New Jersey Unemployment Eligibility

New Jersey Unemployment Eligibility

New Jersey Unemployment Eligibility Calculator

eligibility_img Unemployment Eligibility Calculator Previous

New Jersey unemployment insurance provides financial help to eligible workers who have been laid off or terminated through no fault of their own. To qualify for UI benefits, you must meet a variety of eligibility requirements.

How to qualify for NJ unemployment benefits

When you apply for unemployment insurance benefits, the NJDOL looks at several factors to determine if you’re eligible. They examine the reasons why you’re not working and verify if you earned enough money as per the legal minimum requirement.

To be eligible for NJ unemployment compensation, the following must be true:

  • You must have earned at least $260 per week for 20 weeks (or at least $13,000 total) during your base year period
  • You must be unemployed through no fault of your own
  • You must be actively searching for work
  • You must be willing to accept any suitable job offer
  • You must be able and available to work full-time
  • You must maintain eligibility by certifying each week and attending any required appointments

If you fulfill these conditions, you may obtain benefits for a period of up to 26 weeks within a year. Currently, there are no extended unemployment benefits available beyond 26 weeks.

Financial Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for New Jersey unemployment benefits, you must have earned a minimum amount during a specific period known as the “base period.” The base period is used to determine your eligibility and calculate your benefit amount. You can use the New Jersey unemployment calculator to estimate your weekly payment.

You must have earned at least $260 per week during 20 or more weeks in covered employment during the base year period, or you must have earned at least $13,000 in total covered employment during the base year period.

What is a base period?

Typically, the base period covers the first four of the last five calendar quarters before the week you first apply for benefits. This is known as the regular base year period and lasts for 52 weeks.

The earnings you receive during the base year will determine the amount of weekly benefits you’re eligible to receive, as well as the total sum you can claim within a year.

In situations where a regular base year doesn’t apply, the NJ DOL can use an alternate base period. New Jersey uses two different alternate base periods.

Alternate Base Year #1 –  The four most recently completed calendar quarters preceding the date of the claim are used to calculate your earnings.

Alternate Base Year #2 –  The three most recently completed calendar quarters preceding the date of claim, and weeks and wages in the filing quarter up to your last day of work. This alternate base year will contain less than 52 weeks.

Whether you qualify for the standard base period, or one of the alternate base periods, the following remains true: To be eligible for benefits, you must have worked for at least 20 base weeks where you earned at least $260 or earned a minimum of $13,000 in any one-year span during the last 18 months.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

In addition to meeting the financial requirements, eligible claimants must also be:

  • Actively searching for work
  • Willing to accept any suitable job offer
  • Able and available to work full-time
  • Unemployed through no fault of your own
  • A United States citizen or be legally allowed to work in New Jersey

This means that if you are sick, disabled, or unable to work for some reason, you won’t qualify for UI benefits. Instead, you may want to look into applying for disability benefits or Workers’ Compensation.

Why are you unemployed?

The biggest requirement that can affect your UI benefits is the reason why you are unemployed.

Unemployment insurance benefits are intended for New Jersey workers who lose their job due to circumstances beyond their control, such as business downsizing or lack of work from an employer.

However, if you quit your job for reasons unrelated to work, or were terminated due to misconduct, you will likely be disqualified. A claims examiner will interview you by phone or email to assess your eligibility. Your employer may also be contacted to participate in the process. Based on the information provided by you and your employer, the claims examiner will determine your eligibility for benefits.

If you quit voluntarily or were terminated due to misconduct, you may be denied benefits.

Can I obtain unemployment benefits if I am laid-off?

When you get laid off, it is not your fault. In almost all cases, this means that you are eligible for unemployment benefits.

Getting laid-off doesn’t mean that you were fired or you did something wrong. It just means that the company you worked for did not have enough work for you to do, and could no longer pay for your job.

Maintaining your eligibility

To continue receiving weekly benefit payments, you must certify each week that you meet the following requirements:

  • Are able to work
  • Are actively seeking work
  • Are available for work
  • Will not refuse an offer of suitable work

New Jersey has work search requirements that include documenting a list of job contacts each week. You must actively search for a new job and be prepared to accept a job offer. If you are unable to work due to caregiving responsibilities or physical limitations, you may not be eligible to receive benefits.

