New Mexico Kinship Caregiver Support Pilot Program: Stipend, Counties, and How to Apply

The New Mexico Legislature passed House Bill 252 to create a pilot program for kinship caregivers who are raising children outside the formal child welfare system. Led by the Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD), it provides navigation and supportive services in participating counties. Limited monthly financial support from philanthropic partners is available to some participants who meet additional income guidelines; participation does not guarantee a payment.

How the Pilot Works

The Kinship Caregiver Support Pilot Program is administered through ALTSD. It serves kinship caregivers — including grandparents, aunts, uncles, other relatives, and family friends — who are raising a child without receiving financial support for the child from CYFD. Participants can receive navigation, case management, and referrals to services. Monthly financial support is limited and subject to separate eligibility rules and available funding.

The pilot does not require foster care licensing. You do not need a court order or a formal CYFD case to participate, but you must meet the program's participation requirements.

Participating Counties and Limited Financial Support

As of October 2026, the participating counties are:

• Rio Arriba County
• San Juan County
• Taos County

ALTSD has said it is identifying additional counties for the pilot. Monthly financial support is available to a limited number of eligible participants (50) on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to income guidelines and funding. Participation in the pilot does not guarantee a payment. If you live outside a participating county, you cannot currently enroll in this pilot.

Who Qualifies

To apply, you must:

• Be a kinship caregiver age 18 or older who is raising a child in the caregiver's home
• Reside in a participating county
• Voluntarily agree to participate in the program
• Not be receiving financial support for the child from CYFD

Monthly financial support has additional income guidelines and is not guaranteed to all pilot participants. If the child is receiving financial support from CYFD, ask CYFD whether GAP or another program applies.

If You Are Not in a Participating County

Most kinship caregivers in New Mexico live outside the current participating counties. If that is you, the primary financial supports remain:

• NM Works child-only cash grant: $327/month for one child, available statewide, no caregiver income test
• SNAP food assistance: Combined household income counted against 200% FPL
• Turquoise Care Medicaid: Child's income only (when grandparent does not claim the child as tax dependent)
• ECECD Universal Child Care: No income limit or copay; grandparents raising grandchildren are exempt from the standard work or school requirement
• Title III-E respite care: Through ALTSD and Area Agencies on Aging, for caregivers age 55 and older

These programs can stack. A grandparent raising one grandchild in Albuquerque (Bernalillo County, outside the pilot) may qualify for the $327 cash grant, SNAP benefits, Medicaid for the child, and Universal Child Care.

Connecting with CYFD Kinship Navigation

Whether or not you are in a pilot county, the CYFD PullTogether helpline (855-546-1212) connects you with kinship navigators who can help identify every program you qualify for and assist with applications. The online hub at pulltogether.cyfd.nm.gov lists local community hubs and support groups by region.

For a program-by-program breakdown with application checklists and document templates, see our complete New Mexico financial help guide.

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