Information for Workers Affected by COVID-19

The week ending September 4 was the last payable week for PUA benefits which provides benefits for claimants who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance, such as self-employed, contract workers and gig economy workers. For 30 days after this expiration, the Department will continue to take new applications so long as the period of unemployment benefits requested is before September 4.

You can look up your benefit program type when you log into your claimant homepage. Look under Basic Information and there you will see a line for “Program Type.”

CARES Act programs are controlled by Congress, not the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. If Congress extends the unemployment benefit programs or authorizes new unemployment programs, we will update our website and our FAQs.

If your claim is not approved until after December 26, 2020, you may still receive backpay for weeks for which you are qualified. You should continue filing weekly certifications.

The week ending September 4 was the last payable week for PUA benefits which provides benefits for claimants who are not otherwise eligible for unemployment insurance, such as self-employed, contract workers and gig economy workers. For 30 days after this expiration, the Department will continue to take new applications so long as the period of unemployment benefits requested is before September 4.

No. Updates regarding benefit extensions will be provided on this webpage and on official department social media accounts as soon as they become available.

Free job services are available to all New Mexicans through the New Mexico Workforce Connection Online System, https://www.jobs.state.nm.us and through Ready NM at https://www.ready.nm.gov. Providing job seekers with access to explore more than 64,000 job openings, learn about high-demand career fields, find career training and education programs, and access information about other resources such as scholarships and grants, childcare and adult education services.  Representatives are also available by phone at 1-800-303-3599, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

• Career Fairs - view dates and times for virtual and in person career fairs taking place across the state.
• Workshops - register to attend a virtual workshop to brush up on your skills, workshops are held weekly. 
• Apprenticeships - Browse career pathways offered in a wide variety of trades and occupations. Earn while you learn!

There are several websites that offer additional resources, including Ready NM, the State of New Mexico website (www.newmexico.gov) and sharenm.org, that list agencies offering help with food, shelter, medical, dental, and mental health care, child care and more.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is a temporary federal program under the CARES Act and extended under the Continued Assistance Act (CAA) that provides benefits to individuals who are not otherwise eligible for Unemployment Insurance.

• You must be either unemployed or have hours reduced to fewer than 32 hours/week and must be earning less than the weekly amount of unemployment you receive.
• You must not be eligible for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits. For example, those who are self-employed/business owners, independent contractors, 1099 and other gig-economy workers, and sole proprietors who do not pay unemployment premiums on their own income are generally not eligible to receive Unemployment Insurance benefits.
• You are able to work and available to accept work except that the COVID-19 pandemic is preventing you from doing that.
• You must provide an acceptable form of proof of earnings. Acceptable forms of proof include copies of income tax return forms such as a Form 1040. For a full list of acceptable forms, please refer to the FAQs.

Acceptable forms of proof of earnings include copies of 2019 income tax forms such as the following:

• Self-employed: Forms 1040; and schedules C, F, or SE
• Partnerships: Forms 1040, 1065, and schedule F, K-1
• Corporations: Forms 1040, 1120, 1120A, and schedule E, SE
• 1099 or W2

Applying for PUA is a two-step process.

1. First, apply for regular Unemployment Insurance benefits at www.jobs.state.nm.us to determine if your income is covered by the regular state Unemployment Insurance (UI) program. If determined ineligible for regular UI benefits, you will then be cleared to apply for PUA benefits.
2. Once you are determined ineligible for regular benefits, you will be provided access to apply for PUA benefits through a link on your Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System homepage. 

The PUA benefit is based on your income from the 2019 tax year. You must provide proof of income via 1040 tax forms. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $169, while the maximum is $461.

• Note that the weekly benefit amount does not include the $300 federal stimulus money called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). For more information on FPUC, please review the FAQs on this page.

You may receive partial benefits if you are working fewer than 32 hours a week and earning less than the weekly benefit amount. You must report all hours worked and earnings, including tips, for the hours worked when you request payment of unemployment benefits.

