Navigating the New Mexico unemployment insurance program can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common ones people have while going through the process.
How do I file a claim for unemployment benefits in New Mexico?
You can apply for unemployment benefits in New Mexico by internet or by phone.
The fastest way to apply is online using the Unemployment Insurance and Claims system.
If you don’t have access to a computer or require the assistance of a live representative, you can visit your local New Mexico Workforce Connection Center or call the Department of Workforce Solutions UI operations center.
How much is unemployment in New Mexico?
Unemployment compensation is based on your previous earnings and the number of dependents living in your home. As of 2023, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $96 and the maximum weekly benefit amount is $565.
You can calculate your weekly benefit amount by visiting our New Mexico Unemployment Calculator.
How long does New Mexico unemployment take to process?
Once you meet the waiting week requirements, your claim for unemployment benefits should be processed within a few business days of filing your second weekly claim. Once your weekly claim for benefits is processed, it can take up to three business days for the payment to reach your account.
When does my weekly claim start?
You can file a new claim for benefits once the week has ended. The week starts each Sunday and ends the following Saturday. The online system to file weekly claims is available Sunday through Friday, 24 hours per day. The phone system is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST.
Be sure to file your weekly claim on time. This typically means filing once per week. Failure to do so may result in payment delays or could lead to benefits being paused.
How do I check the status of my claim in New Mexico?
You can check the status of your claim by logging into the New Mexico Unemployment Insurance System or by calling the UI operations center.
I was temporarily laid off, do I still have to search for a new job?
If you have been temporarily laid off by your employer for a period of four weeks or less and there is a specific date for your return to work, you may not need to worry about meeting the work search requirements.
However, to qualify for this exemption, you must provide a letter from your employer that confirms your return date. You will also need to report any vacation or holiday pay you receive during that time.
Can I file an unemployment claim with another state?
While you can’t file for unemployment benefits in more than one state, you can file a combined wage claim to potentially increase your weekly benefit amount.
To find out if you are eligible for a combined wage claim in New Mexico, talk to a customer service agent at the UI operations center. They will be to help you decide what the best options are for your claim for benefits.
Please note that you will need to provide information about all the employers you have worked for in the past 18 months.
What happens if I lie to get unemployment benefits in New Mexico?
When filing an initial claim for benefits, it is important to provide truthful and accurate information. It is also essential that you report all weekly earnings, including money from a pension or retirement account. Failure to do so could lead to issues such as overpayments, delays, or even a denial of future benefits.
Giving misleading or false information when filing a claim for benefits is considered unemployment insurance fraud, which is against the law and may result in legal punishment.
Who pays for New Mexico unemployment insurance?
The money that funds unemployment insurance benefits comes from taxes that New Mexico employers pay, not from the money that employees earn. Employers are not allowed to take money from your wages to pay for unemployment taxes. This is against the law, and the employer can get in serious trouble for doing so.
Can you work part time and receive unemployment benefits?
It depends on how many hours you work and how much money you earn. If you do receive benefits while working part-time, you still need to be ready, able, and willing to accept permanent work that is at least 20 hours per week.
You’re allowed to earn up to 20% of your weekly benefit amount without affecting the payment you receive. If you earn more than the 20% limit, your benefit payment will be reduced dollar for dollar until you no longer qualify for benefits.
How do I stop my unemployment claim?
Once you return to working full-time, you can stop filing weekly claims for benefit payments.
If you start working again in the middle of the week, you should inform the department about how much money you earned for that particular week in your weekly request for benefits or certification.
Are unemployment benefits subject to taxes?
Yes. Unemployment income is subject to federal taxes. When filing for New Mexico unemployment benefits, you will be given the option to have 10% of your weekly benefit amount withheld for federal taxes.
How can I receive dependency allowance?
You may be eligible for a “Dependents Allowance” of $25.00 for each verified dependent under the age of 18, for up to two dependents. You will be asked to provide dependents details when filing your claim.
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