The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions released its 2024-2027 combined state plan Wednesday, marking a year of collaboration and development with statewide stakeholders.
The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued an amendment adding Otero County and flooding to the notice of Major Disaster Declaration in New Mexico related to South Fork and Salt Fires as declared by the President on June 20, 2024.
President Joseph R. Biden authorized Federal disaster aid for the State of New Mexico, making Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) available to individuals whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the 2024 Wildfires. The President acted upon a request by New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) is currently waiting for federal approval and guidance for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to be offered to workers whose employment has been affected by the Southfork or Salt fires. Individuals may apply for Standard Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits now, a first step in the DUA process.