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If you have been asked to self-quarantined, are admitted into the hospital, or are caring for a family member who is quarantined as a result of COVID-19 you may apply for unemployment benefits.

Under New Mexico law quitting because of a medical concern is not considered good cause. The department encourages you to work with your employer to discuss options to limit your exposure.

It is a federal requirement that you must be able and available to accept suitable work in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. You will be asked in your weekly certification if you were able and available to work at least 20 hours for the week you are certifying for. For more information please view the Able, Available, and Actively Seeking Fact Sheet.

Regardless if you were full-time or part-time and have your hours reduced you will be eligible for unemployment benefits as long as your earnings are under your weekly benefit amount. Please remember that all earnings must be reported on your weekly certifications at the time the wages were earned, not when they are paid.

Leaving employment because of lack of child care is generally not considered good cause to resign sufficient to qualify an individual for unemployment benefits. If childcare arrangements are impacted, an employee must take reasonable steps to preserve their employment, such as requesting an alternate schedule or a leave of absence. If a leave of absence or a reduction in hours is requested by a claimant when full-time work is available, the department must determine if a claimant is able, available and actively seeking work to be eligible for UI benefits.