Your New Mexico Disability Benefits Guide

Important: We updated this article in June 2024 after fact checking against current Social Security Administration (SSA) policy. Did you know that 3 out of 4 roads in New Mexico are not paved? It’s also home to world-renowned sites like Los Alamos, Roswell, and Carlsbad Caverns. But if you happen to be a disabled New Mexico resident, tourism is probably the last thing on your mind. Instead, your biggest concern is likely how to pay for your housing and bills next month. That’s why we created this guide to explain what New Mexico disability benefits may be available to you.

There are two different federal programs that can offer eligible New Mexico residents monthly benefits. The first one, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), has a work history requirement. No recent or long-term work history? Then the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program might be a better option for you.

Use the guide we created below to get the support you need from either federal program that you may qualify for.

Program #1: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Here’s what disabled adults in the Land of Enchantment need to know about receiving disability benefits from the SSDI program. Important: Disabled children cannot qualify for SSDI disability benefits in New Mexico because they have no work history.

1. Who Can Apply for New Mexico Disability Benefits from the SSDI Program?

If you can truthfully answer “yes” to all these questions, then you can apply for SSDI benefits:

• Did I work in jobs where I paid Social Security payroll taxes out of every paycheck for 5 in the last 10 years? If you did, then you already have the 40 Social Security work credits needed to qualify for SSDI.
• Am I not yet getting any other Social Security benefits? If you draw early retirement or regular Social Security, then the SSA will automatically reject your SSDI application.
• Do I see my doctor regularly to treat my medical condition? If not, you will likely need to attend a New Mexico Disability Determination Services (DDS) medical exam. Pro Tip: Any Disability Determination Services exam is always free, but you must show up.
• Does my doctor say my health issues make me unable to work for at least 12 months? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has no disability programs that offer temporary or short-term benefits. So, you cannot get Social Security disability benefits for things like pregnancy or surgery. Pro Tip: If you still work when you start the SSDI application process, the SSA will likely deny you New Mexico disability benefits. That’s because you are engaging in what the agency refers to as “substantial gainful activity.” Anyone who earns more than $1,550 per month from working cannot qualify for SSDI benefits.

If you have some “no” answers, then don’t worry!Keep reading to see if you may qualify for the SSI program’s New Mexico disability benefits.

2. How Much Money Do People Usually Get in SSDI Benefits?

Here’s how the Social Security Administration calculates your SSDI disability benefit amount:

• The SSA determines your average monthly paycheck over 35 years of work.
• Then, they adjust that amount based on current inflation.
• They set your payment at 40% of that amount.

The national average pay amount is $1,537 in monthly SSDI for 2024. The most anyone can receive is $3,822 a month. Payments may be higher in years when Congress approves a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for all federal programs.

3. How Long Does It Usually Take to Get Your First SSDI Disability Check?

Most applicants wait 5 months to hear a response back from the Social Security Administration. However, 4 in 5 people have their initial application denied.

If that happens to you, you have 60 days to request a reconsideration. That is your first step to file an appeal for a denied disability application. If that appeal fails, you can go before an Administrative Law Judge to plead your case. Appeal hearings can take a year or longer to schedule in advance.

That’s why it’s important to file a successful disability claim the first time.

4. How Long Can I Receive SSDI Payments?

You can receive SSDI benefits until you turn 67 years old, as long as you pass updates every 3-7 years. After that, you automatically switch to regular Social Security benefits at the same pay rate.

5. Does SSDI Offer Healthcare Coverage?

Yes, but you have to wait for a bit before you get access to it. Medicare coverage begins 24 months after the SSA deposits your first SSDI benefit payment.

Program #2: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI benefits are for people who are blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old who very low income and few or no resources. Learn how to get New Mexico disability benefits from the SSI program if you did not work during the last 5 years.

1. How Does SSI Define “Low Income” for Applicants?

Residents from Las Cruces to Los Alamos who want SSI benefits must:

• Own total financial resources that are worth less than $2,000 ($3,000 for couples). SSI considers “money in the bank and items you could sell easily in exchange for cash as “resources.” Your car, wedding ring, a home (if you own both it and the land it sits on) and other daily living items don’t count towards this amount.
• Have monthly income that falls below $2,590 if you are blind or $1,550 if you’re sighted. Child support, alimony, SNAP, TANF, etc., all count as monthly income. The program also looks at work wages from others who live with you to see if it counts toward that total amount.

2. What if I’m At Least 65, but Not Disabled?

New Mexico residents aged 65 and up can qualify for SSI based on age alone if they meet the financial eligibility rules. Not yet 65? Then you must undergo a New Mexico Disability Determination Services exam to confirm you’re too disabled to work.

3. How Much Does SSI Pay in New Mexico Disability Benefits?

Approved individuals can get as much as $943; couples can get up to $1415. However, if Congress announces a COLA increase in October, your SSI amount will go up the following January.

4. How Long Can I Get SSI Payments?

You must pass a disability update every 3-7 years until you turn 65 years old to keep your SSI. If you’re over 65 when payments begin, then your benefits can continue as long as you stay below the income and asset limits. People with disabilities on SSI will lose their payments if they fail a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).

5. How Can I Afford to See a Doctor on SSI?

As soon as your first SSI payment goes through, you automatically qualify for Medicaid coverage.

4 Ways to Apply for Disability Benefits in New Mexico

You can use any of the following ways to file a disability claim for SSDI, SSI, or both:

1. In person at your closest Social Security office.
2. Over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213 Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm EST.
3. Have a nearby disability lawyer file your claim for FREE. This is the only option that triples your chances to receive disability benefits within 6 months of your filing date.

If you’d like to apply for disability online, you can start an SSDI claim on the Social Security Administration website: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib.

Important: You cannot file for SSI disability online anywhere. That option does not currently exist.

Related: New Mexico Workers’ Compensation Benefits Process

Get Free Expert Claim Help That Triples Your New Mexico Disability Benefits Approval Odds

Did you know hiring a New Mexico disability lawyer makes you almost 3x more likely to win benefits?

Remember, qualified Social Security attorneys charge $0 to help you with your case if you fail to win benefits. And if your application succeeds, then you only pay one small fee afterwards.

Don’t wait! Check your eligibility now. Click below to start your free online benefits evaluation today:

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