Updates from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) regarding Unemployment Insurance - April 7, 2020

The state has heard the concerns from workers affected by COVID-19 and is implementing the following changes to increase access for New Mexicans applying for benefits:

Starting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 8, the Unemployment Insurance Operations Center will implement extended hours, opening at 7 AM and taking calls until 7 PM. Anyone with internet access is strongly encouraged to first apply online at www.jobs.state.nm.us.

NMDWS is also waiving the “waiting week” for claimants who have applied for benefits since March 15th. By waiving the waiting week, claimants will receive an extra week of benefit payments to their accounts while allowing for new applicants to receive their benefits faster.

NMDWS will also begin a new auto-adjudication program this week that will clear specific pending payment issues systematically, rather than one by one, allowing many claimants who have been waiting to receive benefits to receive them more quickly.

We understand the severe economic impacts that the #COVID19 pandemic is causing across New Mexico, and state government is committed to using every tool at our disposal to help New Mexicans get through this difficult time while prioritizing public health. #AllTogetherNM