NJ Unemployment Benefits
In New Jersey, as in every other state, employees who are temporarily out of work through no fault of their own may qualify to collect unemployment benefits.
If you worked in New Jersey within the last 18 months, you have the right to file a claim for benefits as long as you meet the qualifying conditions set by law.
New Jersey has its own program with rules about eligibility, the amount of compensation a worker can receive, the duration of the benefits and the application process.
FAQ #
How can I collect unemployment in New Jersey? #
In order to claim unemployment in NJ, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have enough prior earnings from employment to establish a claim.
- Be totally or partially unemployed.
- Be unemployed through no fault of your own.
- Be ready and willing to immediately accept work.
To establish a valid claim, you must have earned at least $260 per week for 20 weeks, or at least $13,000 in total during the base year period.
In New Jersey, as in most states, the regular base period is the earliest four of the five completed calendar quarters before the week you file an initial claim.
For example, if you filed for benefits on April 30 of this year, your base period would be Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 of the previous year.
How much is unemployment benefits in New Jersey? #
Unemployment benefits in New Jersey are typically calculated at 60% of your average weekly wage during your base year, up to a maximum of $830 per week.
The maximum benefit rates are recalculated each year based on the statewide average weekly wage, according to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
To find out how much your actual weekly benefits will be, use this calculator. Please note that this is for estimation purposes only.
How much unemployment will I get if I make $1000 a week in NJ? #
If your average weekly wage is $1,000 during your base period, you are eligible to receive $600 per week ($1,000 x 60% = $600).
To collect benefits, you must be able to work, available for work and be actively looking for work during each week in which you are claiming benefits.
How many weeks can I collect unemployment in NJ? #
In New Jersey, you can collect unemployment benefits for a maximum of 26 full weeks during a one-year period called a “benefit year”.
Unless otherwise exempt, you are required, as a condition of eligibility, to do at least three work search activities each week and provide proof of your work search efforts to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) upon request.
In addition, you must continue to certify for benefits and meet eligibility requirements each week in order to receive benefit payments.
Can I get more than 26 weeks of unemployment in NJ? #
No, benefits are limited to a maximum of 26 weeks only. If you exhaust your benefits, no extensions are available unless extended due to some sort of economic crisis.
How long do I have to work in NJ to collect unemployment? #
In New Jersey, if you were employed for at least 20 weeks and lost that job through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to claim unemployment benefits.
How do I claim my weekly unemployment benefits in NY? #
Before benefits can be paid to you, you must first file an initial claim. You may file a claim either online at myunemployment.nj.gov or by phone at any of three Reemployment Call Centers listed below:
- North New Jersey (201)-601-4100
- Central New Jersey (732)-761-2020
- South New Jersey (856)-507-2340
What do I do if my unemployment claim is denied? #
If you are denied benefits for any reason, you have the right to appeal the decision within 21 days from the date of the determination.
Appeals can be filed online or can be mailed to:
New Jersey Department of Labor
Appeal Tribunal
PO Box 907
Trenton, NJ 08625-0907
Your appeal letter must include your name, Social Security number, telephone number, and address. In addition, give your reasons for disagreeing with the determination to deny benefits.