mexico offers waivers for home and community-based services, which can help people with Spina Bifida live at home with extra support.
• Children’s Medical Services: Provides coordinated care for children under 21 with chronic illness or disability.
• State Disability Plan: Financial assistance for state employees who can’t work due to illness or injury.
• SNAP (Food Assistance): Emergency food aid is available if federal funds are cut.
• Medicaid: Covers medical care and can include extra services for those with disabilities.

Citations: NM Health Care Authority Medicaid (accessed 2025-11-06), NM Children’s Medical Services (accessed 2025-11-06), NM State Disability Policy (accessed 2025-11-06)

ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In New Mexico, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. You must have a disability that started before age 26. ABLE accounts can help pay for housing, education, transportation, and more.

• Open an account through the NM ABLE program.
• Use funds for qualified disability expenses.
• Report account activity to SSI/Medicaid if required.

Citations: NM ABLE Program (accessed 2025-11-06)

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. New Mexico may have a small state supplement.
• SSDI: No income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, SGA is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals.
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program. For most Medicaid programs, you must have income below 138% of the federal poverty level.
• SNAP: Income limits depend on household size. Most households must have gross income below 130% of the federal poverty level.

Citations: SSA SGA Limits 2025 (accessed 2025-11-06), NM Medicaid Eligibility (accessed 2025-11-06)

You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical status to all benefit agencies. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away to set up a repayment plan. Keep records of all reports and communications.

• Report changes to SSA, NMHED, and Medicaid.
• Keep copies of all documents.
• Follow up on overpayment notices.

Citations: SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06), NMHED Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-06)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• NM Human Services Department
  Phone: 1-800-283-4465

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid, SNAP, and other NM benefits.
• NM Department of Health
  Phone: 505-827-4336

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Children’s Medical Services and other health programs.

• Can I get SSI for Spina Bifida in New Mexico?

  Yes, if your Spina Bifida limits your ability to work and you meet income and asset limits. You must apply through SSA and provide medical proof of your disability.

• How do I apply for Medicaid with Spina Bifida in NM?

  Apply through the NM Human Services Department online, by phone, or in person. You’ll need proof of income, residency, and medical records.

• What is the SGA limit for SSDI in 2025?

  In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals. Earning more than this may affect your SSDI benefits.

• Are there Medicaid waivers for Spina Bifida in New Mexico?

  Yes, New Mexico offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services. These can help you get extra support at home.

• Can I get food assistance with Spina Bifida in NM?

  Yes, SNAP provides food assistance for low-income families. New Mexico may also offer emergency food aid if federal funds are cut.

• What is an ABLE account, and can I open one in NM?

  An ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open one in New Mexico if your disability started before age 26.

• How do I report changes to my benefits?

  Report changes to SSA, NMHED, and Medicaid. Keep copies of all documents and follow up on any notices.