You must also attend any required meetings or you could be denied benefits. If you are scheduled for an in-person meeting or interview, you must appear in person at the NJ unemployment office on time. If you are scheduled for a phone interview, the NJ DOL will make every effort to call you on time, though you must be available for 2 hours after the scheduled appointment time in case there is a delay. If you miss an appointment, you may not receive your benefit payment for that week.

If your phone number changes, be sure to update your information as soon as possible to avoid a loss of UI benefits.

Quitting for “good cause”

Can I get unemployment if I quit my job?

You might be able to receive unemployment if you quit a job in New Jersey, but it depends in documentation and circumstances. New Jersey considers the reason why you are out of work and the basic law is that is must be for a cause that is not your fault. If you leave willingly, it’s not easy to qualify.

New Jersey does recognize a few special cases, such as

  • Domestic violence
  • Leaving job to join a military spouse assigned to a new location
  • Quitting job for  “good cause”

If you decide to quit your job without “good cause,” you may not qualify to receive NJ unemployment benefits. “Good cause” means that your reason for leaving is so compelling that you had no other choice but to quit.

In most cases, you cannot voluntarily quit and collect benefits, but there are certain situations where you may be eligible if you can prove unsafe, unhealthful, or dangerous working conditions that forced you to quit.

In cases where leaving your job is related to domestic violence or the transfer of your spouse/civil union partner who is an active military member out of state, you may still be eligible for benefits. You will need to provide evidence of these circumstances, and the examiner will determine your eligibility based on unemployment insurance guidelines.

If you leave your job for personal reasons, such as moving out of the area or pursuing better pay or more hours, your reason for quitting is not work-related. However, there are circumstances where you may still qualify for benefits. A claims examiner will schedule an interview to evaluate your eligibility according to New Jersey law. It is very important that you provide honest, accurate information to avoid issues with New Jersey unemployment fraud.

If you were fired

Can I receive unemployment if I am fired?

Benefits in New Jersey are not obtainable to people who were fired for misconduct or performance related issues. People who were fired for reasons mot related to their performance, however are eligible for benefits. So, for example, if an individual was fired because the company for which he worked chose to cut back and restructure, then he is possibly eligible. However, if he was fired for carelessness, he is not qualified.

If you were fired or discharged from your job, you might not be eligible for benefits. A claims examiner will investigate to determine if there was any misconduct related to your separation.

There are two types of misconduct: misconduct and gross misconduct. A simple misconduct disqualification lasts for the next five weeks after the firing or suspension. After the disqualification period ends, you may reapply for benefits.

If you were fired for committing a criminal offense, this is known as a gross misconduct discharge. You may be disqualified from collecting benefits indefinitely.

A claims examiner will conduct a fact-finding interview by phone or email to determine your eligibility. The examiner may request specific documents as evidence of your separation.

How New Jersey defines “suitable work”

You are required to accept any suitable job offer. But what does suitable work mean, exactly?

The NJDOL considers several factors when determining whether a job is considered “suitable” for an individual filing a claim for unemployment insurance benefits. The specific circumstances of the claimant are taken into consideration, such as the risk to the individual’s health, safety, and morals, their physical fitness and prior training, and their previous work experience, earnings, and benefits.

A job is considered suitable if it pays at least 80% of your average weekly wage over the past year. Other determining factors can include the length of your previous unemployment, your skills and experience, and your prospects for finding work in your occupation.

When filing for Unemployment Insurance benefits, you are expected to seek employment that is similar to your previous job in terms of job duties, distance traveled, and salary. However, the longer you remain unemployed, the more flexible you need to be when it comes to accepting a job offer.

What if my NJ unemployment claim is denied?

If your claim for New Jersey Unemployment Insurance benefits is denied, you have the right to file an appeal and protest the decision. You can request a hearing to present evidence and argue your case. You must file the appeal within 10 days of receiving the denial notice. You can also call the NJ unemployment call center for assistance.