If approved and after certifying (and if there are no other issues that require further review), you may be able to receive your first PUA payment within 3 business days through direct deposit or an existing Unemployment benefits debit card or within 11 business days if you request a new debit card.

Yes. Your PUA benefits can be backdated to the date that your employment was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yes. Claimants who are eligible to receive PUA benefits will also receive Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). Under the Continued Assistance Act (CAA), the FPUC program will pay eligible claimants up to 11 weeks of additional benefits until March 13, 2021. There is no action required on the part of the claimant other than to continue to file their weekly certifications.

AmeriCorps members who were unable to complete their term of service due to COVID19 may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. For eligibility guidance, visit https://nationalservice.gov/documents/2020/cncs-general-questions. For more information about PUA and how to apply, review the FAQs on this page.

You may also provide documents that show you were working and that your work was disrupted due to the pandemic. Additional proof of income documents include pay stubs, 1099/W-2, FEIN or state employer account number, business license.

Please complete your quarterly application. This can be done at anytime Sunday through Saturday. The online system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except during times of scheduled maintenance, at www.jobs.state.nm.us.

Under the rules provided by the federal government, a claimant must exhaust all standard benefits first if eligible. Then you will follow the program progression of PEUC and FDEB1.

Be sure to complete your quarterly application for benefits to determine if you are eligible for standard benefits. Check to see if you have a “Reopen Claim” link and answer all questions presented to you.

If you haven’t submitted your claim, the system will allow you to modify any information you have already entered on your claim. If you want to add another employer and have already submitted your claim, you must call the Operations Center at 1-877-664-6984, Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 5:00pm

If you want to add a dependent and have already submitted your claim, go to your Home Page, select “View and Maintain Account Information” from the left-side menu, in the drop-down menu, select “Dependent Information” option and then add the dependent(s) on the screen provided.

If you want to change from debit card to direct deposit (or vice versa), go to your Home Page, select “View and Maintain Account Information” from the left-side menu, from the drop-down menu select “Payment Method Options and Tax Information.” From the Payment Methods Options and Tax Information, select the “Edit” button and make your change.

First, you will need to make sure your internet browsers are closed. From the email you received, select the link to reset password. You must physically type in the temporary password (rather than copy and paste) from the email you received and then the system should allow you to change the password.

Yes, your old account is still available. If the error message is on the Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System, type in your Social Security Number (SSN) and then select “Forgot Password.” If the error message is on your “My Workforce Connection” account, select “Forgot Username/Password” and follow the prompts.

If you had an unemployment insurance claim prior to 2013 and have never logged into it online, enter your SSN and the last four digits of your SSN as your password. You will then be prompted to set up a password. Once your new password is set up, it will take you back to the login screen to enter in your SSN and new password.

If you have previously logged in but do not remember your password, please enter in your SSN and then select “forgot password”.

Claims are locked for a variety of reasons, but more often than not this occurs to protect claimants where there may be suspicious activity on a claim and the department takes action to prevent further activity that could be fraudulent. You will receive a letter with more information to unlock your claim. This letter should be used as a cover letter when submitting proof of identity documents to the department. We take fraud seriously and have dedicated staff who review each identity verification issue individually, as this process cannot be automated. We appreciate your patience as we work to verify identities as quickly as possible.

In order for benefit entitlement to be determined, you must provide a photocopy of at least one of the following documents:

1. Social Security Number
2. A past year's W2 form
3. Check stubs

You must also provide a photocopy of at least one of the following personal identification documents:

1. Driver's license or state ID for New Mexico or other state
2. Birth certificate
3. Passport
4. Alien Identification Card

Mail or fax the cover sheet and your personal identification to the following location:

• New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
  PO Box 1928
  Albuquerque, NM 87103
  Fax: (505) 841-8636

As an alternative, you may take a picture of your identification on your phone and submit it by email to id.verify@state.nm.us. Be sure to include your claimant ID number on every page submitted. For example, place your driver’s license on a piece of paper on which you have clearly written your claimant ID number. This will help ensure that your proof of identity is attached to your claim.

