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Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in New Mexico

Utility Assistance for Single Mothers in New Mexico

Last updated: September 2025

This is a practical one-stop guide to keeping your lights, heat, and water on in New Mexico. Every paragraph includes direct, italic links to the exact forms, rules, and offices you’ll use. When in doubt, call to confirm current availability before applying.


If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

Quick Help Box — Keep These 5 Contacts Handy

How to Stop a Utility Shutoff in New Mexico Today

When a shutoff notice hits, speed and documentation matter. The rules below are specific to New Mexico and your options change by season and utility.

Heating season protection — November 15 to March 15

During these dates, regulated gas and electric utilities cannot disconnect eligible LIHEAP households that meet payment-plan rules. Get LIHEAP qualified fast, enter a payment arrangement, and give your utility proof from HCA or your tribal LIHEAP office. See the statewide rule in 17.5.410.30 NMAC and HCA’s moratorium section in 8.150.600.11 NMAC. PNM Heating Season Protection explains how it applies on PNM accounts. (srca.nm.gov)

  • Bring your disconnect notice, ID, and proof of household income to your ISD interview. HCA notes crisis cases can be sped up when you show a shutoff notice on HCA LIHEAP; apply or upload at YES.NM.gov and call 1-800-283-4465 on HCA Contact to flag urgency. (hsd.state.nm.us)
  • Keep paying the agreed installments. If you fall behind on the plan, protection can end even in winter, as the rule at 17.5.410.30 NMAC requires current payments on the settlement. PNM’s page says balances past due before Nov 15 must be addressed. (srca.nm.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your doctor for a medical certification and file it with your utility. New Mexico law protects seriously or chronically ill residents when the loss of service endangers health, outlined in N.M. Stat. §62‑8‑10 and detailed in 17.5.410.42 NMAC; utilities must postpone disconnection once proper medical and financial certifications are received. File a same-day informal complaint with the NMPRC Consumer Relations if a regulated utility refuses. (law.justia.com)

LIHEAP in New Mexico — Eligibility, Amounts, Timelines, and How to Apply

New Mexico’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps with heating and cooling bills and offers a faster “crisis” option when service is off or you have a shutoff notice.

  • Eligibility and income rules: New Mexico uses 150% of the Federal Poverty Level for LIHEAP, confirmed by the federal clearinghouse at LIHEAP Income Eligibility Guidelines and the New Mexico profile at LIHEAP Clearinghouse – NM. LIHEAP accepts applications year-round while funds last. (acf.hhs.gov)
  • Benefit amounts for FY2025: Typical households receive 70–70–490 for heating or cooling; crisis benefits can reach up to $490, per LIHEAP Benefit Levels – NM updated March 2025. Amounts can vary by fuel type and funding. Call to confirm current availability before applying. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • Where and how to apply: File online at YES.NM.gov, download forms on HCA LIHEAP, or visit an ISD field office listed on HCA Field Offices. For questions, call 1-800-283-4465 on HCA Contact. (hca.nm.gov)
  • Timelines: HCA says you’ll be scheduled for an interview in about 10 days and receive a written decision within 45 days, per HCA LIHEAP. Crisis cases can move faster when a shutoff notice is uploaded. (hsd.state.nm.us)
  • Common documents: Bring ID, the latest bill, 30 days of income, and any shutoff notice. HCA lists required items on LIHEAP Application page, and the customer center at 1-800-283-4465 can confirm what’s needed. (hsd.state.nm.us)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility for a written payment plan and note your LIHEAP case number. During winter, the moratorium rules in 17.5.410.30 NMAC protect LIHEAP-qualified customers who keep payment-plan terms. If you get stuck, file with NMPRC Consumer Relations. (srca.nm.gov)

Quick Table — LIHEAP at a Glance (New Mexico)

Program piece Key details Where to act
Eligibility 150% FPL, crisis option available HCA LIHEAP, LIHEAP Guidelines
Benefit range FY2025 70–70–490 heating/cooling; crisis up to $490 LIHEAP Benefits Table
Application Online, mail, or field office YES.NM.gov, Field Offices
Timelines Interview ~10 days; decision ≤45 days HCA LIHEAP

