New Jersey Unemployment Benefit Questions

 

New Jersey Unemployment Benefit Questions

How to file for unemployment in New Jersey?

You can apply for New Jersey unemployment benefits by phone or internet. NJDOL customer service agents can help you apply for unemployment insurance over the phone. The correct NJ unemployment phone number to call depends on where you live.

You can also apply online by registering an account. Learn how to apply for New Jersey unemployment benefits.

How much unemployment will I get in NJ?

The highest amount a person can receive for their weekly unemployment benefit rate in New Jersey is $830. Try the New Jersey unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly benefit.

To calculate the unemployment benefit rate, NJDOL considers the average weekly wage during the base year, which is based on wage information provided by the employer. The weekly benefit rate is limited to 60% of the average weekly wage, but cannot exceed the maximum benefit rate. If your weekly benefit rate is below the maximum amount, you can increase the benefit rate if you have dependents.

How long can you collect unemployment in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, you can receive UI benefits for up to 26 weeks. The duration is determined by your base year gross earnings, which is the first four quarters of the last five completed calendar quarters.

During periods of high unemployment, New Jersey may offer extended benefits for up to an additional 13 weeks.

How to contact New Jersey unemployment?

Call the Reemployment Call Center: The correct number to call depends on whether you live in northern, central, or southern New Jersey. View NJ unemployment phone numbers.

Email: You can send an email to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development at https://myunemployment.nj.gov/help/contact-us/

In-person: You can visit a One-Stop Career Center. For help with your UI claim, you must make an appointment. You don’t need an appointment if you are searching for jobs. 

How to reopen unemployment claim New Jersey

To reopen a claim, log in to your NJ account or call the New Jersey UI office for assistance.

Once you file your initial claim, you have a year to collect the full amount of Unemployment Insurance benefits for which you are eligible based on your monetary qualifications. If you begin receiving UI benefits, find a job, and then later become unemployed again, you can reopen your initial claim. You can also reopen a claim after a period of ineligibility has ended, such as if you quit or were terminated from your job.

What disqualifies you from unemployment in NJ?

In New Jersey, several reasons may disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits:

  • Voluntarily resigning from your job without good cause
  • Being fired from your job due to misconduct
  • Refusing a suitable job offer
  • Failing to fulfill your work search requirements
  • Being self-employed
  • Being unable or unavailable to work

Eligibility for NJ unemployment benefits is determined on a case-by-case basis, and there may be additional factors that could disqualify you from receiving benefits. If you receive a denial notification, you have the right to file an appeal.

Is unemployment taxable in NJ?

While the state of New Jersey does not impose taxes on unemployment insurance benefits, the payments are still subject to federal income taxes, including regular Unemployment Insurance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, benefit extensions, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payments, and FEMA Lost Wages Assistance payments. When applying for unemployment benefits, you have the option of withholding 10% of your weekly benefit for federal taxes.

What if I move and I’m collecting UI benefits?

If you relocate within New Jersey, you have the option of updating your contact information online through your dashboard or while certifying for benefits via phone. If you move out of state, call the NJ reemployment claim center to provide your new address, or visit an unemployment office in person. Additionally, if you are still unemployed, you should register for work at the nearest unemployment insurance office in your new location after changing your address.

It is important to note that even if you are not currently claiming benefits, you must still notify the relevant authorities of your address change within two years from the date of your claim. Failing to do so may result in you not receiving important documents such as adjustment payments, tax statements, determinations, or informational notices.

Who do I contact if I suspect someone is receiving unemployment benefits illegally?

You can protect your unemployment insurance funds.  If you suspect someone is obtaining unemployment benefits illegally, it should be reported. Learn how to report New Jersey unemployment fraud.

If I am hired with medical benefits, is my employer allowed to stop this benefit?

Yes. An employer may stop medical benefits however, the employer is needed to give notice if the medical benefits are being stopped or the medical benefits are changing.

If the medical benefits are being discontinued, the employer must provide 30 days advance notice in writing. If the medical benefit plan is changing the employer must tell the employees in writing immediately once the employer is notified by the health insurer.