No. Unemployment Insurance benefits are funded by an employer tax. It is against the law for employers to deduct unemployment taxes from your wages.

UPDATE: Under guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, NMDWS will waive the “waiting week” for claimants who have applied for benefits since March 15th. By waiving the waiting week, claimants will receive an extra week of benefit payments to their accounts while allowing for new applicants to receive their benefits faster.

To close your claim, all you need to do is stop certifying. There is no need to call or notify the department.

No, you would not be eligible to receive payment if you are serving compensable weeks due to a prior fraud determination until all compensable weeks are served.

Log in to your online account (www.jobs.state.nm.us) regularly to check for any correspondence from the department. You will remain responsible for any communication from NMDWS including requests for information and responses to notices of determination, hearings or decisions issued by the Department.

Starting Wednesday, April 8, 2020, the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center has implemented extended hours. The Operations Center will open at 7am and take calls until 5:00pm

The department continues to strongly encourage anyone with internet access to apply and complete weekly certifications using our website at www.jobs.state.nm.us.

If the system has reached the maximum calls in the regular queue and the call back telephone queue, the system has no other option than to hang up. We apologize for the system issues, but due to the large volume of calls received each day the system is working at capacity.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits to individuals who have exhausted their regular state Unemployment Insurance claim (26 weeks) with a benefit year that ended on or after July 1, 2019. There are two ways to apply for PEUC, by calling 1-877-664-6984, Monday-Friday, 7:00am 5:00pm or online by logging in to your account at www.jobs.state.nm.us and selecting "Apply for Federal Extension Benefits" from the left navigation.

It can take up to 3 business days from the time your online Unemployment Insurance claim shows a payment was made for that payment to be reflected in your bank account or on your debit card.

When you file your claim, your weekly benefit amount will be based on the 2019 quarter in which you earned the most, rather than being based on your hourly wage rate.

Claimants in New Mexico may receive up to $484 per week, based on the 2019 quarter in which they earned the most. This is separate from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). Claimants may also receive $25 for up to 2 qualified dependents under the age of 18.

If the separation is a layoff (lack of work), the employer does not need to respond during this crisis. If the separation is any other type, the employer will need to respond.

Please be advised that your 1099G includes payments that you may have received in 2020 including your weekly benefit amount, Lost Wages Assistance (LWA), Worker Pandemic Benefit (WPB), and the $600/week FPUC under the CARES Act.

If you faxed or emailed your proof of identity in, we received it. We take fraud seriously and have dedicated staff who review each identity verification issue individually, as this process cannot be automated. We appreciate your patience as we work to verify identities as quickly as possible.

Please file a new claim. The department will review your claim and make a determination for eligibility for benefits.

If the Department receives a rejection or return on a direct deposit account for any reason, it will result in a paper check being issued to you by mail. There are many reasons why this could happen, including, but not limited to, the following: Wrong account number or routing number provided; Closed account; Bank closed account due to overdraft fees; Bank rejected payment; Name on payment did not match the name associated with the bank account. Once the Department receives the reject payment file back from the bank, usually in 3-5 days, the system will automatically send out a paper check. You may receive a call from the Department requesting you to correct your direct deposit information online. Please note that we cannot take this information over the phone. You may also receive notification of the rejected payment directly from your bank. If you do not have a valid bank account you will be placed on the debit card payment method.

Per our agency security rules and requirements, we do not accept any type of pre-paid brand accounts, including pre-paid bank accounts or pre-paid debit cards, to be used as a direct deposit account for claims. If you would like to use direct deposit as your payment method, you must have an account using a valid, known FDIC/NCUA approved routing number. If you do not have a valid, known routing number, you will be sent a debit card as your payment method.

If your account number is entered incorrectly, is not known, or is not on the FDIC/NCUA approved routing number list, it will go to the routing number workflow and this payment method will be researched by a member of the NMDWS fraud team. You will be mailed paper checks while the investigation takes place. If it is determined to be valid bank it will be added to the approved list and you may begin to use this as the direct deposit account. If it is an unknown or new pre-paid product, it will be added to the blocked list and you will be placed on the debit card if there is no other valid direct deposit account to be used.