There are alternate plans that may come into effect if you did not meet this 20-week requirement. The unemployment department will consider the previous 18 months and make a determination about eligibility

  1. I work remotely from NJ. I was terminated after 10 weeks for “not performing at the level of x” even though all my feedback had been positive. I meet the financial requirement.

    Can I claim benefits?

    • Hi, Robert – you can certainly apply, but one of the key eligibility criteria is that you lost your job through no fault of your own. The state of New Jersey will verify with your previous employer – if they report that you were terminated for cause, it’s unlikely that your claim would be approved. If that’s the case, and you have documentation to show that you were not terminated for cause, you can appeal the decision.

  2. I retired from my job on 12/31/21. I started another job on 2/11/22. In was laid off due to a seasonal layoff on 6/6/22. I filed for unemployment 6/22 and after weeks of explaining that yes I did retire but became employed again. I provided NJDOL my retirement letter as well as pay vouchers from my new job I was approved for unemployment benefits. Now a year later the NJDOL is saying that I was not eligible and need to pay back the benefits I received stating that I voluntarily retired. My claim was not against my former employer and I proved that I was employed by my new employer last year. What can I do? I have filed an appeal.

    • Hi, Darlene – you’ve done the right thing by filing an appeal, and for now, that’s the best action you can take. Some people also find it helpful to confer with a qualified unemployment attorney to help them navigate the appeals process. You can start that process now, or you can also wait until you receive a response to your appeal.

  3. I have worked 22 weeks this year and I just got laid off. I tried to open a claim and it says that I have a claim open and I do not qualify at this time ? I exhausted my last claim in January 15th again that was 22 weeks ago and I have been employed full time ever since.

  4. If I’ve worked in Georgia for six months than moved to NJ and got laid off after one month . Am I eligible to receive NJ unemployment without the full 20 weeks here ?

    • Gail,

      You should be able to receive UI benefits in NJ if laid off due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  5. Hello,
    I was wondering if I am eligable for Unemployment. I had to quit my job because I had to move out of state. This move was nessecary because I needed to get out of my abusive household, and I needed to continue my education. I didnt go to the police for the abuse as it wasnt physical, but it was financial, mental, and verbal abuse. Would I qualify under these circumstances?

    • Daniella,

      Unfortunately, personal reasons are not generally not considered. UI benefits are offered to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons.

  6. If I quit my job to attend full-time training at a NJ police academy can I collect NJ unemployment during the training if I meet all other eligibility criteria?

    • BR,

      UI benefits are only offered to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons. Plus, you should be available for full-time work.

      • Thank you Sam, on the website it says: You may be able to collect Unemployment Insurance benefits while attending a training program. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development must approve the training. Training may be approved if:?
        1)The training is for a labor demand occupation and will likely enhance your marketable skills and earning power.
        2)The training is full-time.
        3)The training provider or school has met all state and local requirements to be approved to give training.
        4)You can reasonably be expected to complete the program.

  7. Hi, I am currently working and going to school full time. I will need to do a unpain externship that is 40 hours a week to become a surgical technologist. At this time I will have to quit my job; Will I qualify for unemployment benefits?

  8. Can I collect unemployment if was laid of by my second job that I am part time at? As of right now I work full time but was laid off of my second job due to COVID-19.

    • Can I collect Unemployment if I just started full time a month ago and my job was just shut down because of the virus ?

    • Kelly,

      We understand this might be a difficult time for you. We’re anticipating a shortage of staff across unemployment offices due to the massive surge in UI applications considering the pandemic. We advise against calling or visiting the office, as you may not get a response instantly.

      Your state may have activated “Extended Benefits (EB)” authorized by the federal government. We recommend you apply for UI benefits online. For more information, please visit your state’s official Unemployment website.

  9. I was laid off due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I have only worked for the company I was laid off from since November. When I apply for unemployment it only has my job previous to my most recent one listed. Why wouldn’t my most recent job that I was laid off from be showing up?

  10. I am currently working at two jobs. In June one will stop for the summer. Can I collect unemployment from that job if I still hold the second job?