  1. My wife’s unemployment claim has been held up for 6 months over what appears to be some glitch in the system that keeps indicating that she is still receiving temporary disability benefits (TDI ). The system will not allow her to file a claim and says she must call the unemployment office (UI) for the purpose of “identity verification”. When she calls ( if she can get thru to a person ) she is told that the system shows she has an open TDI claim and that she needs to call them and get something put in the system showing the TDI benefits as terminated. She calls TDI and they say her TDI claim ended automatically after she received 180 days of benefits ( which she did ), and there is nothing further that they need to enter, or even can enter. They also tell her that the UI people know this and just don’t want to help her. After many,many,many calls, someone at TDI mailed her a D10 Form showing her last disability payment being made 7 months ago. She has sent in all the documentation by fax and reg mail / certified mail and fed ex, including that form that TDI sent her showing the end date on her benefits. Nobody she speaks with by phone has any idea about faxes or letters and say there isn’t anything they can do and they give her a phone # and hang up on her. The phone # is to TDI! She has called UI hundreds of time. Occasionally she is “escalated” to a Supervisor or waits while the person she is speaking to contacts a Supervisor, and she is told the same thing all 3 x, which is that some higher up person is going to manually assign her an ID Claim Number, and send that to her in an e-mail with that number and instructions as to how to proceed. The e-mail NEVER comes, even though she always double confirms that they have the correct e-mail.

    This has been going on since late October 2020! She can’t even get a claim number to get started, to even get in line to get processed. Is there a physical brick and mortar NJ Unemployment Office that she can travel to so as to sit down in front of someone and show them her paperwork? She would have to drive 16 hours, as we live in Georgia and she works in the airline industry out of Newark Airport. Everything we read says she has to file her claim online and they only admit people into the building for interviews, who have an appointment. She doesn’t want to drive to the Newark Unemployment Office if she won’t be let in the door. Does anyone know the answer to this? We’ll drive if we have to, but don’t want to go all the way there to get turned away. Any answers or suggestions? Jon

  2. If we were in the middle of collective benefits and got a job and still had a couple of months left of unused benefits or monies and then we got laid off due to work stoppage for the corona virus can we utilize the benefit/funds we did not use earlier?

    • Howard,

      Your state may have activated “Emergency Funding” considering the Coronavirus outbreak. Please visit the website right away to learn more.

  3. I have a question my girlfriend is collecting partial unemployment through NJ and lives in NJ. She just found and started a part time job in PA, however she is currently working full time because of her training for 3 weeks after that she will only be working part time hours only, can she still collect her NJ partial unemployment while she trains? Appreciate any feedback thank you.

  4. If I stopped taking unemployment benefits because I had a temporary contract position but now want to reapply, would I still qualify?

  5. What offices are actually open? You list one in Vineland and Thorofare, but last year they were both closed. How accurate is this list? It is very difficult to have to drive over an hour to see someone at the Camden office, the only one we know is open for South Jersey residents.

    • On June 14,2019 I went out on approved NJ FMLA with both my part time employers
      -one being a corporate dental practice/the other a small private office ( friend from college) for 6 – 12 to care for my son who under went living liver donor transplant surgery in NY. It was agreed that I update both employers on my intentions of returning in either 6 or 12 weeks about 2 weeks post surgery. The surgery was on June 18,2019 it was successful but not without complications and the likelihood of me spreading unknown pathogens to him with the nature of my profession. His medical team & physician deemed it best I stay with him for the remaining 6 weeks. Now the corporate office had provided me with proper paperwork etc for NJ FMLA and filed needed paperwork in a timely manner. When I advised them that I needed more time at home to care for my son they gave it to me no questions asked. My problem lyes with the private office. The dentist delayed submitting paperwork and then lied that I did not give him ample time I was taking leave for my sons operation. On the contrary, both offices were told mid February 2019 that he needed surgery and we were seeking a living donor. In April 2019 they were both told we found a donor and a date was set for June 18,2019 by donors family & that I will need 6-12 weeks leave of absence. When I told the private office I needed extended time, he did not grant it to me and instead told me he was going to replace me if I did not return on agreed date of 6 weeks. I told him I was willing and able to work for him in the extended 6 weeks and provided him with a letter from my sons physicians at NY Presbyterian Hospital. My question is this –
      When I do return in September 2019 can I collect partial unemployment? Is he going to claim I quit? Or lied being he changed that I did not give him ample time when I did? This was done via email as well & I also have a written office policy guaranteeing my position if I go on leave for 3 months. I sought legal advice and they told me I do not have a case because he only has 5 employees. I am so taken back by this because all was fine and agreed upon before me taking this leave of absence. We have waited 7 yrs for someone to volunteer to donate part of their liver to save my sons life It’s a once in a life time opportunity that you do not pass up… hope u can help … thank you

