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Unemployment was denied, or they need to appeal or keep claiming

Use when someone filed for unemployment and was denied, got an overpayment letter, missed a weekly certification, or needs help with the weekly claim, work search or an appeal hearing.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers → · Food pantry calendar → · Free meals calendar → · Getting there: bus and rides →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
In this guide
  1. Read the letter together
  2. File the appeal
  3. Get ready for the hearing
  4. Keep the claim going every week
  5. Overpayment letters
  6. Money while they wait

1Read the letter together

You can ask"Can I see the letter from Workforce Solutions? What date is on it?"
Find the reason for the denial and the appeal deadline.
In New Mexico they usually have only 15 days from the date on the letter to appeal. Do not wait.
Haven't filed yet? See the guide "Just lost their job".

2File the appeal

Appeal online in their unemployment account, or in writing. A short signed note saying "I want to appeal" with their name, claim number and the date counts.
NM Department of Workforce Solutions - Unemployment Insurance Operations Center
Unemployment claims line
877-664-6984
· Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm
Website ↗
Keep a copy and write down the date it was sent.
Missed the 15 days? Appeal anyway and explain why it was late. A good reason may be accepted.
You can say"Keep certifying every week while you wait. If you win, you get paid for those weeks."

3Get ready for the hearing

The hearing notice gives the date, time and how to join. Many hearings are by phone.
Bring
  • The denial letter, pay stubs, any write-ups or texts from the boss, the work search log, and names of witnesses
Tell the story in order: what happened, when, and why it was not their fault.
Answer the phone on time. Missing the hearing usually means losing.
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free civil legal help
1-833-545-4357
2005 Hwy 180 W, Suite 500, Silver City · Phone intake Mon-Thu 9:30 am-4:00 pm at 1-833-545-4357; online application any time at newmexicolegalaid.org. Silver City office: 575-388-0091.
Website ↗
New Mexico Legal Aid
Free statewide legal teleclinics (lawyer consultation by phone)
877-266-9861
· Monthly; apply from the 15th to the end of the month before (Nov 19, 2026, 1-4pm; apply Oct 15-31)
Website ↗
At the Gospel MissionAsk staff about using the phone for local calls. A quiet place to take the hearing call may help.

4Keep the claim going every week

Certify every week, online or by phone. Missing a week can stop payments.
Make at least 2 different work search contacts every week and keep a written record. Report them when certifying.
Report any work or pay that week, even a little.
NM Workforce Connection - Silver City (America's Job Center)
Job search, training and unemployment help
575-538-3737
420 W. Broadway St., Silver City · Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm (may close 12-1 for lunch)
Website ↗

5Overpayment letters

An overpayment letter can also be appealed by the deadline on the letter.
Regular state unemployment overpayments usually cannot be forgiven, but a payment plan may be possible.
People told they were overpaid pandemic benefits (2020-2021) may get that debt forgiven. They can apply until February 21, 2027.
New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty
Pandemic unemployment overpayment relief (Duran settlement) questions
505-255-2840
301 Edith Blvd. NE, Albuquerque
Website ↗

6Money while they wait

See the guide "Wants to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or cash help".
At the Gospel MissionBreakfast and lunch on weekdays, the food pantry and the clothing bank are here while they wait.
See the guide "Needs a job".

More help like this

Wants to apply for SNAP, Medicaid or cash helpUse when someone wants to apply for SNAP food benefits, Medicaid (Turquoise Care), or cash help (TANF or General Assistance), or needs to renew them.Has a disability and can't work (SSI or SSDI)Use when someone can't work because of a health problem or disability and wants to apply for SSI or Social Security disability (SSDI).Has medical bills they can't pay, or lost their MedicaidUse when someone owes a hospital or doctor money, got a surprise bill, or their Medicaid was cut off.Lost their EBT card, or SNAP benefits stoppedUse when someone lost their EBT card, had it stolen, forgot the PIN, sees no money on the card, or got a letter that SNAP is ending or has stopped.Gets Social Security and needs a payee or representativeUse when someone on SSI or Social Security needs someone to manage their check (a payee), wants a different payee, has a payee problem, or wants someone to help with their claim.Wants their SNAP (food stamps) to last all monthUse when someone gets SNAP but runs out before the end of the month and wants a simple plan to make it last, plus free food to fill the gaps.

See all guides in Getting and keeping a job →

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.