Identity verification required for all new unemployment insurance claims

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

Identity verification required for all new unemployment insurance claims

New measures strengthen security, protect claimants, and prevent fraud

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) today announced the implementation of a new identity verification requirement for all individuals applying for unemployment insurance benefits, whether applying in-person or online.

This initiative is part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to enhance system security, prevent fraud, and ensure benefits reach those who qualify.

“We are committed to strengthening the integrity of our unemployment insurance system while also increasing options for the public,” said NMDWS Cabinet Secretary Sarita Nair. “This new verification process fortifies our efforts to protect claimants’ personal information while also providing convenient access to secure verification through America’s Job Centers across New Mexico, USPS, and online. It will particularly benefit rural communities.”

Effective today, all new unemployment insurance claimants must verify their identity within 10 days of submitting their claim through one of three secure options:

In-Person: Visit any of the 25 America’s Job Center New Mexico locations

U.S. Postal Service: Verify at participating U.S. Postal Service locations.

Online: Use Login.Gov for fast and secure digital verification.

New Mexico is the 7th state to offer multiple identity verification options, and the 22nd utilizing U.S. Postal Service (USPS), an outcome stemming from a collaboration with the USPS and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Claimants are encouraged to complete the verification process as soon as possible after submitting their initial unemployment insurance claim to avoid delays in receiving benefits. Additional information including identification documents needed are available on the NMDWS website at https://www.dws.state.nm.us/IDVerifys.