    • Jennifer,

      I am not sure if you can collect UI under these circumstances. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  11. Hi,
    , My company is located in Miami, Florida and I work remotely in New Jersey. I have been there for 8 months and meet all the requirements for unemployment. I have a feeling I am being let go soon, can I still collect NJ unemployment?

    • Donna,

      Ideally, you should be applying from the state where the employment is based since employers are required to remit UI taxes into the state of employment. Please check with your employer once.

  12. I have a medical condition which I am under a doctor care for that has been aggravated and gotten worse due to work . If I request my employer to limit my hours to accommodate me for this medical issue and they will not do so, Do I have the right to resign and collect unemployment?

    • If i am hired to work a certain time and my job changes the schedule to one that conflicts with my child care. Would I be eligible to apply for unemployment should they lay me off ?

      • Lia,

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

    • Chris,

      Generally, UI benefits are only extended to claimants who lose employment due to involuntary reasons. Please contact the Unemployment Office for clarification.

        • Dear Dossie Ross,
          That is illegal. You need to contact the HR at your former employer and get all documentation, and contact the NJ unemployment office to file a claim.
          if y
          You should also consider applying for SSI/SSDI, which you can do online. It is a slow process, anywhere from 4 months to over a year, depending on your appeals. If your seizure disorder is not well controlled with meds, you may be eligible.

          You may also consider contacting an attorney to help with SSI/SSDI claim (they are paid if you win) or your state’s legal aid to sue your prior employer for wrongful termination.

          Best,

          Jean

  13. I work in a very uncomfortable environment

    Where the owner son is always yelling and cursing, have no respect for the employees. He treat employees like a slaves or a little better. We have to lie sometimes to get product for no cost.
    No one is comfortable with him being in the store

    Would that be a good reason to get unemployment benefits till I find a better opportunity

    • Wisam,

      You can quite under “hostile” working conditions and claim. However, please move carefully and ensure you have supporting documentation handy in case of a dispute.

      • Question my unemployment ran out 5 months ago and i still cant find work how long before i can reapply im 42 yrs old and this is my first time collecting in my life time I’m from nj

        Thanks

        • Sergio,

          I can understand your situation. Unemployment Insurance is only a onetime cycle. Please call the Unemployment Office to understand if they can offer you other forms of assistance.

  14. I worked for the County in the state of NJ for 5 years, and recently left my job for a “better” job with the state. It turns out that the new job with the state is not a good fit for me at all, and is causing me a great deal of stress. I have repeatedly been made aware of my poor performance by my supervisor. I am still considered a temporary employee as I have only been at the new job for 30 days and just had my 30 day review–which was poor. I still have a 60 day review and 90 day review before I will be considered a permanent employee. Additionally there are times when I am concerned for my safety. I am expected to go out to people’s houses alone, and sometimes the people are hostile and/or have criminal records so I have to call the police to be on scene while I am there. I am afraid for the entirety of the visit and have difficulty performing my job correctly because of the fear. When I interviewed for this job, and when I read about the job prior to starting, I was not aware that I would regularly be in unsafe situations.

  15. Can I receive unemployment benefits if I am terminated for lateness issues that occurred 1 year ago? I have been at my job for 4 years(I work for the state). There are no performance issues, misconduct, etc.

    • Nita,

      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 more.

  16. Im currently a contracts/ temporary worker. I’ve been working in my past position for 2 years and My employer has changed the terms of my Position 3 months ago.

    i have denied the new role that would put on more stress, more working hours, and no increase in pay or better benefits. Currently working 50+ hours a week.

    i am looking for new job but makes it difficult with having no time.

    will i be eligible for unemployment?

    • Jimmy,

      Contract workers do not generally qualify since employers do not pay Unemployment Taxes into the system. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  17. My employer will not accomadate my internship for me to finish my college degree, I am quitting my position to become a full time student. I am not able to get leave of absence, reduced hours, or part time with the company. Am I eligible for UI for my last semester of college?

