New Mexico Unemployment Application

New Mexico Unemployment Benefits

Apply Online

Apply by Phone: Call 1-877-664-6984 (Monday-Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm)

Visit a New Mexico Workforce Connection Center


To claim unemployment benefits in New Mexico, you must complete an application. This can be submitted online at jobs.state.nm.us or by calling the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

Applying for New Mexico unemployment benefits online

To apply for benefits online, you can create an account with the New Mexico Workforce Connection system by visiting jobs.state.nm.us.

How to create a jobs.state.nm.us account

Once there, click “Individual” and then “Create Account/Login.” If you’ve created an account in the past, you will need to log in using your credentials. If you need to create a new account, click the “Create Account” button.

You will need to be prepared to:

  • Create a username
  • Provide your full name
  • Enter your email address
  • Input your cell phone number
  • Select your preferred notification method
  • Pick your preferred language

After you create an account, you will be taken to a My Workspace page. Click the “Unemployment Insurance” button under the Quick Menu on the right-hand side of the page. Then, click the “Apply for Benefits” link.

Applying for New Mexico unemployment benefits by phone

You can also file for unemployment insurance benefits by phone by calling the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions UI Operations Center. You can do so Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MST.

Information needed to file for benefits

When filing a new claim for unemployment insurance, whether online or by phone, you’ll need to supply the following information:

  • Your Social Security Number
  • The mailing address and phone number of all employers you worked for in the past 18 months
  • The start and end dates of your last job
  • Reason for job separation
  • Work authorization number and expiration date, if you’re not a U.S. citizen
  • The total amount of money you earned before any deductions were taken out if you worked the week of your claim.

Verifying your identity for unemployment benefits

New Mexico will verify identity for unemployment benefits through a multi-step process. When you apply for benefits, you must provide your Social Security number and other personal information. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions then verifies this information by cross-checking it with government databases and other sources.

In addition, you may be required to submit additional documentation to verify your identity, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.

New Mexico also uses a system called ID.me to verify the identity of each UI claimant. This system requires applicants to provide a government-issued ID and take a selfie to confirm their identity.

What to do after submitting an initial application for Nevada unemployment insurance

Once you’ve filed your initial claim for New Mexico unemployment insurance benefits, you’ll need to file a weekly claim in order to receive benefits. You’ll also need to register for work with the New Mexico Workforce Connection system within 14 days of filing your initial claim for benefits.

Unemployed workers receiving New Mexico unemployment compensation are required to contact two different employers each week to maintain their eligibility for benefits. You will need to keep track of this information, including the date and contact information, and submit it with your weekly claim.

How to register for work

To register for work in the state of New Mexico, you will need to register as a job seeker at jobs.state.nm.us. This can be done by following the same process for creating an account to file your application for UI benefits.

It’s important to note, however, that you will be asked to create a separate username and password for the Workforce Connection System. You will use these credentials to search and apply for jobs, and you will use your Unemployment Insurance and Tax Claims portal login information to file weekly claims.

Why would a UI application be denied?

There are several reasons why a claimant may be denied unemployment benefits in New Mexico. Some of the most common reasons include:

  1. Ineligibility: Not everyone is eligible for unemployment benefits. To qualify, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own and be able and available to work. If you quit your job or were fired for misconduct, you may not be eligible for benefits.
  2. Insufficient work history: To qualify for benefits, you must have worked a certain amount of time and earned a minimum amount of wages during a specific period, known as the “base period.” If you haven’t worked enough or earned enough during this time, you may be denied benefits.
  3. Inaccurate or incomplete information: If you provide inaccurate or incomplete information on your application, your claim may be denied.
  4. Failure to meet job search requirements: In New Mexico, you’re required to actively seek work while receiving unemployment benefits. If you fail to meet these requirements, your benefits may be denied.
  5. Refusal of suitable work: If you refuse an offer of suitable work while receiving benefits, your claim may be denied.

What happens if my unemployment application is denied?

If you are denied unemployment benefits, you will receive a Determination Notice explaining why. If you disagree with the department’s decision, you can file an appeal and explain why you believe your benefits were denied in error in front of an administrative law judge.

When will I start receiving UI benefits?

The first week you submit a claim for unemployment benefits is known as the “waiting week.” You will not receive payment for the waiting week, but you still must meet all the state’s eligibility requirements.

Once your waiting week is over and you submit a claim for your second week of unemployment benefits, you should receive payment within a few business days.

  1. Hi,
    Can I file an unemployment application if I am on FMLA leave without pay because of a surgical procedure?
    Thank you.

    • Seasonal jobs are not eligible due to the obvious nature of work. Please call the Unemployment Office for further details in this regard.

  2. I work a 40 hr/wk seasonal job that ends in three weeks. I was recently hospitalized, causing me to take three weeks off (unpaid) from work. Now I am working about 15-20 hours a week due to my illness. Would I qualify for unemployment due to my reduced hours, or will I have to wait until my job ends completely in three weeks? Thanks.

    • Unfortunately, personal reasons such as health issues are not considered. You will not be eligible.

      Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in your state.

  3. My qestion is:
    If I was hired out of California but was physically employed in New Mexico, in which state do I file for unemployment?
    Thank you.

    • Please consider filing from the state your employment was based.

      You may want to call your employer to confirm and file accordingly.

  4. How often is a one week waiting period required as I had a ten week claim that ended in April 2015? I recently had a full week off and looking at another week off on furlough possible work following week.7

    • The waiting period is only for the initial claim.

      You can call the claims center for further information.

    • Please call on the number below to get details.

      1-877-664-6984 between the hours of 8:00AM – 4:30PM

  5. I am a teacher and have just been informed that my contract will not be renewed for the next school year. When exactly can I apply for benefits? Thank you in advance.

    • Please apply for benefits at towards the end of your contract.

      In some cases contractual and seasonal employment is not considered as an eligibility.Please call the labor dept in your state before applying.

  6. I am a resident of El Paso Texas but worked for Dona Ana County for 5 years, where do I apply for benefits? In Texas or New Mexico?

  7. Please send me the official unemployment website to apply for benefits; was laid off. All I want is to fill out the application. Do I have to complete the credit report portion before I get to the application part?

  8. if you have been given a separation date, but that date has not yet occurred, can you begin the process of applying for unemployment so that there is less of a gap in pay?
    how long does it normally take from the time you file until you receive your first weekly check?

    • You can look at applying only after being unemployed. It normally takes about 7 to 10 days for an initial claim to be processed.

  9. How long can I wait to file? I was let go while on medical leave and haven’t been able to find a job cause of my last job saying I didn’t come into work or call. But I was on medical leave not due back until last August 10 th; however I received a letter stating I know longer had a job as of August 3rd. I had to go to the post office to pick up the letter which was on the 8th and I had already been let go as of the 3 rd. I just need to know if I can still file since I have been unable to find a job due to there bad mouthing me for not showing up but like I said I was on medical leave.

    • Hi Kim,

      It is advisable to file for unemployment right after loosing a job. This will help you receive your pays on time if you are termed eligible. Since there is some conflict in your dismissal reason, you may have to furnish details and documents which are in your favor to prove that you were on a medical leave.

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