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All life events

Not safe at home

Safety first, then a place to stay and money of your own.Help in New Mexico, from the federal government, and near you.

If you are in danger now, call 911

You can talk with an advocate any time. It is free and private, and they can help you make a safety plan.

If someone checks your phone, use a private window or a safer device.

What to do first

  1. If you are in danger now, call 911.
  2. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or text START to 88788. Someone answers any time.
  3. Use a phone or computer the other person cannot check, and a private browser window.
  4. Ask the hotline or 211 about shelter and your state's programs for people leaving abuse.
  5. When you are safe, apply for health coverage, food and cash help in your own name.

Talk it through

If it is safe to type, tell us what is going on. Use a private browser window on a device the other person cannot check.

Dates that matter

These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.

  • 60 days

    Health coverage

    People leaving domestic abuse can sign up for their own Marketplace plan outside open enrollment. You have 60 days.

    Source: HealthCare.gov

Help from New Mexico

New Mexico programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department

    Domestic Violence Services

    The state connects people affected by domestic violence with services and local support providers.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

    Homelessness assistance programs

    The Office of Housing funds local projects that provide shelter, housing navigation, and homelessness prevention.

    Ways to apply:In person

  • New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions

    Office of Housing programs

    The Office of Housing coordinates state housing investments and programs, including assistance delivered through local partners.

    Ways to apply:In person

  • New Mexico Health Care Authority

    Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

    TANF provides cash assistance and services to eligible families with children.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • New Mexico Health Care Authority

    Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    SNAP helps eligible households pay for groceries.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

  • New Mexico Health Care Authority

    Medicaid

    In New Mexico, Medicaid is called Turquoise Care.

    Medicaid provides health coverage to eligible New Mexico residents.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal help

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • TheHotline.org

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free and confidential. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find shelter near you.

  • LSC.gov

    Free legal help

    Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.

Checked on October 9, 2026

Help near you

Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.

Offices near you

Type a five-digit ZIP code or a county in New Mexico.

Talk to a person