    • David,

      You will not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  18. I have been working for my employer for 5 years … For the past couple of years I have been having a hard time getting paid on time . I will wait 3 weeks and then get paid in full usually … and then wait 2 weeks .. and then get paid in full .. then get two weeks paid on time … then wait 3 weeks again … it has made me miss mortgage payments and other important bills . He does always pay me but not every week like it’s supposed to .. it is hard budgeting my money when I don’t know when I am going to get it … can I quit for not getting paid on time and collect
    Unemployment until I find another job that suits my needs

    • Jeff,

      Before making a decision on your employment, please call the Unemployment Office to clarify if you’re eligible.

      • Hi Sam, my company in NJ recently went through a merger with a FL company and since has noticed 2100 employees of a lay off. I am NOT impacted however, the processes and far greater than the staffing volumes. In addition during the merger we lost 3 PTO days, our 401K match, a significant amount of HSA funds, and have mandatory work weeks of 40 hours (previously 37.5). I have received emails of mandatory working Saturdays as we are weeks behind in processes and payment applications. I am a quality analyst and since the merger I am asked to scan payments, log payments, process stale dated checks, help with project management of the merge and other functions that are not apart of my job duty. Lastly- the reduction of staff, increase of volume, and amount of back log is causing us to become out of compliance with state and federal regulators. The job is very stressful and there is no home/work balance and work is never completed. Would I qualify for unemployment if I quit and if so what supporting documentation do you recommend I provide?

        • Lynn,

          Thank you for writing to us. A claimant can be eligible to claim under “Hostile” working conditions. Before making a decision on your employment, please call the Unemployment Office for a brief discussion. Supporting document is preferably anything written like email communication, letters, etc.

  19. Hi – I live in PA and worked remotely for my company which was based in NJ. I am applying for benefits online but its asking for my NJ license number or state issued ID number but my license is from PA so do I still select that or do I select “None?” Then, do I put in my PA license number or leave that blank?

    • For clarity, we suggest you speak to the Unemployment Office before making the selection. Please call the Claims Center.

  20. I recently lost my son and obtained full legal and sole custody of his 4 year old son (my grandson). My job requires me to travel for extended periods of time. Due to my unforseen circumstances if i get fired for not being able to travel because I am the sole caretake for my grandson but still can perform my job functions can i collect unemployment. worried I may get fired. I have requested other positions within the company that i qualify for but there currently aren’t any.

    • Lisa,

      I am sorry to hear about the loss. Suggest you call the Unemployment Office to seek clarification in this regard.

  21. I had open surgery on 4/25 .. I was cleared to go back to work 5/23 .. in between time I was notified by my family that we were moving to Delaware 6/1 .. I notified my boss and told him about my move and asked him if I could work up until we moved and he told me no! Would I be able to collect ?

    • Jennifer,

      Unfortunately, personal reasons such as medical conditions are not considered. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  22. i worked in New Jersey for 5 years. My employer had notified me my job position had move to offshore and i will be laid off next month(6/7/2019). do i need to file unemployment right away, or can i take a 3 week vacation out of country and collect the unemployment when i back 7/1/2019. thanks.

    • Lillian,

      You should be able to take the vacation and apply after you come back. Please contact the Unemployment Office for clarification.

      • Sam,

        I resigned from my job on 6/14 and left on 6/16. I started my new company traning on 6/17 and finished it on 6/21. I suppose to start my job on 6/24, but they telling me I have no job till they get new contracts.. Badically I left a 60k job for a 80k job and now I have no job. Based on the Leaving Your Job to Take a Better Job situation in NJ can I still apply for unemployment benefits in NJ? I started the new job traning within a week from my resignation also the new job offered more momey for less or equal money.

        • Steve,

          At the end of the day, if the resignation was voluntary, you will not qualify. Request you to call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  23. Can I collect Unemployment if I took time off because I couldn’t get to work. I have been working here on and off 20 years. eight years to now. There is no public transportation no taxi cabs. I live north jersey and the job is in Middlesex. My HR gave me permission to take time to try to figure out how to get to work. I kept in touch and they allowed me time. Suddenly this Monday they informed me I was off work too long and they had to terminate my employment. I did not quit nor did I wish to be fired. I just need time off to get a mode of transportation. I loved my job. I was over the road weeks at a time for them all I need is time to get transportation. Can I collect benefits.