(hsd.state.nm.us)

Gas, Electric, and Water — The Big Programs You Can Use

Electric — PNM, El Paso Electric, Xcel (SPS), and Co-ops

What to do if this doesn’t work: File an informal complaint with the NMPRC Consumer Relations; read the agency’s FAQ on consumer rights; if unsafe shutoffs or health risks exist, cite N.M. Stat. §62‑8‑10 medical protections. (prc.nm.gov)

Natural Gas — New Mexico Gas Company (NMGC)

  • HEAT New Mexico (emergency help): Administered by The Salvation Army, HEAT NM provides one-time gas-bill assistance. Apply through a HEAT provider listed on NMGC HEAT for Help; the assistance overview is at NMGC Assistance. Proof of LIHEAP or recent income is usually required. Call 1-505-872-1171 for Salvation Army or NMGC at 1-888-664-2726. (nmgco.com)
  • LIHEAP + winter protection: NMGC recognizes LIHEAP and the winter moratorium rules. Start LIHEAP at YES.NM.gov and see NMGC’s LIHEAP info at Low-Income Assistance. If approved and on a plan, you can avoid shutoff Nov 15–Mar 15 per 17.5.410.30 NMAC. (nmgco.com)
  • Extra savings: If you’re in LIHEAP, SNAP, or WIC, ask about the fall furnace tune-up rebate outlined at NMGC Tune-Up, which advertises an increased low-income incentive and a 30–60 day rebate timeline. (nmgcgetrebates.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request a supervisor and ask about temporary payment extensions listed at NMGC Assistance; then call NMPRC Consumer Relations if you still can’t get a plan. (nmgco.com)

Water and Sewer — Local Programs You Can Use

  • Albuquerque/Bernalillo County: Homeowners may get a monthly credit up to 33.05viathe∗[LowIncomeCreditProgram](https://www.abcwua.org/customer−service−help−for−low−income−customers/)∗andone−time33.05 via the *[Low Income Credit Program](https://www.abcwua.org/customer-service-help-for-low-income-customers/)* and one-time 200 Water Assistance Fund grant, both administered by The Storehouse and Rio Grande Food Project. Call 1-505-842-9287 to reach the Water Authority. (abcwua.org)
  • City of Santa Fe: Apply for a low-income utility credit covering water/sewer/stormwater at Utility Billing – Low-Income Credit; see the “Need Help?” contact at 1-505-955-4333 on the Utility Billing Division; stormwater low-income exemptions are explained on Stormwater FAQ. (santafenm.gov)
  • Las Cruces: City Utilities offers payment plans, a “promise to pay,” and referrals to Casa de Peregrinos vouchers through Utilities Billing & Receivables; phone 1-575-541-2111 appears across City notices; pay options include UtilityHawk. (lascruces.gov)
  • Note on LIHWAP (water): The federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program ended after closeout in 2024. HHS posted final notices and reports confirming no new federal LIHWAP funds, so look to your local water utility or nonprofits for help now. See ACF LIHWAP page and HHS press releases in 2024 and 2025 on HHS/ACF and OCS DCL 2025-01. (acf.hhs.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your city for a hardship review and set a written plan; then call 211 at United Way 211 for a water-bill referral. For privately regulated water utilities, you can also file with the NMPRC. (uwncnm.org)

Table — Common Utility Programs by Provider

Provider Payment help Extra programs Where to start
PNM Payment plans, heating-season protection Good Neighbor Fund emergency grants; outreach fairs PNM Help, Heating Season, Good Neighbor Fund
New Mexico Gas Company Payment plans; HEAT New Mexico grants Low-income furnace tune-up rebates NMGC Assistance, HEAT NM, Tune-Up
El Paso Electric (NM) Payment arrangements Project Care/Bright Hearts assistance; efficiency rebates EPE Assistance, Bright Hearts, EPE Saver
Xcel Energy (SPS) Payment arrangements PSPS wildfire safety updates Xcel Assistance, Xcel PSPS News
Albuquerque Water Low-Income Credit; $200 Water Assistance Fund Agency referral list ABCWUA Help

(pnm.com)

