Miguel Gutierrez has been unemployed since July and told KFOX14 he was receiving weekly checks for his unemployment benefits -- that is, until the state implemented a new system.

The last check Miguel Gutierrez received was Dec. 26.

"I don't know what's going on and I came (to the unemployment office) today and they don't know what's going on," Gutierrez said.

Thousands of unemployment benefits recipients found their account to show a zero balance after the new system was put in place at the beginning of the year.

The state said each recipient needs to directly call an agent to fix the problem but Gutierrez said he did call and still didn't get any helpful answers.

"I called Albuquerque and they told me everything is fine in the system, but I'm still not receiving the check" Gutierrez said.

Luz Gutierrez is Miguel Gutierrez' wife and she said her husband's unemployment checks have been crucial to support their family of three for the last seven months.

"Right now, we really need that money," Luz Gutierrez said. "I'm not able to work. We rely on his check."

Other Las Crucens waiting to receive their benefits told KFOX14 they've called and waited on hold for more than two hours only to still not have their issue resolved.

The state advises people to keep calling until an agent answers.