    • Scott,

      Your reason can be a valid one. To understand more about eligibility, please call the Unemployment Office.

  24. I’m currently on short term disability for 3 months already. I didn qualify for FMLA because I was just started working there for 7 months but I work somewhere else before. On February the company sent me a letter saying they won’t approve anymore extension and that my absent has caused the company to fall behind their goal, causing stress on overwork staff members, and that I don’t return to work on a certain day they will terminate me. I faxed them a extension paper from my doctors and I explain I m still under doctors care but I do understand they can not longer wait for my recovery time. a couple of days ago I received a letter asking me that I should resign in good terms? I’m not sure how this works but I was hoping once I’m recover I’ll find a job right away but a friend of mine say if I resign and eventually recover and I don’t find a job right away I won’t be able to collect unemployment. I’m nit sure what should I do in his case.

    • Narcisa,

      Unfortunately, the authorities do not consider personal issues such as health. UI benefits are only extended to claimants who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. Having said this, I request you to call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  25. I’m currently working for a company that is extremely stressful to work for. It’s a very negative work environment and I’m overly stressed to go in there everyday. I’ve reached out to my HR rep for the company and have put in a complaint regarding handing to work all day shifts without being able to take a break and not being supported by manager. If I quit due to a stressful work environment can I collect unemployment?

    • Jessica,

      This is a tricky situation. You can be eligible/not eligible depending on how they treat it. Your employer may dispute your claim at the time of application. Please make sure to document conversations and reach out to the Unemployment Office before making a decision.

  26. Hi, lost my job yesterday quite suddenly. The manager alleges that I left a drug out of the refrigerator that then was unstable to use but I was never shown nor asked about this when this happened. In two years I’ve never been verbally warned or written up for anything. It was a very small intimate office and I was the last one hired. About a year ago one of the two doctors left and since the office has gotten slower and slower. Would this be considered misconduct? Would I be able to collect?

    • It might be considered “Misconduct” making you ineligible. Please call the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  27. I can’t get a hold of anyone on the phone numbers that I continue to call. And the number I keep calling will disconnect me because of “the high call volume” So how can I finish the information that is needed? I do not have any way to get out to the main office and I received information in the mail saying I was going to start receiving unemployment but every time I go to file for my weekly claim is says “unpaid” What is going on? I also have to claim my child what is the issue that I can’t get a hold of anyone over the phone? Everything I received in the mail says I’m eligible but I have yet to receive anything and still can not get a hold of anyone.

    • Jennifer,

      I can understand your situation. Since you’ve tried calling multiple times and unable to reach, please try the option of visiting an office in the vicinity.

    • Cindy,

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

  28. if my company is relocating and my commute will now be over 50 miles each way – can I quit and collect unemployment due to the time and commuting costs increasing

    • Nancy,

      Unemployment Insurance benefits are only extended to claimants who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office in your state to check if you’re eligible.

  29. my company fired me, because I talked to my boss in a private meeting that a new hire manager is on the sexual offender list. the company fire me saying that is a gossip. but that is a public document. I’m elegible to collect?

    • Joe,

      As long as you were not involved in conjunction, I don’t see any reason for your employer to fire you. Please consider filing for UI benefits and keep the supporting documents handy in case of a dispute during application processing.

  30. My girlfriend is facing imminent unemployment (her division may be cut). She lives and works in NYC now but is moving in with me in NJ soon. Where should she file?

    • Jordan,

      Please ask her to file from the state where her employed is based. Employers’ generally remit unemployment taxes in the state of employment.

  31. If I am fired for helping out coworkers and they give me their login and password to do their work, can I collect unemployement?

  32. I am facing a layoff. I am also currently collecting Social Security. Will I be eligible for UI? I want to and am able to continue working.
    Thank You

    • Bob,

      you should be eligible. Please make sure to let the authorities know about your SS benefits when you apply.

    • Michael,

      I do not have any insights into how the unemployment system works in Nigeria. Please contact the authorities.

  33. My employer is offering early retirement. I’ve paid into UI for 30 years. I still want to work after retirement; am I eligible to collect UI while look for a new job?

