Unemployment Insurance FAQs

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 1-877-664-6984. 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 8:00am-4:30pm.

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

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. 

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, 8:00am-4:30pm.

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 complete your weekly certification, you may do so any day of the week, 24 hours a day, online at www.jobs.state.nm.us, or over the phone at 1-877-664-6984 Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm.

You can check what pending issue you have by logging into your unemployment insurance account, selecting the menu option “View and Maintain Account Information” and then select “Issues and Determinations”. Scroll down towards the bottom of your screen and you can see what is pending. Please be advised that the department adjudicates issues in the order they are received.

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.