Federal Extension of Unemployment Insurance Benefits
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Description:
On July 6, 2008 an Extended Compensation Act of 2008 was enacted. This act allows unemployed workers who have exhausted regular unemployment insurance (UI) benefits in New Mexico to file for an extension of 13 weeks of additional benefits. On November 23, 2008 an additional extension was enacted that allows for up to seven additional weeks of benefits. The total length of the extended benefits is up to 20 weeks based on your weekly benefit amount. The deadline to apply for extended benefits was on March 28, 2009. The last week payable on extended benefits is the week ending on August 29, 2009, however, the length of time recipients receive benefits will vary.
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) will identify individuals who are potentially eligible for the extended benefits and will send these individuals a written notification. If you filed for the first extension and are already receiving extended unemployment benefits 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 by phone.
Additionally, New Mexico will implement a $25 increase in unemployment benefit checks beginning the week that New Mexico enters into agreement with the U.S. Secetary of Labor until the week of January, 1 2010. At that time, individuals already receiving the extra $25 will continue to do so until they exhaust their benefits, but in no case after June 30, 2010. UI benefits recipients will bet the increased amounts automatically, either as an increase in the amount of their weekly benefits or in a separate check (or direct deposit or debit card. This additional $25 is paid for with federal funds provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
There is no waiting week on extended benefits claims.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the Extended Unemployment Insurance benefits:
- You must have exhausted regular benefits and have a Benefit Year End (BYE) date after May 1, 2007.
- You must have filed an initial request on or after May 5, 2006.
- You have no rights to UI benefits in any other state or from Canada.
- You meet work search requirements.
- Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) is the same amount as your regular unemployment compensation claim.
The NMDWS Unemployment Insurance Claims Section will issue eligibility determinations. Any determination made by the department on extended benefits claims can be appealed by following instructions on the determination form.
How to file weekly certifications:
You may file weekly certifications of extended UI benefits the same way you file your regular UI benefits. Weekly certifications for extended benefits may be filed online at the NMDWS E-Claims System website or by phone at (505) 841-2000.
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