You can change your payment method at any time by accessing your Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System account online at www.jobs.state.nm.us. Once you log in, click the umbrella icon for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, then select “Manage Account” and then “Payment Method.” Then select the payment option you would prefer. We recommend that if you are changing your payment method, do so 24 hours prior to completing your weekly certification to allow our system time to update before sending out the payment. Please note that Department staff do not have access to assist with entering any direct deposit account information. Department staff can only update your payment method to the debit card.

If you have elected to receive a debit card for your Unemployment Insurance benefits, please be advised that the current processing and arrival time for new debit cards is 7-14 calendar days.

If you have questions regarding ordering a new card, checking the status of a replacement card, debit card account balance questions, or need to Pin/Activate the card please contact the New Mexico Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1-866-898-2213. Support is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also log in to the debit card website at EPPICard.com to manage your debit card account. If you need assistance setting up your account on EPPICard.com, have been locked out of your account, or need help with the website password, please contact the New Mexico Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1-866-898-2213 for assistance.

To order a new card or check the status of your card, you may do so without waiting on hold to speak to someone when you call the New Mexico Debit Card Customer Service Center. You will be asked to verify your identity before a card will be sent and can do this by entering in the card number. If you do not know the card number, you can use your Social Security Number or your date of birth to authenticate.

There is a $15.00 fee for replacement debit cards, and you can request for your new card to be expedited 2 days arrival via FedEx or UPS, depending on your area of the state. Please note that we cannot expedite cards to any PO box addresses. These can be sent via USPS Priority Mail, however, there is no guaranteed delivery date.

No. Per banking regulations, once the money is deposited to the debit card, we cannot remove it for any reason other than fraud. You will need to use the card to access any funds deposited there.

Your date of birth may not have been entered correctly on your claim. Please contact the Department to have this updated by calling 1-877-664-6984 or by emailing ui.claims@state.nm.us.

NMDWS staff do not have any access to the debit card accounts. Please contact the New Mexico Debit Card Customer Service Center at 1-866-898-2213. Support is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may also log in to the debit card website at EPPICard.com to manage your debit card account.

I've exhausted my regular unemployment benefits. Am I eligible for any additional unemployment assistance?

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) set up the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program beginning the week of April 26, 2020. This program may provide up to an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to those that have exhausted their regular unemployment benefits. The Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) under the PEUC program is the same as the claimant received for regular unemployment. Claimants receiving PEUC benefits may also receive an additional $300 per week through Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) until until March 13, 2021.

There are two ways to apply for PEUC:

• Online by logging in to your account at www.jobs.state.nm.us. Click on the “Unemployment Insurance Benefits” umbrella icon to access the Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System. On your claimant homepage, click on “Apply for Extended Benefits”.
• By phone at 1-877-664-6984. The department continues to operate under extended hours for the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center, 7:00am-5:00pm

Under federal law, beginning with the week of June 28, 2020, New Mexico has also set up the Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1) Program offering up to an additional 13 weeks of benefits to individuals who have exhausted both their regular unemployment benefits and 13 weeks of PEUC benefits. Upon exhaustion of regular unemployment and PEUC, NMDWS will issue written notification to all individuals who are eligible to apply for the new FDEB1 program. The Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) under the FDEB1 program is the same as the individual received for regular unemployment.

How do I apply for Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1)?

If you have exhausted your regular state Unemployment Insurance benefits and the 13 weeks of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions will send you written notification informing you that you may be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of benefits under the Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1) Program.

There are two ways to apply for FDEB1:

• Online by logging in to your account at www.jobs.state.nm.us. Click on the “Unemployment Insurance Benefits” umbrella icon to access the Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System. On your claimant homepage, click on “Apply for Extended Benefits”.
• By phone at 1-877-664-6984. The department continues to operate under extended hours for the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center, 7am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday.

When will extended benefits start and end?

Once your regular unemployment insurance benefits have been exhausted, you may be eligible to apply for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). PEUC provides an additional 13 weeks of benefits.

