Unemployment insurance claims are processed by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS), and there are two ways to file for unemployment insurance benefits:

1. The internet (www.dws.state.nm.us) or

2. The toll-free number 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984)

You can file your new unemployment insurance claim online. Click on “Apply for Benefits” under “Unemployment Insurance.” Computers are available at your local Workforce Connection Centers and local libraries. Our unemployment insurance claims system is available to take initial claims or weekly certifications from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Please allow at least 30 minutes to file an online claim prior to system down time.

You can also file by phone by calling 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984). After following the automated prompts, your call will be transferred to a customer service representative (CSR) who will complete your claim. Our call center is open from 7am-5pm, Monday - Friday.

Whether over the internet or by telephone, you will need the following information to file a new claim:

• Social Security Number
• Mailing address and phone number(s) of employer(s) you worked for in last 18 months
• The starting and ending dates of your last job (or jobs if more than one employer in last 18 months)
• If you are a non-citizen, have your alien registration number and expiration date
• If you worked during the week you are filing your claim, be sure you know the gross amount (total dollars and cents before any deductions) of your pay before filing
• Pencil and paper to write down questions and instructions

You must certify weekly in order to receive benefits. The first week you certify on a new claim is your "waiting week" and no payment to due. You can certify online at www.dws.state.nm.us or through the self-service options available through 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984).
If you have an outstanding issue or an appeal, you should continue to certify weekly until a determination is sent to you. If you are cleared for benefits, you will be paid for all weeks certified (except for the "waiting week").

Currently, a claimant in New Mexico may be eligible for benefits for a maximum of 73 weeks.

To apply for a federal extension:

• Call 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984) with all of your information, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

You can file your unemployment insurance claim through the website at www.dws.state.nm.us. Click on "Apply for Benefits" under "Unemployment Insurance." If you are currently a user, you will login to the system with your social security number and pin. If you are a new user, click on "New Users Register Here."

The unemployment insurance claims system is available to take initial claims or weekly certifications from 3:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Please allow at least 30 minutes to file an online claim prior to system down time. To certify, select "file weekly certification". You will see the weeks available for certification. Select the week you wish to certify for, complete all questions, and submit.

To access the online options (www.dws.state.nm.us), you must be a registered user with a PIN (Personal Identification Number).
Additional online options include:

• Check payment Status
• Change payment method (from direct deport to debit card and vice versa)
• Complete work search for FSEB extension only
• Most frequently asked questions
• View your tax information (1099G)

When dialing our 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984) number, you can access the following self-service options:

• Option 1-Automated PIN Reset
• Option 2-Claim Status
• Option 3-Certification
• Option 4-File an Appeal
• Option 5-File a New Claim, Reopen Claim, Address an “issue” on existing claim

The following issues require speaking to a customer service representative (CSR) when calling 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984):

• Address Changes
• Late Certifications (break in continuous filing)
• Recertification (correct earnings reported on a previously certified week)

Certain claim issues relate to the eligibility requirements of unemployment insurance. Issues can include: if you have become a student; are unable or unavailable for work; if you have moved; if you are working; and if you are not actively seeking work. Issues on a claim can take between 6-8 weeks for a decision to be made.

If you are a student, fax your school schedule to (505) 222-9246. School schedules are normally completed within 21 days of receipt. Please write your social security number on any papers you fax to NMDWS.

If your claim issue relates to a separation issue, NMDWS’ adjudication unit will contact you. For a separation issue, you and your employer will be asked to describe the circumstances surrounding your employment separation. Based on the information provided, a claims adjudicator will issue a decision within 4-6 weeks in accordance with New Mexico unemployment insurance law. The decision may delay or deny payment. You will receive a written determination within 4-8 weeks from your date of initial claim. If you are denied benefits and you do not agree, you may appeal the decision within 15 days from the date of determination. You should continue to certify if you are appealing the determination.

If you have exhausted your regular benefits (up to 26 weeks), you need to call the call center at 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984) to see if you are eligible for the federal extensions. If you received all the federal and state extensions available (up to 73 weeks) and have not gone back to work, you do not need to call the call center as there are no additional benefits available to you. A list of additional resources is available on our homepage at www.dws.state.nm.us, and job seeker services are available at www.jobs.state.nm.us and at the local Workforce Connection Centers around the state.

As of July 3, 2011, all claimants enrolled in school must be able, available, and actively seeking work (this does not apply to those enrolled in an approved department training such as Workforce Investment Act or Trade Adjustment Assistance training) and must submit a student questionnaire and official school schedule to NMDWS. Please fax the questionnaire and official school schedule to (505) 222-9246. Our adjudication unit will process all information, determine your eligibility, and issue a determination within the standard adjudication processing time of 4-6 weeks. The Student Questionnaire is available in the UI Claims and Benefits System or at http://www.dws.state.nm.us/new/UI/index.html

Please note: all students (other than those in approved department training, such as WIA or TAA) will be required to conduct work searches. Maintain records of your work searches, and work searches are subject to verification by NMDWS.

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions will mail all unemployment insurance claimants 1099 tax information by the January 31, 2012 deadline. The department will place claimant 1099’s on the secured department claims website.

The 1099 information is not currently available through the 1-877-NM-4-MY-UI (1-877-664-6984) automated system. Please do not contact the call center for 1099 information. If you have a 1099 discrepancy, call the NMDWS 1099G informational and message line at (505) 841-8069.

The virtual callback option is available to a limited capacity of calls and is dependent on the level of call volume. If this option is available, it allows you a choice to stay on hold or have the department call you back in a set amount of time, essentially holding your place in line without keeping you tied to a phone.

Changing your preferred payment method can be done via the online system (www.dws.state.nm.us). Please note, you may receive a paper check (warrant) in the mail during the transition to your new payment method for at least the first week after you make the change in our system. For information about the Wells Fargo Debit Cards, visit our link at www.dws.state.nm.us/UI_Info.html or under “Unemployment Insurance,” click under “Important Information” on our homepage (www.dws.state.nm.us).

Change of address must be reported to a customer service representative (CSR) through the 1-877-NM-4-MYUI (1-877-664-6984) toll-free number. You cannot change your address via the internet or the self-service options on the toll-free number.

If you have found a job, discontinue certifying. If you become unemployed again within your benefit year, you can re-open your claim.

The Workforce Connection Centers offer a wide array of free services and resources to help you become reemployed. They are resources for job information and openings, and assistance for pursuing education goals, training or apprenticeships. In addition, Workforce Connection Offices offer free computer access and a variety of workshops to help you achieve your job search or career goals.

If you have exhausted all unemployment insurance benefits, please visit a New Mexico Workforce Connection Center for job placement assistance and refer to the community resources information at www.dws.state.nm.us/pdf/Alternative_Assistance_Claimant.pdf for assistance. These resources will be regularly updated and are the same resources provided by unemployment call center representatives.

For additional information, click on “Important Information” under “Unemployment Insurance” on our homepage at www.dws.state.nm.us. For updated information about federal extensions and updates, look for the “Latest News” on the far right-hand side of our homepage.