Weatherization and Long-Term Bill Reductions

  • **NM EnergymartWeatherization(freehomeupgrades):∗∗AdministeredstatewidebytheNewMexicoMortgageFinanceAuthority,Energymart Weatherization (free home upgrades):** Administered statewide by the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, Energymart can reduce bills through insulation, furnace/AC repairs, and safety fixes. Read program details at *[MFA Energymart](https://housingnm.org/programs/home−rehabilitation−and−weatherization/energymart−weatherization−assistance)∗;NMGCnotesuptomart](https://housingnm.org/programs/home-rehabilitation-and-weatherization/energymart-weatherization-assistance)*; NMGC notes up to 6,000 in services at NMGC Energy$mart page. Apply through regional providers listed on MFA’s page. (housingnm.org)
  • Funding and reach: State announcements show continued federal and state support for LIHEAP and weatherization partnerships, including 2024–2025 allocations noted by HCA news and HCA April 2024 release. Tribal weatherization expansions are covered in Housing NM news. (hca.nm.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility for low-income rebates or a free thermostat program. EPE lists residential low-income offers at EPE Saver; PNM lists efficiency programs on PNM Energy Efficiency; NMGC runs seasonal rebates at NMGC Rebates. (epesaver.com)

Internet and Phone — Lifeline Continues; ACP Ended

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your library or school district for voucher modems or hotspot lending; confirm any ISP low-income offers shown at Connect NM Affordability; if you need device training, check Connect NM Digital Opportunity. (connect.nm.gov)

Table — Shutoff Rules and Your Options (New Mexico)

Situation What the rule says Your move
Winter heat shutoff LIHEAP-qualified homes protected Nov 15–Mar 15 with a payment plan Apply at YES.NM.gov; give proof to the utility; see 17.5.410.30 NMAC
Serious illness Medical certification can pause shutoff; must also show financial hardship Have a provider sign forms; see §62‑8‑10 and 17.5.410.42 NMAC
Disputes Pay undisputed part; utility must postpone disconnection during a valid dispute Start dispute with utility; if unresolved, file NMPRC complaint

(srca.nm.gov)

Step-by-Step — How to Apply for LIHEAP (and What Happens Next)

  • Start online or by phone
    Apply at YES.NM.gov or call 1-800-283-4465 on HCA Contact. Use the fillable PDFs on HCA LIHEAP if you prefer to print and bring them. Expect an interview in about 10 days. (hca.nm.gov)
  • Upload or bring documents
    You’ll need ID, proof of income for the past 30 days, and your current utility bill. Crisis cases need a shutoff notice, as listed on HCA LIHEAP; you can also upload to YES.NM.gov after creating an account. (hsd.state.nm.us)
  • Tell your utility your case number
    Protected winter eligibility requires your utility to have notice of LIHEAP qualification. Reference 17.5.410.30 NMAC and the heating season language on PNM Heating Season. (srca.nm.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate to a supervisor at LIHEAP (1-800-283-4465 on HCA Contact), ask for crisis processing, and request utility notes under your account. If needed, open an informal complaint at NMPRC to pause disconnection while the dispute is reviewed. (hca.nm.gov)

Application Checklist — Screenshot-Friendly

  • Official photo ID for you; IDs for kids (birth certificate, school/medical card)
  • Social Security numbers or alternate IDs if available
  • Last 30 days of income (pay stubs, benefits letters, child support, gig earnings)
  • Most recent utility bills (electric, gas, or bulk fuels; water if a local program needs it)
  • Shutoff notice or past-due statement for crisis processing
  • Lease or proof of address and account number
  • LIHEAP application confirmation number from YES.NM.gov
  • Notes on your call with the utility and any payment plan details

Use HCA LIHEAP for forms; find offices via HCA Field Offices; print this checklist to bring with you. (hsd.state.nm.us)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support Groups

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your county’s community action agency via United Way 211 search; request a case manager letter to attach to LIHEAP or a utility plan. (uwncnm.org)