Once you have exhausted PEUC benefits, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions will send you written notification informing you that you may be eligible for an additional 13 weeks of benefits under the Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1) Program.

Am I required to search for work while receiving extended benefits?

Work search requirements are waived until further notice.

It is a federal requirement and claimants must be able, available, and actively looking for work to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Unless exempted by the department, you are required to make a minimum of two different work search contacts every week to qualify for benefits. For more information, please review the Able, Available, and Actively Seeking Fact Sheet (Hoja de Hechos: Capaz, Disponible, y Actualmente Buscando Trabajo)

Can I receive extended benefits after my Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits end?

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) provides claimants with up to 39 weeks of benefits. Once a claimant has exhausted their PUA benefits, under federal law, they will not be permitted to apply for extended benefits.

Note: All COVID-19 related federal unemployment programs (FPUC, PUA, PEUC, PEUC-A, MEUC) expired on September 4, 2021. If you are currently receiving regular state unemployment you may continue to receive benefits under that program, depending on eligibility requirements.

I heard about a $300/week payment. Where is that coming from and who can receive it?

Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) provides individuals who are collecting UI benefits an additional $300 per week. The FPUC additional benefit will be paid on eligible weeks of unemployment until the week ending March 13, 2021. To receive the FPUC payments, claimants must be eligible to receive benefits under standard Unemployment Insurance (STUI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1).

Is the $300 amount under the Continued Assistance Act available each week or on a monthly basis?

The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) benefit will be paid on a weekly basis for up to 11 weeks until the week ending March 13, 2021. All claimants will receive these payments for weeks they are eligible for benefits under standard Unemployment Insurance (STUI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1).

If I have a pending unemployment application, do I need to apply again for the additional $300?

No, if you are currently filing for benefits there is no additional action you need to take beyond filing your weekly certification.

Will the additional $300 come a different way than my regular unemployment benefit?

No, once the benefit becomes available you will receive it in the same way as you receive your traditional unemployment benefit via your preferred method of payment.

When will I start to see the additional $300 on my unemployment?

Eligible claimants began to see Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) payments the week of January 10, 2021.

Will any additional income I received through these benefits impact my eligibility for unemployment benefits?

No, funds you receive as a result of this stimulus package will not impact your income eligibility as it is not considered earned income.

Will the people now eligible under the Continued Assistance Act (CAA) get the $300 in addition to money from the state or will it just be for $300?

The Continued Assistance Act (CAA) extended Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program originally created by the CARES Act. This additional benefit is for eligible individuals who are receiving unemployment insurance benefits. The program extension began the week of January 10, 2021, and will provide up to 11 weeks of benefits, until March 13, 2021. Eligible individuals will receive an additional $300.00 per week along with their regular weekly unemployment benefits. There is no action required on the part of the claimant other than to continue to file their weekly certifications.

Will the extra $300 in unemployment be included with what you’re already getting in one check or will it be two separate payments?

Eligible individuals will receive an additional $300 per week along with their regular weekly unemployment benefits in one check.

hat if I currently have a fraud overpayment with the Department? Will I still be eligible for the additional $300?

No, those individuals with a current fraud overpayment will not be entitled to any Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

Note: All COVID-19 related federal unemployment programs (FPUC, PUA, PEUC, PEUC-A, MEUC) expired on September 4, 2021. If you are currently receiving regular state unemployment you may continue to receive benefits under that program, depending on eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible for MEUC?

Will I still get the FPUC payment if I’m eligible for MEUC?

Yes, the MEUC payment will be in addition to your weekly benefit amount and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).

How do I know the right tax year when submitting documentation?

To be eligible for MEUC, you must provide documentation to prove net self-employment earnings of at least $5,000 in the tax year prior to your initial standard Unemployment Insurance (STUI) claim.

• If your initial STUI claim was established in 2020 submit documents for tax year 2019.
• If your initial STUI claim was established in 2021 submit documents for tax year 2020.

When will I start getting the extra $100 a week?

