/ Categories: Department News

NMDWS Launches Work Search Verification Pilot Project

Increased efforts to verify UI required work search documentation

(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) has launched the Work Search Verification Pilot Project to address unemployment insurance (UI) program integrity and adherence to UI benefit requirements. All UI claimants are required to conduct a minimum of two work search contacts for each week that benefits are claimed, keep a record of those work search contacts, and provide the record to NMDWS upon request. NMDWS performs a random audit based on federal requirements; the Work Search Verification Pilot Project will increase the number and frequency of work search cases to be reviewed.

For the Work Search Verification Pilot Project, 50 UI claimants per week will be identified in the UI claims and benefit system. The pilot project will randomly select claimants to report their work   search   documentation   during   a   predetermined   week   on   their   claim.   Once   the documentation has been submitted to NMDWS, their work search efforts will be audited by department staff.

"It  is  the  responsibility  of  all  eligible  unemployment  insurance  claimants  to  meet  the requirements for benefits, including that they be actively seeking work and conducting weekly work searches,” said Cabinet Secretary Celina Bussey. “This pilot project is one of many ways the department is working to prevent and detect improper unemployment insurance payments."

Claimants are mailed a letter requesting their work search documentation for the named week. The claimant work search documentation is distributed to trained UI personnel who conduct a work search audit to one named employer. Should a claimant not provide the appropriate documentation within 10 days, their benefits are suspended until they comply, and if a claimant has an unacceptable or false work search, they are subject to a warning. If they are found again to have falsified a work search on subsequent weeks, they will be subject to a suspension of benefits. Once the pilot project timeframe is completed (10 weeks), the department will evaluate the pilot program and launch the work search verification program.


Previous Article New Mexico Awarded Nearly $2.5 Million for UI Integrity
Next Article Unemployment Insurance Call Center Closed Monday

Archive

  • Do you want to become an

    Applications Developer?

    Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency.

  • Do you want to become a

    Plumber?

    Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems.

  • Do you want to become an

    Ironworker?

    Raise, place, and unite iron or steel girders, columns, and other structural members to form completed structures or structural frameworks. May erect metal storage tanks and assemble prefabricated metal buildings.

  • Do you want to become an

    Electrician?

    Perform preliminary work with the material and tools of the trade; residential and commercial rough wiring and finish work including the installation of various kinds of wires, cables, and conduits per the National Electrical Code; industrial lighting and service installation; motors controls and installation including emergency generators, relays, and timing devices.

Can't find what you're looking for?

Contact us and we'll do our best to answer your questions.