New Mexico

The state's housing agency; runs rental assistance, homebuyer help, and foreclosure prevention counseling for New Mexicans behind on housing costs.

Coordinates the statewide homeless services system; contact them to get connected to shelter, coordinated entry, and rehousing programs.

If you're being taken to court for unpaid rent, the state courts' eviction diversion program can pause your case and connect you with rental help and free legal advice.

New Mexico's monthly cash assistance program for low-income families with children, run by the Health Care Authority's Income Support Division; apply online through YES NM or at a local ISD office.

State cash help for adults with disabilities and certain children who don't qualify for TANF; apply through the same Income Support Division offices. 1-800-283-4465.

One online application for cash assistance, SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and child care help — the fastest way to apply for most New Mexico benefits.

NM's Patients' Debt Collection Protection Act bans medical debt collection against lower-income patients; if you're being billed or sued, get free advice at 1-833-LGL-HELP (1-833-545-4357).

Hospital financial assistance

Every hospital has a financial assistance ("charity care") policy; ask the billing office for an application before paying or agreeing to a payment plan — discounts are often available even after a bill arrives.

If you recently had medical bills while uninsured, Medicaid (Turquoise Care) can cover bills from up to 3 months before you apply — apply through YES NM even if the care already happened.

Helps pay heating and cooling bills for low-income households; apply through YES NM or your local Income Support Division office.

• YES NM

Free home weatherization (insulation, furnace repair) that lowers your energy bills for good; run by Housing New Mexico/MFA.

Utility company hardship funds

PNM, NM Gas Company, and El Paso Electric all have hardship funds and payment plans — call the number on your bill and ask for "payment assistance" before service is shut off.

Monthly grocery money on an EBT card; apply online at YES NM or call 1-800-283-4465.

• YES NM

The state's largest food bank; use its site to find free food pantries and mobile food distributions across New Mexico.

Free healthy food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant people, new parents, and kids under 5, through the NM Department of Health. 1-866-867-3124.

Free health coverage for children, pregnant people, and most low-income adults — New Mexico covers more people than almost any state; apply any time at YES NM.

• YES NM

New Mexico's official health insurance marketplace, with financial help that makes many plans low cost if you earn too much for Medicaid. 1-833-862-3935.

Find a community health center near you; they see everyone regardless of insurance and charge on a sliding scale based on income.

The state's own 24/7 crisis line: 1-855-662-7474. Trained counselors for any mental health or substance use crisis, plus warm connections to local treatment.

Not in crisis but need to talk? Call or text 1-855-466-7100 to speak with a trained peer who has lived experience with mental health recovery.

The state behavioral health agency; helps you find low-cost or no-cost mental health and addiction treatment, including if you're uninsured.

New Mexico offers no-cost child care to most families through the Early Childhood Education and Care Department — apply even if you think you earn too much. 1-800-691-9067.

Free PreK, home visiting, and family support programs for young children statewide through ECECD.

Free job search help, training, and career services at Workforce Connection centers statewide; also runs unemployment insurance — apply online or call 1-877-664-6984.

The state's online portal to file unemployment claims and search jobs.

Free civil legal help statewide for low-income New Mexicans — evictions, benefits, debt, family law. 1-833-LGL-HELP (1-833-545-4357).

Plain-language legal information and forms for common problems like eviction, debt, and custody.

Free and low-cost immigration legal services and know-your-rights help for low-income immigrants. 505-247-1023.