New Jersey Unemployment Benefits
|
Are you physically able to work? 
Are you willing to actively look for a job?
Did your employer pay unemployment taxes ("Covered Employment")?
Did you earn at least $2900 in the base period in New Jersey? Base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. If you are filing today, base period is Jan 2012 - Mar 2012 to Oct 2012 - Dec 2012
 How did you lose your job? 
Did you quit your last job due to unsafe working conditions, not being paid, discrimination and / or health and safety risks?
Were you fired for no fault of your own?
Were you laid off for no fault of your own?
Apply Online:
Applying online is the easiest and fastest way to claim benefits. Check for more specific details such as timings and requirements to claim benefits in your state. 
CALL: (888) 795-6672 if you are currently living outside of New Jersey but worked in NJ state in the past. If you are from North East New Jersey, call Union City office at (201) 601-4100. Northwest and Central NJ is serviced at (732) 761-2020 which is the Freehold office. South Jersey residents must contact Cumberland office at (856) 507-2340.
Visit UC Center:
You can’t seem to find assistance on call? No worries. Visit one of the UC center and let the specialist help you out. Please note that wait times can be longer but assistance is guaranteed. you are not eligible | |||||||||
What is the Eligibility Criteria in New Jersey?There are some basic rules for eligibility. Even if you meet some of these rules partially, you should still apply for unemployment because state offices make a reasonable attempt to process your claim, as long as you provide a good justification. To learn more check unemployment eligibility article A "base period" is four consecutive calendar quarters that fall within the 18 month period before establishing a new benefit year. Claim your benefits
How to File Your Initial Claim in New Jersey?Information needed is as follows: If You Are Not a United States Citizen You must give verification that you were legally eligible to work in your state and that you are presently eligible to begin a new job. How to File Your Weekly Claim?After you file your application for unemployment benefits, you must start filing your weekly claims. You require filing each week, even though you are: You can file your weekly claim: File every week that you want to claim benefits and keep on filing until you go back to work, run out of benefits or stop seeking work. You should claim at least one week before we can make a decision on your eligibility. How to Claim for an Extension?If you are presently filing weekly claims for unemployment benefits; carry on filing your weekly claim if you are jobless or working reduced hours. You will be informed by mail of your eligibility for the added benefits. In case you have been filing weekly claims and are still laid off or working reduced hours, you will have to file an application for these extra benefits online or by telephone. You will be alerted by mail of your eligibility for the additional benefits. To be eligible for EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits you must: To be eligible for EB benefits you must:
View all questions New Jersey Unemployment QuestionsShould I wait until my severance pay ends to file a claim? No, because some severance/separation payments do not extend employment. You should file your claim after you stop working full-time. Payments that do not extend employment include severance payments based on years of service with an employer. However, salary continuation through termination and payments in Lieu of Notice, do extend employment. When you file your claim by telephone, the agent will review all separation payments with you before the claim filing process is completed. If you file your claim via the Internet, and it appears that your payment for periods after your last date of work may affect your unemployment benefits, you will be scheduled for an interview with a claims examiner. Q. Do I have to accept a job that pays less than I used to earn? While you are collecting unemployment benefits, you are expected to accept suitable work when it is offered or you could be denied benefits for four weeks. Suitable work depends on your work history, salary, skills, commuting distance, etc. If you remain unemployed for an extended period of time, you will be expected to revise your minimum job requirements. You may be required to travel a greater distance, accept a different type of job or accept a lower starting salary. Can I receive benefits during the summer if I am a school employee? Employees paid by a non-profit private school, a public school, or a college, who have a reasonable assurance of returning to work after a school recess or holiday period, may not be eligible for benefits. However, if you had non-school employment with sufficient wages to establish a claim, you may be eligible for benefits. If you work for a private contractor, which provides bus drivers, cafeteria services, etc, you may be eligible for benefits and should apply for benefits. Q. Are benefits taxable and how can I have federal income taxes withheld from my unemployment benefits? Unemployment benefits are subject to federal income taxes. You may voluntarily choose to have 10% of your weekly unemployment benefits withheld and sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you want this service, you can request it when filing your initial claim. You may select or change your withholding status at any time by writing to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance, PO Box 908, Trenton, NJ 08625-0908. Click here for the "Request for Change in Withholding Status" form. If a company relocates and offers me a job at the new location, do I have to take it? If the distance you have to travel to accept this offer of employment creates an undue hardship or the job duties or hours of work significantly change, then you may be able to refuse the new job and receive benefits. A claims examiner will review your reasons for not relocating and determine if you are eligible. What is the Social Security Disability Program? It is not short-term disability i.e. Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) or Workers' Compensation. It is a program designed to provide long-term protection to individuals who are totally disabled using Social Security criteria. It is meant to provide benefits to only those individuals with the most serious impairments. What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability? The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under SSI, payments are made on the basis of financial need. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. To be eligible for a Social Security benefit, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. Disability benefits are payable to: blind or disabled workers, widow(er)s, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to: Adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources. How does Social Security decide if I am disabled? Disability under Social Security for an adult is based on your inability to work because of a medical condition. To be considered disabled: Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability. For adults, the unemployment department use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled under Social Security. The process considers any current work activity you are doing, and your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. I applied for disability benefits 3 months ago and still haven't received an answer. When should I expect to be notified of the decision? The length of time it takes to receive a decision on your disability claim is from 3 to 5 months. It can vary depending on several factors, but primarily on: the nature of your disability; how quickly we obtain medical evidence from your doctor or other medical source; whether it is necessary to send you for a medical examination in order to obtain evidence to support your claim; and if your claim is randomly selected for quality assurance review of the decision. If you have further questions, you may call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778. Our representatives will be glad to help you in any way they can. Can someone on disability return to work and still receive disability benefits? Social Security rules make it possible for people to test their ability to work without losing their rights to cash benefits and Medicare or Medicaid. These rules are called “work incentives”. The rules are different for Social Security and SSI disability, but under both programs they may provide:
How Benefits are calculated?To calculate your weekly benefits amount click here The minimum benefits amount in New Jersey is $87. The maximum benefits amount in New Jersey is $611 A "base period" is four consecutive calendar quarters that fall within the 18 month period before establishing a new benefit year. To learn more Unemployment benefits article |
|||||||||
Eligibility
Calculator
Apply
I am a nanny “paid on the books” and the family I work for will go out of the country for 5 weeks leaving me without work. Am I eligible to file for unemployment?
Thanks for any insight!!!!!
After maternity leave my position will not be available for me to return for work. Do i qualify?
I was just informed that my job position after 38 years with the company (various managements) is moving to Missouri.They stated I could move out there.I am 62 years old and as I said worked there for 38 years. They want me to stay and train someone before I am without a job. My question is am I eligible for unemployment after all these years and do I have to train someone to take my position?
if a person was laid off and collecting unemployment,,, then accepted a job for the same company in a different state for less money and only worked 1 week and found out a family member is terminally ill, can the person return to NJ and collect unemployment until another job is offered.
I was out on FMLA since 2/1/2013 and getting money from temp disability (nj)I just received a letter from my employer stating since I have not returned to work ( I am still under Dr’s care and still sick) and since I have NOT returned to work after my 12 weeks they are taking this as a voluntary resignation. my question is #1 can they legally do this and #2. can I collect unemployment once my temp disability benefits are exhausted?
thank you.
Hi Loree,
Sorry, I cannot help you in legal matters.
About your unemployment benefits, you can receive unemployment compensation only if you are able to and available to work. This is just one of the requirement. Considering your illness, if you are still sick when you exhaust your temporary disability benefits, you cannot claim unemployment benefits.
I was hired as a tenured track school teacher with contract to June 30, 2013. This was my first year of teaching. The school district is not renewing my contract for the 2013/2014 school year. Will I be able to collect unemployment should I not be able to find another teaching position?
Hi Dolores,
You can go ahead and apply as you have lost job through no fault. There are chances you might receive benefits. All the best.
I was on long term disability (24 months) for lower back surgery. I am ready and able to return to work. If my employer decides not to take me back will I be able to collect until I find a job? Thank you.
Hi Walt,
It might not be possible for you to receive unemployment benefits as you have been out of work for more than 2 years, but can go ahead and try.
My husband currently works full time and attends college full time. He was advise by his school he is required to do a full time unpaid internship for a period of 5months. His
Employer cannot accommodate when the time comes. If he is forced to go from a full timer to either part time or per diem, is he eligible for unemployment for the difference in pay?
Please advise. Thank you.
Hi Shena,
Since he is unable to work due to other commitments, he may not be able to receive unemployment benefits. It is important to have lost job through no fault of your own to receive benefits. Unemployment office is very considerate and very helpful so there is no harm in applying for benefits and seeking some help. All the best.