Eligible individuals will receive the extra $100 MEUC payment for all weeks, December 27, 2020 through the first week of September 2021, in which they received standard Unemployment Benefits (STUI), Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), or Federal-State Extended Benefits (FDEB1). However, the benefit will only be paid after the department reviews all supporting documents and makes a determination regarding eligibility for the program. Please be advised the review process may take several weeks after you submit your application and documents. Payments will be made retroactively.

Will I receive a Notice of Determination regarding MEUC?

Yes, after your application for MEUC has been reviewed you will receive a Notice of Determination Letter that will inform you if you are eligible for benefits.

Will the extra $100 a week affect my eligibility for public assistance programs?

The extra $100/week through MEUC may affect eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, or SNAP.

Do I have to pay taxes on the extra $100?

Yes, MEUC is taxable and will be subject to 10% federal income tax withholding, if you elected to have taxes withheld from your weekly benefits. You may elect to change your tax withholding preference once per claim benefit year.

Do I need to apply for MEUC separately?

Yes, you must submit a MEUC application and necessary documentation in order for the department to determine if you meet the requirements to be eligible for MEUC. Claimants may apply by clicking on “Apply for Self-Employment MEUC” from the menu option on their claimant homepage. They may also apply over the phone with a Customer Service Agent by calling 1-877-664-6984, Monday through Friday, 7am– 5pm. The deadline for applications will be the first week of September 2021.

Will MEUC be paid in a different way than my regular unemployment benefit?

No, if eligible you will receive the MEUC benefit to your preferred payment method, direct deposit or debit card. Please be advised the review process may take several weeks after you submit your application and documents. Payments will be made retroactively.

Why are PUA claimants not able to apply for MEUC?

Under the Continued Assistance Act, Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation is for claimants who can be considered “mixed earners” – they have earned enough income from a traditional employer to qualify for standard Unemployment Insurance and have also earned at least $5,000 in net self-employment income. Claimants receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits do not meet these requirements.

Note: All COVID-19 related federal unemployment programs (FPUC, PUA, PEUC, PEUC-A, MEUC) expired on September 4, 2021. If you are currently receiving regular state unemployment you may continue to receive benefits under that program, depending on eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible for PEUC?

• You are eligible for PEUC if:
• You have exhausted all rights to regular state or federal benefits and your Benefit Year End date is after July 1, 2019;
• You are not currently eligible for state or federal unemployment benefits; and
• You are able and available to work and actively seeking work, except in instances where COVID-19 has made it not possible, including illness, quarantine, or "stay at home" orders.

How do I know if I have exhausted my benefits?

• You have exhausted your benefits when:
• You are not eligible for regular UI benefits because you have received the maximum amount of these benefits available to you based on your employment or wages during your base period; OR
• Your benefit year ended on or after July 1, 2019.

How do I file for PEUC?

If you currently have an open UI claim, there is nothing for you to do other than continue filing your weekly certification. You cannot apply for any UI programs in advance, so you must wait for the week after your benefits are exhausted to apply for PEUC.

If you have exhausted the maximum amount of regular UI benefits available to you and are unable to file a new claim until your current benefit year expires, you will be eligible for up to 13 weeks of additional benefits through the PEUC program. When you log in to your claim there will be an option on the left navigation that says “Apply for Federal Extension Benefits.”

If you remain totally or partially unemployed when your benefit year ends, you must file a new application for regular UI before your PEUC application can be considered.

Follow along the steps of PEUC benefits with the PEUC Program Progression.

How much is the PEUC weekly benefit amount?

Eligible individuals will receive the same amount of Unemployment Insurance benefits as the previous weeks they received. They will also receive Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), an additional $300 to their weekly benefits until March 13, 2021, up to 11 weeks.

Will I get the additional $300 per week?

Yes. Under the Continued Assistance Act (CAA), all individuals collecting any type of UI, including PEUC, will receive $300 per week from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program, in addition to their weekly benefits as calculated. FPUC payments will end March 13, 2021.

I filed a new UI claim recently. Am I eligible for PEUC?

