Economic News

Certain questions within the questionnaire are dependent on the first answer you provide. If you say “yes” that your employer posted the information in the workplace about your right to file a claim, you should skip the next question. You would only complete the next question if you answered “no” to the question “Did you know you could file for benefits?” Read each question and instructions carefully when filling out questionnaires.

If you need to file a new claim for benefits, you may do so Sunday-Friday, 24 hours a day, online at www.jobs.state.nm.us, or over the phone at 1-877-664-6984 Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:00pm.

If you have been directed to self-quarantined or are taking care of an immediate family member that is quarantined due to COVID-19, and you have a return to work date, the separation reason you would select on your claim is “Leave of Absence.” If you answer that it is paid leave of absence, you will be found ineligible for benefits because you are still receiving payment from your employer. If you answer that you are not receiving payment you will potentially be eligible to receive benefits.

If you do not have a return to work date, please select Discharged/Lack of Work due to COVID-19.

The work search waiver has been lifted for all claimants starting the week of Sunday May 9, 2021 through Saturday May 15, 2021. You must be able, available, and actively seeking work each week you certify for Unemployment Insurance benefits with a minimum requirement of verifying at least two work searches occurred. For more information on work search requirements go to  https://www.dws.state.nm.us/Work-Search-Requirement-Information. 

Whether you file online or by phone, you will need the following information to file a new claim:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Mailing address and phone number(s) of employer(s) you worked for in last 18 months
• The starting and ending dates of your last job (or jobs if more than one employer in last 18 months)
• If you are a non-citizen, have your alien registration number and expiration date
• If you worked during the week you are filing your claim, be sure you know the gross amount (total dollars and cents before any deductions) of your pay before filing
• Pencil and paper to write down questions and instructions

Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims are processed by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS), and there are two ways to file an unemployment claim:

• ONLINE
  You can file your new (initial) UI claim online at www.jobs.state.nm.us.
  Get connected to online services today! ¡Conéctese a los servicios en línea hoy! - PDF


• 1-877-664-6984 TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE
  You can also file over the phone by calling 1-877-NM-4-MYUI(1-877-664-6984). After following the automated prompts, your call will be transferred to a Customer Service Agent (CSA) who will complete your claim. The UI Operations Center is currently open 7:00am-5:00pm.

If you have information or would like to report Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud activity, please call the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions UI fraud line at 505-24-FRAUD (505-243-7283).

What is Unemployment Insurance Fraud?

Unemployment Insurance is a safety net program that provides temporary income support to qualified unemployed workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Everyone who collects UI benefits is legally responsible for making sure they meet and follow eligibility requirements as set by New Mexico state law. It is a crime to intentionally provide false information about your salary or work history, or to knowingly collect UI benefits based on inaccurate information.

UI fraud costs everyone money. It drives up UI taxes for businesses, impacts honest people with legitimate jobless claims, and puts a strain on New Mexico’s unemployment trust fund.

Examples of Unemployment Insurance Fraud

• An individual returns to work but continues to collect UI benefits.
• An individual works a part-time job but does not report his or her earnings to the state, thereby collecting more benefits than he or she is allowed.
• An individual performs temporary work while collecting UI benefits but does not report the earnings when filing his or her weekly claim.
• An individual holds back information or gives false information to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

What are the consequences?

People who commit UI fraud face serious penalties, including:

• Prosecution by government authorities
• Possible jail or prison sentences
• Liens placed on property
• Forced repayment of improperly collected UI benefits plus substantial penalties and fines
• Ineligibility to collect UI benefits in the future

If you think you may have committed UI fraud, call the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions immediately at 1-877-664-6984. A Customer Service Agent will listen to you and help you address the issue.

Unemployment Insurance Fraud Flyer - PDF

To access the online options you must go to the New Mexico Workforce Connection online system at www.jobs.state.nm.us. In order to access the UI Tax & Claims system you must first log in to the New Mexico Workforce Connection Online system. Once you are logged in click on "Unemployment Insurance" located under the Quick Menu on the left. A pop up window will open with login information for the UI Tax & Claims system.

NOTE: If you do not see the screen appear, make sure you have disabled your pop-up blocker from your internet settings. once you have disabled the pop-up blocker, click on "Unemployment Insurance" again and the login screen should appear. 

If you have never applied for benefits from New Mexico before click on "Apply for Benefits in the top left of the pop-up screen. If you already have an account, log in with your Social Security Number (SSN) and password. If you had a claim with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions in the past that required the use of a four digit PIN and have not created an account online, enter your Social Security Number and four-digit Telephone Claims/Certification PIN (in the password box) and select "Login." This will prompt you to create a new password.

The UI Tax & Claims system online options include:

• Check payment Status
• Change payment method (from direct deport to debit card and vice versa)
• View your tax information (1099G)
• Certify for benefits
• View an appeals decision
• View correspondence