  6. I collected 3 weeks of unemployment and then received a job. If I were to be fire through no fault of my own could I reopen my claim and continue to collect the remainder of my benefits?

    • Tiffany,

      You should be able to reopen your claim. For clarification, Please call the Claims Center and speak to a representative.

  7. I owned my company until September 7th 2018. I will be let go on 4/12/19. Am I eligible to collect UI?

  8. If a person owns a business (liquor store with license) for 5 years and the business is closed due to non payment of rent, merchandise, loans, etc. Yes, I know it’s hard to believe that a liquor store didn’t make it but it is true due to mismanagement of funds, employees, etc. The owner is in debt for close to a million to the former owner for the license and over $500K to his mother’s unmarried partner (my father). The last thing we want is for this leach to collect any more money on someone else dime. Is he eligible for Unemployment Benefits having been the owner/operator of this business? Thanks.

    • Abbie,

      This is a complicated situation. If the employer pays unemployment taxes into the system, he/she can be eligible. I suggest you call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  9. Is it better to quit “with good reasons” or be fired to collect UI ??? “with good reasons” would be if I had to move out of state far away to work for company still. I would hate to be fired and find out I cant collect. I called UI office and they could not answer my question.

    • Chris,

      UI benefits are offered to claimants who lose their employment due to involuntary reasons. You can call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  10. My company is forcing me to move to another office 5 hours away. I cannot move my wife due to medical condition so I would have to commute and that will be a burden since ill have to pay extra living expenses and gas. I currently work from a home office out of state from NJ but get paid from NJ office and pay UI through them. Can I collect unemployment in NJ ???

    • Carl,

      Most likely, you should be able to collect. Before making a decision, please call the Unemployment Office in your state to discuss.

  11. I have 2 employers on my claim. One of my employers lied on phone interview says I quit (when I was fired) and my other employer didn’t reply. Does my claim get denied since one of my employers lied
    ?

    • Gary,

      If the office denied on the basis of what your employer said on record, you can file an appeal and prove your stance with supporting paperwork. You will be called for a hearing if you were to appeal the decision.

  12. I have been collecting unemployment with one temporary agency, due to lack of work.since Drcember 2017. . However I worked this week for 9 hours with another temporary agency for one day only. Please advise how I should report this in my claim for unemployment insurance, since it is a different agency for only one day, not full time. 4I want to be sure to do this correctly. Thank you.

  13. I was on FMLA till April 18 at school. At board meeting April 24 my contract was not renewed. Can I collect unemployment?

    • Al,

      Contract workers are generally not eligible due to the contract terms. Please check with your employer if they remitted Unemployment Taxes and apply accordingly.

  14. I live in New Jersey and I am moving to Arizona and want to transfer my unemployment. what are the steps I need to take? I have been to two different unemployment offices,and got no helpful answers. I think I need to fill out some paper work, but I cant get an answer.

  15. I think you are giving out wrong information on Severance pay.
    I hope Luis didn’t miss out. Depending on how Severance is
    given, you may be able to collect U.I. Benefits despite receiving
    Severance pay. My co workers just did this.

    Also, if you live in one State but work in another, you file U.I. claim
    in the state you worked in. I lived in NJ but worked in NY. I had to file
    U.I. claim with NY.

    • Chris,

      I am guessing you should be able to. Use the Benefits Calculator to ascertain benefits and also call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  16. I was denied unemployment and appealed. Had my hearing and got a letter today the determination of deputy is reversed does this mean I won?