In general, individuals collecting regular UI are eligible for 26 weeks of benefits. If you are still unemployed after 26 weeks, you may be eligible for up to 13 additional weeks of benefits through PEUC.

I exhausted my benefits before July 1, 2019 and have not worked since then. Am I eligible for PEUC?

No. However, depending on when you last reported income, you may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides benefits to those individuals who do not have enough wages in their base year to file a regular UI claim. Please visit our PUA FAQs to find out more.

I was collecting unemployment after July 1, 2019, but then went back to work. Now I am laid-off again. How many weeks of UI am I eligible for?

The PEUC program provides eligible individuals with up to 13 additional weeks of benefits when you have exhausted your regular UI. You may be eligible for at up to 39 total weeks of benefits.

How long will PEUC be available?

Under the CARES Act, PEUC expired December 26, 2020. The Continued Assistance Act (CAA) will provide up to an additional 11 weeks of PEUC benefits. PEUC will be available until the week ending March 13, 2021 (no new applications accepted after that date), with allowance for three additional weeks of benefits for those who have not reached the maximum number of weeks through the week ending April 3, 2021.

My account says my program type is FDEB1 but my payments say PEUC. Which program am I on?

To see what unemployment program you are on, log in to your claimant account online and go to “View and Maintain Account Information” and then “Payment History”. This page shows your payments and which unemployment program your benefits were under.

This is the first week that I will be on PEUC. Should I still certify on Sunday? Will I continue benefits on February 7 if approved, or is this when I start to certify?

If you had benefits under standard Unemployment Insurance (STUI) and were approved to receive PEUC, continue to certify each week. You may complete your weekly certification anytime during the week between Sunday and Saturday.

What is the Worker Pandemic Benefit?

The Worker Pandemic Benefit (WPB) is a one-time supplemental unemployment compensation benefit in the amount of $1,200 to those who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and who are or were eligible for unemployment benefits, including regular state unemployment insurance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), Extended Benefits, or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

The WPB was authorized through state legislation passed during the 2020 Special Session.

How much money will a person be eligible for and for how many weeks?

Eligible individuals will receive a one-time $1,200 supplemental benefit as a separate payment from their weekly unemployment benefit.

Funding for the Worker Pandemic Benefit was provided by re-allocated federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding received by the State of New Mexico, and approved during the 2020 Special Session.

Do I need to submit an application to receive the Worker Pandemic Benefit?

No, there is not an application for the Worker Pandemic Benefit. Eligible individuals are those who certify and are eligible to receive benefits for qualifying weeks of November 22 through 28 or November 29 through December 5. Also, claimants who were receiving benefits but exhausted their benefits between September 12, 2020 and the time of the bill signing are eligible for WPB. There is no need for claimants to call or apply separately for this benefit.

If I am eligible, when will I receive the WPB payment?

This benefit payment will be separate from regular weekly benefit payments. Benefits will be paid starting December 14 to those determined eligible.

Is WPB the same program that paid the extra $300 per week from FEMA?

No. The $300 per week for up to six weeks was for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA), a program funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). WPB comes from re-allocated federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding received by the State of New Mexico, and approved during the 2020 Special Session.

Who is eligible to receive the Worker Pandemic Benefit?

Individuals are eligible for WPB as long as they certify and are eligible to receive benefits for qualifying weeks of November 22 through 28 or November 29 through December 5. Also, claimants who were receiving benefits but exhausted their benefits between September 12 and November 25 are eligible for WPB. There is no need for claimants to call or apply separately for this benefit.

This one-time benefit is not available to individuals who have returned to full-time work or certify that they earned wages greater than their weekly benefit amount during the week legislation was signed.

Is the Worker Pandemic Benefit of $1,200 taxable?

Yes, WPB is a taxable benefit.

How will I receive the WPB payment?

Eligible individuals will receive a one-time $1,200 supplemental benefit as a separate payment from their weekly unemployment benefit through their preferred payment method for receiving Unemployment Insurance benefits. Your payment method can be revised at any time by logging into your Unemployment Insurance account and going to “View and Maintain Account Information” and then selecting “Payment Method Options and Tax Information.”

