New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions > News

Governor Susana Martinez Announces New Unemployment Insurance System

Fully-integrated Tax and Claims System Launches January 6, 2013; System will be down first week of January

ALBUQUERQUE-Today, the State of New Mexico announced that the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) will soon launch a new Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax & Claims system. DWS Secretary Celina Bussey says it will significantly improve the efficiency and integrity of New Mexico’s UI program, enhance the level of service provided to unemployed workers and businesses, and strengthen the state’s ability to prevent, detect, and recover improper UI payments. Bussey also says the system will be down and unavailable to claimants from January 1 to January 6 and encouraged people to file a claim or certify for benefits by Monday, December 31, 2012.
Today, the State of New Mexico announced that the Department of Workforce Solutions (DWS) will soon launch a new Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax & Claims system. DWS Secretary Celina Bussey says it will significantly improve the efficiency and integrity of New Mexico’s UI program, enhance the level of service provided to unemployed workers and businesses, and strengthen the state’s ability to prevent, detect, and recover improper UI payments. Bussey also says the system will be down and unavailable to claimants from January 1 to January 6 and encouraged people to file a claim or certify for benefits by Monday, December 31, 2012.

Businesses Invited to Attend the 2012 New Mexico Employer Summit

Half-day event tailored for employers in Albuquerque

(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions has partnered with organizations, associations, and companies to present the 2012 New Mexico Employer Summit-Albuquerque on December 6, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque.

“The employer summits are great opportunities for the Department to partner with employers, professional associations, and subject matter experts around the state,” said Secretary Celina Bussey. “This summit will be particularly valuable for businesses because we will discuss the upcoming changes that will significantly benefit employers with the launch of our new, full-integrated Unemployment Insurance Tax & Claims system on January 6, 2013. This is in addition to information-rich panel discussions about employment law topics and the public workforce system resources that can help with hiring and training costs.”

NMDWS Cracks Down on Improper Unemployment Insurance Payments

State now leads the nation in reducing improper UI payments

(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) has cut the state’s improper Unemployment Insurance payment rate by more than half – the highest drop in the country. Between fiscal years 2011 and 2012, New Mexico’s improper payment rate fell from nearly 24% to under 11%. NMDWS also cut the UI fraud rate as well, from around 6% in FY2011 to around 5% in FY2012.

“I am so proud that our Department of Workforce Solutions is a national leader in reducing fraud and improper payments in state unemployment insurance programs,” said Governor Susana Martinez. “The progress NMDWS has made since the beginning of our administration is a testament to our commitment to cracking down on fraud and strengthening New Mexico’s UI program for businesses and workers.”

Cabinet Secretary Celina Bussey said the decreases in the improper payment and fraud rates are just the beginning of a new trend that will see these rates decline even lower. “We have many more initiatives planned for 2013 that will further strengthen the integrity of New Mexico’s Unemployment Insurance program and ensure that critical UI payments go to those who truly qualify for them.”

New Mexico to Launch Integrated UI System January 6, 2013

NMDWS announces official go-live date for new UI tax and claims system

(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) announced that the department will officially launch the new, fully-integrated Unemployment Insurance system on January 6, 2013 and will be the first state in the country to simultaneously launch a tax and claims system. States have launched claims systems as quickly as 51 months, and others have launched separate tax systems within 24 months. New Mexico will launch an integrated system that will meet the high standards and needs of all of the department’s customers within a 36-month timeframe.

Changes to the 1-877-664-6984 Unemployment Insurance Self-Service Options

NMDWS announces changes to the weekly certification options for UI claimants

(Albuquerque, NM) – The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) announced changes to the weekly certification option on the 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984) toll-free number effective Sunday, November 25, 2012. As part of the implementation phase of the new Unemployment Insurance (UI) system, the option to certify via 1-877-664-6984 will only be available Monday through Saturday. There will not be an option to certify for weekly benefits on Sundays via 1-877-664-6984; however, individuals can also certify seven days a week via the web at www.dws.state.nm.us on Sundays from 3 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Mondays through Saturdays from 3 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

“We are currently working on reaching out to individuals certifying for UI benefits to explain the changes to the 1-877-664-6984 self-service options and to stress the Sunday certification option via the web at www.dws.state.nm.us,” said Cabinet Secretary Celina Bussey. “Encouraging UI claimants to use the online system allows us to maximize the new functionality and potential of the online UI system coming in January.”