  17. I worked in Pennsylvania for two years but I live in New Jersey, I went out on maternity leave and my job did not pay me. Am I able to claim unemployment benefits in New Jersey? I worked in worked in New Jersey prior to working this job.

    • Tay,

      You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  18. Your web site will not let me sign I. Its been months. Please help me, its a new claim and I really need my benefits

  19. March 2017 I was hired to work a 40 hour week job in NJ. This job ended in September, 2017. I picked up a part time 28 hour week job and at this point it is not working out well. Can I now claim benefits based on the FT job that ended in September? I am assuming I can collect Unemployment based on the fact I was employed FT for over 20 weeks .
    Thank you
    Correct

    • Karen,

      You should be able to claim UI benefits under such circumstances. Please call the Unemployment Office to confirm before applying.

  20. Employer is eliminating my position at my job. Offered me a different location to work at within the company. The location i was offered to go to is about an hour away from home. I requested to be considered for travel expense and it was denied they cannot give me any assistance to increase for my salary. I would be over an hour from home no compensation. If I do not accept the transfer due to the distance, wage loss, and prohibits me to care for my children who are over an hour away. Will i be denied for UI?

  21. I filed online to reopen my claim. I am having a very hard time getting ahold of someone to speak with. I need to speak with someone right a way please. I love out of state so I can not go to an office. Any help is greatly appreciated.

  22. My doctor has me on leave due to an illness and said that I should only work day work. I am on night shift now and there is no daywork available. I’ve been out of work using up my vacation and sick time but that is going to run out. Should I just let them terminate me. Would that make it better to collect unemployment

    • Allen,

      Personal reasons such as health issues are generally not considered. Please contact the Unemployment Office to discuss your situation.

  23. My school employer also asked me to resign due to issues I’ve had with a superviser. They said they will not contest my unemployment but I don’t trust them. Once I resign I loose all my rights. If I resign as poor job performance will I be denied?

    • Matt,

      If you do not trust them, please make sure to keep supporting documents handy in case of a dispute after you apply for UI benefits.

  24. I work in a school district in New Jersey and they’re asking me to resign due to a poor job performance. I heard if I didn’t resign I am not eligible for unemployment benefits. They told me they will not contest but I do not trust them. What are my options

    • Allen,

      You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

      Please call the Unemployment Office for details.

  25. I live in NJ and was hired through an Agency as temp to a client. I’ve worked with this client on a full time basis 40 hours per week for over 5 years. The temp agency is considered my employer. Will I still qualify to collect UI benefits? Also, is the temp agency obligated to continue my insurance coverage of medical and dental?

    • Diane,

      If your agency paid unemployment taxes into the system, you should be able to claim UI benefits. I do not have any insights into the latter part of your question. Please research on the internet.

  26. I live in PA. I have two small kids. I was employed in NJ from Jan 2016 to May 2017. Due to traveling 45-60 minutes each way, I left my job for a job closer to home and for a job I did not have to travel 4-5 days away from home once a month. The job was a reduction in pay but I was able to work weekends, which enabled me to be home 1 or 2 days with my kids. I was recently let go from my new job in PA and my employer said he would not fight unemployment. I attempted to put a claim in PA but was refused because I did not work long enough in PA. Am I able to file a claim in NJ since I worked there over a year? I originally left for a job closer to home so that I would be able to spend more time with my family. Will I be denied unemployment in NJ? Again, PA said I dont qualify because I did not work long enough.

    • John,

      One should ideally apply from the state where the last employment was based. I suggest you call the Unemployment Office in NJ to inquire further.

  27. I was a fulltime employee for 36 years.As of August 21 2017,I was made part time.
    Now I only work 28 hours per week ,instead of 40 hours per week.Can I collect partial
    unemployment,for the 12 hours pay I will be missing?

    • Dennis,

      Yes, you should be able to collect partial UI benefits if the hours were reduced due to involuntary reasons. Please consider applying.

  28. My hours have been reduced from 5.8 per day to 4 hours per day. Is there such a thing as partial unemployment compensation?four

  29. If you reccieve contract work and no longer need unemployment then your contract ends, can you go back on unemployment?

