How Do I Collect My Benefits?
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How do I collect my benefits?
After you apply for unemployment insurance benefits, you must report your job search activities to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) in order to collect your benefits. These reports are called "weekly certifications." You can file your weekly certifications by phone or by the Internet.
You must file a report each week. After you file your report, the NMDWS will send you your benefits check for that week. You can choose to receive your benefits check in the mail or to be directly deposited in your bank account or in a prepaid debit card account with the Bank of America.
Note: You may switch back and forth between the phone service and the Online Claims System at any time.
What must I report to the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS)?
You must report your job search activities and any changes that might affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits.
For each week that you claim benefits, you must answer "yes" or "no" to three questions when you file your report:
- During the week claimed, did you look for work?
- During the week claimed, were you able to work and available for work?
- During the week claimed, did you work? (If you worked, you must report your earnings.)
In addition, you should call the NMDWS Call Center if:
- your address changes
- you refuse a job offer
- you quit or were fired from a job
- you get severance pay or other payments that you did not report earlier
If the NMDWS asks you to meet with a representative to go over your job search activities or to review your claim, you must do so.
How do I file by phone?
To file weekly certifications by phone, use the NMDWS Customer Service Line (CSL) at (505) 841-2000. You must have a touch-tone telephone to use CSL. If you have a telephone with a Tone/Pulse switch you must set the switch to "tone" to use CSL. You cannot use CSL from a rotary phone.
Before you use the CSL for the first time, you need your Personal Identification Number (PIN). This is a secret four digit number to make sure that no one else uses your account. It should be something that is easy for you to remember, but not easy for someone else to guess. You should have selected a PIN when you first filed your unemployment insurance benefits claim.
To use the CSL:
- Enter your Social Security Number and your PIN.
- Answer "yes" or "no" to the eight eligibility questions about your work activities for the week you are claiming benefits. Use the numbers on your touch tone phone. If you worked part-time, you must also enter the amount you earned. Individuals on temporary layoff or in training will not be asked all of the eight basic questions and will have some special questions.
- Wait until you hear that your report is complete. Make a note of the date and time you called.
- Call in each week you claim benefits.
- If you were told to stay on the line or call back, then more information is needed. During business hours you will be transferred to a Customer Service Representative (CSR). If it is not normal business hours you should call a CSR between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you do not call within five working days you will not be able to file your certification and you will not receive a benefit check. You may call a CSR at (505) 841-2000 or (505) 841-4000.
- If you miss your call day: Call before Friday at noon of the same week.
- If you have certification issues: Customer Service Representatives are available on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (505) 841-4000.
Note: You were required to establish a PIN when you first filed your unemployment insurance claim. If you forget your PIN, you must establish a new PIN. To set-up a new PIN contact a Customer Service Representative at (505) 841-4000 or send a request in writing to delete your PIN. If writing, you must provide information to identify yourself (name, Social Security Number, birth date, and your signature).
How do I file online?
To file using the Internet, you use the NMDWS On-Line E-Claims System. You must have a computer connected to the Internet to use this service. Anyone who has filed by phone may use the On-Line Claims System. You may switch back and forth between the Call Center and the On-Line Claims System at any time.
To use the E-Claims System:
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Register for an account by going to the NMDWS On-Line E-Claims System webpage and select "Claimant Login". You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and mother's maiden name. You will select a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Be sure to write down your PIN.
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Log in to your account by going to the NMDWS On-Line E-Claims System page. Select "Claimant Login".
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Follow the online instructions for filing your claim report. Make a note of the date and time you filed.
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Log out of the system to prevent someone else from seeing your account information.
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File each week you claim benefits. You may file Sunday through Saturday of each weak, when the E-Claims System is available.
Hours: The NMDWS E-Claims System is available Saturday through Thursday from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Fridays online services are available from 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and then again from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
NOTE: To change your PIN or if you forgot your PIN you must contact the NMDWS Call Center at (505) 841-4000.
How do I collect my benefits with a prepaid debit card?
The NMDWS and the Bank of America offer the State of New Mexico Prepaid Debit Card to ease money transaction processes for recipients of unemployment benefits. The State of New Mexico Prepaid Debit Card can be used anywhere that Visa debit cards are accepted. The card is valid for two years from the date of issue. There are no fees when you use your card for a purchase and many grocery stores and convenience stores offer cash back without a fee, when you make a purchase. You may also obtain cash from ATMs and from tellersd at banks that accept Visa cards, but fees may apply to these types of withdrawals. All fees can be avoided, however, with wise use of your card.
Monetary funds are limited to the amount of your unemployment insurance benefits payments and are deducted for every purchase or withdrawal. It is recommended that you keep track of your balance. You may check your balance at the Bank of America website, by calling 1-866-213-4047, or at any Bank of America ATM.
If interested in obtaining the State of New Mexico Prepaid Debit Card, contact the NMDWS Call Center at 505-841-4000.
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