Unemployment Insurance FAQs

Claimants may be eligible for benefits when they become unemployed through no fault of their own.
This includes being laid off due to lack of work, a reduction in hours resulting in less than full-time work,
being discharged for reasons other than misconduct, or quitting for good cause connected with the
work. It could also include a transfer from one business entity to another, if the businesses have
different ownership or federal identification numbers.

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.

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.

Drivers for Lyft and Uber are self-employed and may therefore apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits. Please refer to “Benefits for Self-Employed, Independent Contractors & Gig Economy Workers” FAQs below for more information.

The department does not deny anyone the right to file a claim for unemployment benefits. Asking someone to work without providing any payment is a violation of the law and you should submit a wage claim to the New Mexico Wage and Hour Bureau to receive payment for hours worked.

If your account is on hold or has a pending issue, continue to complete your weekly certifications and look for any correspondence that may be sent to your “View Correspondence” or “My Inbox” on your online account. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive a lump sum payment for all weeks you were eligible and certified for.