If there is a hold on my claim, will I still be able to get the one-time $1,200 benefit?

The department is expanding our eligibility criteria to include as many claimants as possible in the one-time Worker Pandemic Benefit. Eligible individuals are those who certify and are eligible to receive benefits for qualifying weeks of November 22 through November 28 or November 29 through December 5. Please note, claimants who were eligible for benefits but exhausted their claims between September 12 and November 25, 2020 are eligible for WPB. There is no need for claimants to apply separately for this benefit.

Do I need to certify and be eligible for both qualifying weeks?

No, to be eligible for the one one-time Worker Pandemic Benefit you only need to be able to certify and are eligible to receive benefits for one of the qualifying weeks. Qualifying weeks are November 22 through November 28 or November 29 through December 5.

Will I still qualify for WPB if I am waiting on my appeal?

If an individual is waiting on an appeal hearing, they may receive the WPB payment if their appeal is resolved and determined in the claimant's favor without any other pending issues before December 28th and they are able to certify and receive a benefit payment for qualifying weeks of November 22 through 28 or November 29 through December 5.

What is the LWA program?

The Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program is a temporary emergency measure to provide an additional $300 per week to those who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are receiving unemployment benefits. The LWA program was authorized through an August 8th Presidential Memorandum.

Has New Mexico applied for and been approved for the LWA program?

Yes, New Mexico has received approval and grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for Lost Wages Assistance (LWA). With the guidance provided in the Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UPIL) from U.S. Department of Labor, we have started a project to enhance our Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims System to roll out the LWA in a smooth and seamless process. Read FEMA’s press announcement here.

How much money will individuals be eligible for each week, and for how many weeks?

For the state of New Mexico, an eligible individual could receive a $300 supplemental benefit in addition to their weekly unemployment benefit. New Mexico has been approved for six weeks of payments, beginning July 26, 2020, through September 5, 2020.

The LWA program has a limited budget, so the length of time the LWA program is available, the amount that is paid out, and to whom will be determined by the number of participating states, the number of payments that go out, and how quickly the limited federal funds are exhausted.

Do I need to submit an application for the LWA program?

No, there is not an application for the LWA program. Funding is limited to those who received unemployment benefits for the time period of July 26, 2020, through September 5, 2020, and meet the self-certification requirements to be eligible for the additional $300 LWA payment.

What time period does the LWA program cover?

Funding is limited to those who received an unemployment benefit for the time period of July 26, 2020, through September 5, 2020, and are determined eligible for the additional $300 LWA stimulus payment.

Who is eligible for the LWA program?

New Mexico must follow the federal guidelines for this program. Eligible individuals include recipients whose weekly benefit amount is at least $100 per week in the following unemployment-related assistance programs:

• Unemployment Insurance or Compensation (state benefits)
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (13 weeks federal extension)
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (federal self-employed unemployment)
• Extended Benefits

In addition, individuals must self-certify that they are unemployed, or partially unemployed, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

If I am eligible, when will I receive the LWA benefit?

LWA benefit payments in New Mexico started to go out the second week of September. This benefit payment will be separate from regular weekly benefit payments. Benefits will be paid retroactively for those determined eligible.

Is LWA the same program that paid the extra $600 per week under the CARES Act?

No. The $600 per week available under the CARES Act expired at the end of July. LWA has different eligibility requirements and is a limited pool of money to be shared among all states that apply and are approved.

What does self-certification mean?

Individuals will have to complete a self-certification that states they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Do claimants have to receive more than $100 in weekly unemployment benefits in order to receive the extra LWA benefits?

No. The $100 requirement is specific to weekly benefit amount.

If an individual is eligible for a minimum weekly benefit amount of $86 and receives a dependency allowance of $25 they will be eligible to receive LWA benefits.

If your weekly benefit amount is $100 or more but you receive less because you are earning wages, you are still eligible to receive LWA benefits if your weekly amount is at least $1.