    • I’ve been employed for a firm (2 1/2 years) But and I am currently on temp disability..my company announced a “ mass layoff” in which I am being affected. I received a packet with info…. the “separation” date is set for 7/31… my expected date of return is 6/02. Can I resign and be eligible to collect unemployment? Or do I have to stay with the company that is laying me off until 7/31

      • Suzy,

        If you resign before the official ‘layoff’ date, it will be considered voluntary making you ineligible. Please call the Unemployment Office for more.

    • Ana,

      You should be able to collect as long as its involuntary and you continue seeking work. Please consider applying for UI benefits.

  34. I have bipolar disorder I was under alot of stress had an outburst at work and quit my job. Can I still apply for unemployment?

    • Jackie,

      UI benefits are extended to claimants who lost their job due to involuntary reasons. If the stress was due to working conditions, please call the Claims Center to ascertain eligibility.

  35. Live in NY and work in NJ can u collect if I quit my jo for working there 11 years. Emotionally stress and y boss put me on probation for not being engage he says…

    • Ava,

      Generally, UI benefits are extended to those who lose their job due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office to discuss your situation.

  36. Hello,
    I am moving 1 1/2 hours away from my job and I have been looking for work for over 6 weeks. I advised my employer of my moving situation and so my last day with them is 3/23/18 because I gave them enough notice so that they could hire someone to replace me and that replacement will take place as of 3/23/18. if I still cannot find a job within an hour’s drive of my new residence can I collect unemployment when my replacement begins on 3/23?

  37. I live in Pennsylvania but I work in Marlton New Jersey. My company was bought out by another company located in California. They are closing our office and I am being laid off with no fault of my own will I be eligible for unemployment and should I file in the state of New Jersey even though I live in Pennsylvania

  38. I was denied unemplyment in November 2017 after working on my job for 6yrs in New Jersey, I left the job to go back to school. I’ve since worked for 6 weeks but was recently laid off due to slow work, should I reopen my claim and do I have a good chance of being able to collect from the previous filing ?

    • Kerry,

      Please call the Unemployment Office and discuss this with a claims representative. If there are benefit weeks left in your account, you should be able to claim.

  39. Hi,
    I am a PA resident but I work in NJ. My license was suspended but I was getting a ride by my spouse to work. This arrangement can no longer work out. Will I be eligible for unemployment if I have to quit my job due to this?

    • Cheryl,

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

    • Donna,

      You may not be eligible since unemployment insurance is only extended to those who become unemployed due to involuntary reasons. If the full-time hours are cut, you can be eligible to claim partial UI benefits.

  40. I am currently enrolled in college and next year I will need to complete 960 hours of an unpaid externship for school. This is during the day only and I will no longer be able to work at my job. Does anyone know if I would be eligible to collect unemployment?

  41. Can I collect unemployment if I am moving out of state? if so, What do I need to bring? I have worked in NJ for more than 15 YEARS full time.

    • Sandra,

      It depends on the nature of separation from your employment. If you quit voluntarily to move out, you will not qualify.

  42. If a person is disabled and collects temporary disability benefits from NJ, and the benefits are exhausted, can they then collect unemployment benefits if they are able to work? Specifically, are the disability and unemployment benefits from the same fund?

    • Steven,

      UI benefits are only extended to those who became unemployed due to involuntary reasons. Please call the Unemployment Office to clarify.

  43. How does working as a seasonal employee during the November – December Holiday period affect NJ unemployment payments?

    • Seasonal workers are generally not eligible due to the obvious nature of work.

      Please contact the Unemployment Office for clarification.

  44. If you were a reduction in force collecting unemployment in a union and first to be called back and the same company calls you and offers a 2 1/2 hour part time position do you have to take it. I was told I would loose my number one spot for full time if I take this job.

  45. I am a New Jersey resident. I lost my job in Pennsylvania. My PA unemployment benefits are running out. I am still unemployed. Do I qualify for NJ unemployment?

    • Shaun,

      UI benefits are only a one-time affair from one state. Please call the Claims Center in NJ for clarification.

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