New Mexico state officials said that a support program will provide supplemental payments for those receiving unemployment benefits who return to work in the new few weeks, with some workers receiving up to $1,000 total in incentive pay. 

A press release from the governor's office said this is being done in an attempt to get more people back to work in the next few weeks, though the state will continue with the extra $300 a week in unemployment insurance offered by the federal government. 

“The costs associated with returning to work can vary for claimants depending on their personal circumstances,” acting Workforce Solutions Secretary Ricky Serna, said in a press release from the governors office. “They can include expenses related to transportation, childcare, work uniforms and other living costs that stem from a reduction in benefits following a report of income. These return-to-work support payments aim to offset these costs. And the support payments are structured to encourage claimants to return to work as soon as possible to maximize their payment amount.”

The new program began the week of July 4 and will run through August 28. The program will include those who start a new job within the four weeks of the program and who hold the position of the new job until Aug. 28 to receive payments, the release said.

According to the press release, The Department of Workforce Solutions projects up to 15,000 current unemployment claimants may take part in the support payment program in New Mexico, and the total program cost is anticipated to be up to $10.1 million.

Currently, more than 70,000 New Mexicans are still receiving unemployment benefits, the press release said.