What Benefits Will I Get?
NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
How much will I get in unemployment insurance benefits?
If you are eligible for UI, you will get about half of your average weekly wage in benefits, up to the state maximum weekly benefit. The maximum weekly benefit in New Mexico was $455, as of December, 2008.
If you have children and you are their main support, you will also get a dependency allowance. This allowance is usually $25 per child per week.
Will my benefits go down if I work part-time?
You are allowed to work part-time while you collect unemployment insurance as long as you continue to look for a full-time job. Your benefit check will stay the same as long as your weekly part-time earnings are not more than one-fifth of your weekly benefit. However, if you earn more than this, your benefits will go down. Your check will be reduced dollar-for-dollar for every dollar you earn over the one-fifth limit.
For example, if your weekly benefit is $400, you can earn up to $80 per week without having your benefit go down. However, if you earn $100 per week, your benefit check will go down by $20 and you will get $380 per week in UI benefits.
How long will I get benefits?
You will continue to get state UI benefit checks for a maximum of 26 weeks. The actual number of weeks you will get checks might be less than the maximum, depending on how much money you earned during your base period. (Your base period is a recent 1-year period before you lost your job.)
Can I get extended benefits?
In New Mexico there are two ways to get extended benefits:
Approved job training:
- If you are attending an approved job training program, you can apply for an extension of unemployment insurance benefits. The maximum extension of benefits is 18 weeks. To qualify for the extension, you must apply by the 15th week after you begin getting UI checks.
Federal extension of unemployment benefits:
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At times, the federal government offers extended benefits to workers whose state UI benefits have run out. The federal government extension is for a maximum of 13 weeks. Some states also qualify for a second extension of 7 more weeks. Your New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) representative will let you know if federal extended benefits are available and if you qualify. (Because the eligibility requirements are slightly different, not all workers getting New Mexico UI benefits qualify for the federal extended benefits.)
A federal extension is in effect at this time. On July 6, 2008 an Extended Compensation Act of 2008 was enacted. This Act allows unemployed workers who have exhausted regular UI benefits to file for an extension of 13 weeks of additional benefits. On November 23, 2008 an additional extension was enacted that allowed for up to seven additional weeks of benefits.
The NMDWS will send a written notification to individuals who are potentially eligible. If you are receiving extended unemployment benefits from the first extension the additional benefits will automatically be added to your balance. If you exhausted your extended unemployment benefits prior to November 23, 2008, you may apply for additional benefits.
What other benefits are available?
If you are eligible for unemployment insurance, you might also qualify for these additional benefits:
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Training and Academic Schooling
You may be eligible to receive benefits while attending vocational training or academic training. If you are attending or plan to attend vocational training or academic schooling, notify a NMDWS Customer Service Representative (CSR) immediately at (505) 841-2000. You must submit your application for approval of training prior to the school session.
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The NMDWS provides services through a statewide network of One Stop Centers. These Centers provide employment, education, and training services to individuals in one location. The Centers include programs such as Unemployment Insurance, Job Services, Vocational Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, and Youth Services through a partnership with local, state, and national organizations. Most Centers provide tiers of services: Core Services, Intensive Services, and Training Services. Intensive and Training Services are available to individuals who cannot find work using Core Services alone. For a list of One Stop Career Centers in your area see the Workforce Development Centers Location and Telephone Numbers link on the NMDWS E-Claims System website.
All unemployment insurance claims are screened to determine individuals who are most likely to need re-employment services to make a successful transition back to the workforce. These services include an initial meeting at a One Stop Career Center and may include referrals to job search assistance and job placement services such as counseling, testing, assessment, job search workshops, referrals to employers, or other re-employment services.
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