Resources by Region (Examples and Proven Paths)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming LIHEAP alone stops a shutoff
    You must also make or keep a payment plan current. The winter rule requires both LIHEAP qualification and current plan payments per 17.5.410.30 NMAC. PNM Heating Season explains pre-Nov 15 balances must be addressed. (srca.nm.gov)
  • Waiting to call
    Contact your utility as soon as you apply for LIHEAP through YES.NM.gov; give your case number. HCA’s page stresses crisis LIHEAP moves faster when a disconnect notice is provided on LIHEAP. (hsd.state.nm.us)
  • Relying on LIHWAP for water
    That federal program closed in 2024, per ACF LIHWAP. Ask your water utility for a local hardship credit and call 211 at United Way 211. (acf.hhs.gov)

Reality Check

  • Processing times: HCA states interviews take about 10 days and decisions up to 45 days on LIHEAP. During peak winter or summer heat, expect delays. Plan for 10–15 business days minimum for non-crisis cases. (hsd.state.nm.us)
  • Funding limits: Benefit ranges for FY2025 are 70–70–490, crisis up to $490 per LIHEAP Clearinghouse. Amounts may vary by county, fuel, and available funds. Call to confirm. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  • Scams: Never pay with gift cards. PNM warns about spoofed calls; use numbers listed on PNM payment options or call 1-888-342-5766. (m.pnm.com)

Diverse Communities — Tailored Paths to Keep Utilities On

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask for respectful, safe spaces when applying at HCA Field Offices; get utility plan notes that list your preferred name through PNM Help; if harassment or discrimination occurs with a regulated utility, report it to the NMPRC Consumer Relations. (hca.nm.gov)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Request large-print applications through HCA Contact; use CRS/711 TTY noted on HCA Contact page; ask utilities to add a medical flag, using the medical certification route under §62‑8‑10. (hca.nm.gov)

Veteran single mothers: For emergency utility help, pair LIHEAP at YES.NM.gov with assistance via your county Veterans’ Service Officer through New Mexico Department of Veterans Services; for electric or gas shutoff issues, cite winter protections at 17.5.410.30 NMAC. (srca.nm.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can apply for LIHEAP regardless of mixed-status households; see application language access at HCA LIHEAP — multilingual forms; for navigation help, dial United Way 211 with Spanish support. (hsd.state.nm.us)

Tribal-specific resources: Many tribes administer their own LIHEAP. For Navajo families using NTUA, ask for payment arrangements and discounts listed under NTUA Utility Assistance; medical and senior discounts are on NTUA Life Support and NTUA Senior Program. Light Up Navajo expands connections in 2025. (ntua.com)

Rural single moms with limited access: Co-ops will often do longer payment plans if you call early. Use the PRC company directory to find contacts; keep fuel receipts for LIHEAP when using propane or wood, as noted on HCA LIHEAP. (prc.nm.gov)

Single fathers: All programs here are household-based, not gender-based. Apply through YES.NM.gov; ask your utility for the same payment plan and medical protections under §62‑8‑10. (codes.findlaw.com)

Language access: Request interpretation when calling HCA Contact; city and utility websites offer Spanish pages like ABCWUA Español; for telecom, Lifeline has multilingual support at USAC Lifeline. (hca.nm.gov)

How Much Time Things Take — Realistic Timelines

Task Typical timeline Notes
LIHEAP application Interview ~10 days; decision ≤45 days Crisis cases move faster if you upload a shutoff notice on HCA LIHEAP
PNM Good Neighbor emergency help Event or agency day-of; standard within a few days Watch for PNM Assistance Fairs; bring ID and past due bill
NMGC HEAT New Mexico Same-day intake if appointments available Use HEAT For Help provider list and call ahead
Santa Fe low-income credit Same week if forms are complete Utility Billing Forms
ABCWUA Water Assistance A few business days ABCWUA Low-Income Programs

(hsd.state.nm.us)

County-Specific Variations You Should Know

Troubleshooting — If Your Application Gets Denied

  • Ask for a Fair Hearing
    LIHEAP notices include hearing rights; contact the office shown on HCA LIHEAP. Keep paying under your utility plan while you appeal.
  • Fix common denial issues
    Missing proof of income or a mismatched utility account name are common. Verify the name on your PNM account or gas bill at NMGC matches your application.
  • Emergency safety net
    Request a medical certification with your utility using the rules in §62‑8‑10; file a PRC utility complaint if you need regulatory help.

