Important Information for Ruidoso Employers Regarding Unemployment Insurance Tax Rates

The Village of Ruidoso is committed to providing clear and timely information to our local businesses regarding recent fires and floods. We understand the challenges faced by employers and want to ensure that you are fully informed about the implications for your Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax rates.

Will My UI Tax Rate Be Affected?

If you are a contributory employer, meaning you pay the UI tax based on an annually determined rate, the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will not charge your account for benefits paid to your employees affected by the federal disaster. This applies whether the benefits are paid on a Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) claim or a Standard Unemployment Insurance (STUI) claim.

If you are a reimbursable employer, who pays UI tax based on actual claims, NMDWS will charge your account for benefits paid to your employees on a STUI claim but will NOT charge your account for benefits paid on a DUA claim.

*If you are unsure what type of employer you are, you can log into your account and look on your homepage under “Correspondence” and “Reporting Method”.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is NMDWS saying that I laid off/terminated my employees?

It is necessary to enter a reason for separation when any claim is filed. Due to the disaster, there may be a reason a person cannot go to work currently. This language does not mean the separation is a permanent one.

Why is NMDWS asking for an employment end date?

The “end date” is the last day the employee actually worked (due to the disaster), and it does not imply that they have been permanently terminated. NMDWS uses this date to determine when your employee becomes eligible for benefits.

What if I call my employees to come back to work, and they refuse?

A requirement to receive unemployment insurance benefits is that the person is able and available for work. If the employee is unable or unwilling to return to work, please report that to us by logging into your account and on your My Workforce Connection homepage and selecting “Refusal of Work” in the left navigation bar.

When do the new tax rates come out, and what do I do if I think that NMDWS included disaster-related charges in calculating my new rate?

NMDWS will release the new UI tax rates in November 2024. If you have any concerns about your business’s rate, you may find your rate within your account under “Account Maintenance,” and if you want to request a review or appeal your rate, click on “Request for Review/Appeal.”

Please note: The Department of Workforce Solutions will not advise any claimant to stay away from work due to the disaster or give advice regarding any possible work opportunity.

Disaster Unemployment Insurance Assistance

For further details and support, you can visit the NMDWS website at www.dws.state.nm.us, call 1-877-664-6984, or email UITAX.SUPPORT@DWS.NM.GOV.

We encourage all employers to stay informed and reach out for assistance as needed. Together, we can navigate these challenging times and ensure the well-being of our community.

For program funding, visit NMDWS Funding Information.