    • Contract workers are generally not eligible to claim UI benefits.

      Please call the Unemployment Office to inquire further.

  30. I live in California my husband is being offered a job in New Jersey if we move can I claim unemployment in the state of New Jersey.

    • You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

  31. hello,I would like to file for unemployment,but before I do how do I find out if I am eligible for it.Years ago I filled and I stated that I was layed off,which was true.I started getting checks from unemployment for about 4 months, then I was notified from unemployment that my company stated that I was fired not layed off.I had to repay all the money.I do not want that to happen again.can they check my eligibility before I actualy file.

    • Richard,

      You may call the Unemployment Office in your state to check eligibility on the basis of existing records. They will better advise you.

  32. ok I am a substitute I get unemployment benefits for july august and September and just got hired at a school for the next school year so since I don’t get paid again until the 15th of September can I claim my benefits since I technically still dnt have a job.

    • You can be eligible, provided you have weeks left in your account.

      Please call the Claims Center to inquire further and apply accordingly.

  33. If I was working 8:30-6pm & then the company changed my hours 12-8pm & I tell them them hours are not good for me can I leave & collect since I was working them regular hours on my contract for almost 2 years

    • You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons.

      Please call the Unemployment Office.

  34. I’ll be separating from the Navy on November 30th, what are the steps I need to take to claim unemployment compensation?

    • If should be similar to that of a civilian. You can apply over the phone or on the internet.

      Please call the Unemployment Office for further information.

  35. how long does it take someone to get unemployment. What if they are working, during the period they are waiting? it has been 5 months and my friend who owes me says it takes longer.

    • It should ideally not take more than 7-10 business days for the initial claims to be processed and paid.

      Please reach out to the Unemployment Office by phone for clarification.

  36. I went out on temp disability in nov 2015, I am now able to go back to work. Its may 2017, if my company lays me off can I collect since I was out on disability for that length of time

    • If you’re now able and available for work, you can be eligible to claim if your employer lays you off due to involuntary reasons.

  37. I work at a religious day school, one day a week. My position will not longer be available. Am I eligible to collect??

    • If you’re on the rolls off the school and your employer pays Unemployment taxes into the system, you can be eligible to collect benefits.

  38. If you primarily work in NJ but you have worked a few weeks in Pennsylvania, is that income considered into you gross income earned for consideration for unemployment benefits when filing for unemployment in NJ.

    • I am not able to provide a definite answer to your question.

      Please inquire further with the Unemployment Office in NJ.

  39. Is there a time limit required from when you lose your job to when you can claim unemployment benefits ?

    • It’s good if you apply immediately since they consider your employment and earnings in the last 4-5 calendar quarters.

  40. If company shuts down and we are given a package of 25 hours for every year of service when can I start to collect unemployment

    • If it’s a Severance pay you’re getting from the company, please apply for Unemployment Insurance after expiry of the payout.

  41. If a person is let go from their job because they have to call out because their child is sick or they have to leave work because the child school call to say your child is sick for you to pick him up.
    (child has bad allergy.) Is this consider the fault of the Mother

    • Unfortunately, personal reasons are not considered. Having said this, if the mother was asked to leave without proper justification, UI benefits can be claimed.

      Please check further with the Unemployment Office.

  42. i attend workforce training course and benefits ran out after 26 weeks; forms were filled out for extension while still in class. must I call unemployment to have extension take effect or will it update automatically in system and when???
    frustrated we did all paperwork and says funds exhausted online. help.

    • The E.U.C(Emergency Unemployment Compensation) remains expired. There is no extension available. Please inquire further with the labor authorities in your state by calling them.

    • For tax purposes, you will receive 1099-G from the Unemployment Office. Please visit the official website for further details.

  43. I am a resident of New York State. From September 2014 through September 2016 I worked full time for a company located in Jersey City. The job was temporary; I left that job in September 2016 to take another temporary job in New York State (the job in Jersey City ended one week after I left). I have worked in New York state until the beginning of April, when the job ended.
    May I collect unemployment from New Jersey due to the two years I worked there previously?

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