From a story by KTSM:
The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) is currently awaiting for federal approval to process unemployment insurance to those affected by the Ruidoso wildfires.
The Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) will be offered to those whose employment has been affected by the South Fork fire and Salt fire in Ruidoso, according to a press release sent by the NMDWS.
“Our Department is prepared to take Unemployment Insurance claims and help individuals affected by this tragic fire quickly,” said NMDWS Secretary Sarita Nair. “The process to receive DUA benefits is for individuals to first apply for standard Unemployment Insurance benefits, and they can do that now through our website and during business hours through our call center. If the claim is determined ineligible, once a Federal Disaster Declaration is made, those individuals may be able to qualify under DUA.”
The first step for individuals in the DUA processes in to apply for Standard Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, NMDWS said.
To apply for UI benefits, individuals can apply anytime, 24/7 at their website here or by phone at 1-877-664-6984 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday through Friday.