Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides benefits to people who are out of work through no fault of their own and who meet certain qualifications. It is an insurance program supported by employers who pay unemployment contributions to the state and federal governments.
Filing a New Claim
Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims are processed by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS). There are two ways to file for unemployment:
- ONLINE: You may file your new (initial) UI claim online by going to the New Mexico Jobs website, www.jobs.state.nm.us. All individuals who choose to apply online, or would like to access their online claimant account, must FIRST create an account with New Mexico Jobs to access the UI Tax & Claims system.
- CALL TOLL-FREE: You may also file by 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 you claim. The UI Operations Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- IN-PERSON: You may file in-person at any America's Job Center New Mexico Location.
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 the last 18 months
- The starting and ending dates of your last job (or jobs if more than one employer in the last 18 moths)
- 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
- If you are a Federal employee you must provide:
After you have applied for benefits, a weekly certification must be filed for each week for which you are applying for benefits. You must submit your weekly certification on time by certifying online anytime Sunday through Saturday, or by calling the UI Operations Center Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please note: The first eligible week of any new claim is a "waiting week". You will not receive benefits for this week and it is not included in your weeks of payment.