(hsd.state.nm.us)

Real-World Examples

  • ABQ mom behind two months on PNM: She applied at YES.NM.gov, gave PNM her LIHEAP case ID through PNM Help, and got a 4‑month plan. She received a Good Neighbor grant after showing her disconnect notice at a PNM assistance fair. (pnm.com)
  • Las Cruces renter with EPE and water past due: She set a “promise to pay” at Las Cruces Utilities, picked up a voucher from Casa de Peregrinos, and asked EPE for a payment arrangement via Assistance Programs while her LIHEAP processed. (lascruces.gov)
  • Senior on Navajo Nation using NTUA: A life-support customer submitted a doctor’s certification under NTUA Life Support and received a 10% discount under NTUA Senior Program while her LIHEAP through tribal offices processed. (ntua.com)

Birmingham Water Bill Help — How This Applies in New Mexico

Note: If you landed here searching for “Birmingham Water Bill Help,” this guide is for New Mexico. For New Mexico water help, use city pages like ABCWUA Low-Income, Santa Fe Utility Billing, and referral lines at United Way 211. The federal LIHWAP program is closed; ask local water utilities about hardship credits. (abcwua.org)

FAQs — New Mexico Utility Help for Single Moms

  1. How fast can crisis LIHEAP stop a shutoff?
    If you upload a disconnect notice at YES.NM.gov and call HCA at 1-800-283-4465 on HCA Contact, cases can be expedited; HCA notes crisis processing under LIHEAP. (hca.nm.gov)
  2. Will winter rules protect me if I owe from before Nov 15?
    Yes, if you enter a settlement plan and keep it current. See 17.5.410.30 NMAC and PNM Heating Season. (srca.nm.gov)
  3. Can I get water help like LIHWAP?
    Federal LIHWAP ended in 2024. Check local programs: ABCWUA, Santa Fe Utility Billing, and call 211. (acf.hhs.gov)
  4. Do co-ops follow the same winter rules?
    Yes, regulated co-ops follow state winter protections. Confirm with your co-op’s office (e.g., Kit Carson Electric Coop). (prc.nm.gov)
  5. What if I have medical equipment at home?
    Submit a medical certification to your utility. New Mexico law §62‑8‑10 and 17.5.410.42 NMAC cover health-based protections. (codes.findlaw.com)
  6. Does ACP still lower internet bills?
    No. ACP ended June 1, 2024 per AffordableConnectivity.gov and FCC ACP page. Instead, use USAC Lifeline or low-cost ISP plans listed at Connect NM Affordability. (affordableconnectivity.gov)
  7. Are energy assistance amounts fixed?
    They vary. For FY2025, NM ranges are 70–70–490 and crisis up to $490 per LIHEAP Benefits Table. Funding can change; confirm before applying. (liheapch.acf.hhs.gov)
  8. How do I file a complaint against a utility?
    Use PRC Utility Complaint; read Consumer FAQs; call 1-888-427-5772 at NMPRC Utilities. (complaints.nm-prc.org)
  9. Can I get help if I use propane or wood?
    Yes. LIHEAP covers bulk fuels; submit fuel receipts and delivery notes with your HCA LIHEAP application. (hsd.state.nm.us)
  10. Where do I get broadband if I’m unserved?
    Check projects and grants at Connect NM OBAE and the Governor’s project updates on Press Releases; ask providers about low-income plans under Affordability. (connect.nm.gov)

Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español

Este resumen en español fue producido con herramientas de traducción de IA. Verifique los detalles con las fuentes oficiales enlazadas.

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance and is not legal advice. Programs change and funding varies by county and season. Always confirm details directly with your utility, New Mexico Health Care Authority, or the Public Regulation Commission before making decisions. If you have a medical device or health risk, request medical certification protections immediately under N.M. Stat. §62‑8‑10 and follow up with NMPRC Consumer Relations if needed. (codes.findlaw.com)

What to do if this guide didn’t solve your problem

If funding looks exhausted or your case stalled, here’s how to escalate:

These steps match current New Mexico law and official program pages as of September 2025. (hca.nm.gov)

🏛️More New Mexico Resources for Single Mothers

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