How to File for Unemployment in New Mexico
If you are currently without a job due to the novel coronavirus in New Mexico, here's all you need to know about filing for unemployment benefits.
If you are currently without a job due to the novel coronavirus in New Mexico, here's all you need to know about filing for unemployment benefits.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has declared a state of public health emergency as a result of COVID-19. One of the fallouts of the pandemic so far has been job loss. If you're a New Mexican and have lost your job, here are the answers to some questions about unemployment benefits.
Do I qualify for unemployment benefits?
In order to qualify for unemployment benefits in New Mexico, you must:
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
- Be able and available to work.
- Have earned enough money during your base period to qualify for benefits. The term "base period" refers to the first four of the last five calendar quarters you worked. Each quarter consists of three months, meaning your base period covers the 12 months prior to the last three full months worked.
- Be actively seeking work. Unless exempted, you are required to conduct a minimum of two work searches per week. You are required to keep a log of your work searches. An easy way to do that is to print the Work Search Verification Log and record your searches there.
How do I apply for unemployment benefits?
Applying for benefits is easy. Here's all you need to do:
Our Picks for the Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2025
Product | APY | Min. to Earn | |
![]() American Express® High Yield Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
3.80%
Rate info
3.80% annual percentage yield as of February 15, 2025. Terms apply.
Min. to earn
$0
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website. |
3.80%
Rate info
3.80% annual percentage yield as of February 15, 2025. Terms apply.
|
$0
|
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website. |
![]() Capital One 360 Performance Savings
Member FDIC.
APY
3.70%
Rate info
See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of Feb. 6, 2025. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
Min. to earn
$0
Open Account for Capital One 360 Performance Savings
On Capital One's Secure Website. |
3.70%
Rate info
See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of Feb. 6, 2025. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
|
$0
|
Open Account for Capital One 360 Performance Savings
On Capital One's Secure Website. |
![]() Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
Member FDIC.
APY
4.30%
Rate info
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of Jan. 24, 2025, and subject to change at the Bank's discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
Min. to earn
$500 to open, $0.01 for max APY
Open Account for Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website. |
4.30%
Rate info
The annual percentage yield (APY) is accurate as of Jan. 24, 2025, and subject to change at the Bank's discretion. Refer to product’s website for latest APY rate. Minimum deposit required to open an account is $500 and a minimum balance of $0.01 is required to earn the advertised APY.
|
$500 to open, $0.01 for max APY
|
Open Account for Western Alliance Bank High-Yield Savings Premier
On Western Alliance Bank's Secure Website. |
- Register and/or log into your account in the New Mexico Workforce Connection
- On the left-hand side of the screen you will see a drop-down "Quick Menu." Use it to locate "Unemployment Insurance." Click on the "Unemployment Insurance" link and provide all requested information.
- You can also apply for benefits by calling (877) 664-6984, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Be prepared for a long wait period. If your call is disconnected, it is likely because the system has reached its maximum number of calls in the regular queue.
Be prepared to provide the following information:
- Name, address, telephone number, and email address
- Social Security number or, if you're not a U.S. resident, your Alien Registration Number
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers for each employer you've worked for in the past 18 months
- Dates of employment for each employer
- Reason why you are unemployed
- Social Security numbers and verification if you provide over 50% of support for up to two dependents under the age of 18 (New Mexico pays recipients an extra $25 per dependent each week, up to $50.00)
How much money will I receive in unemployment benefits?
Weekly unemployment benefits normally range from $86 to $461, or 53.5% of your average weekly wage during your highest paid quarter of the base period. For example, let's say you earned $9,000 during your highest paid quarter, and that quarter consisted of 12 weeks. The state will figure your average weekly wage for this period by dividing $9,000 by 12 ($9,000 ÷ 12 = $750). Then, they will multiply your weekly average by 53.5% ($750 x .535 = $401). Your weekly benefit would be $401.
Note that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) currently adds an additional $600 to that weekly amount.
You may choose to have your benefits deposited directly into your bank account or loaded onto a prepaid debit card.
How long can I collect unemployment benefits?
Benefits are normally available for up to 26 weeks. However, the CARES Act extends that period by 13 weeks, allowing you to collect unemployment benefits for up to 39 weeks.
What if my unemployment claim is denied?
If your unemployment claim is denied, you have the right to appeal to the Appeal Tribunal within 15 days of receiving the determination letter. An appeal hearing will be scheduled, during which you will have the opportunity to present your case and any supporting evidence. Any documents you plan to use must be received by the Appeal Tribunal at least 48 hours before your scheduled hearing. The majority of appeal hearings are conducted via conference call. If you are dissatisfied with the appeal outcome, you have the right to make a Higher Authority Appeal, and then to appeal to the District Court.
These are unusual times for all of us, and can be particularly challenging if you are without a regular paycheck. Unemployment insurance is one way to help you get by until things settle down and another job comes along.
Want Better Car Insurance Rates? Check out Motley Fool Money's guide to the best cheap New Mexico car insurance.
Our Research Expert
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands.