During Child Support Awareness Month in August, the New Mexico Health Care Authority is highlighting a program that did far more than collecting payments.
Source: N.M. Health Care Authority
SANTA FE — New Mexico’s Child Support Services program collected and distributed nearly $119 million to families during the 2026 fiscal year to help pay for groceries, school supplies, and other basic needs for more than 62,600 children statewide.
During Child Support Awareness Month in August, the New Mexico Health Care Authority is highlighting a program that did far more than collecting payments. It helped parents navigate the system and connected families with resources that provide long-term stability.
“Child support is about more than collecting payments. It’s about helping parents navigate the process, connecting families with resources and making sure children have the financial support they need to succeed,” said Melanie Vigil, acting director of the New Mexico Child Support Services Division.
During FY 2026, the program managed 41,850 active child support cases, serving 146,300 New Mexicans—including parents, caregivers and dependent children. About 99% of collections went directly to families and roughly 65% of all payments were collected through wage withholding; a process that helps ensure consistent support reaches children.
The program helps families establish and maintain parentage, establish and modify financial and medical support orders, enforce court-ordered support and connect parents with employment resources through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
Health Care Authority staff also participated in more than 50 outreach events across New Mexico — including in Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Hobbs, Clovis, Silver City. These events connected more than 100,000 community members with information about available services.
To learn more about Child Support Services or apply for services, visit www.yes.nm.gov
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