New Jersey Unemployment Insurance

NJ Unemployment Insurance (UI) provides temporary financial assistance for those who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Each state sets its own guidelines for eligibility for UI benefits, but you usually qualify if you:

1. have lost a job through no fault of your own;
2. are unemployed or partially unemployed for reasons permissible under federal law;
3. are “able to work, available to work, and actively seeking work;” and
4. have earned at least a certain amount of money during a “base period” prior to becoming unemployed. In most states, this is usually the first 4 out of the last 5 completed calendar quarters prior to the time that your claim is filed.

According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, to qualify for unemployment benefits in NJ in 2026, you must have earned a minimum amount of wages in a recent ‘base period ’ and must have, prior to filing a claim:¹

1. earned at least $310 per week for 20 or more weeks in the first four calendar quarters out of the last five (base period), or
2. earned at least $15,500 in total covered employment during the base year period.

How much unemployment benefits can I get in New Jersey?

Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $905 per week, effective January 1, 2026, for a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits per year.¹

Is there a time limit on unemployment benefits in New Jersey?

Yes. Benefits in New Jersey are limited to 26 weeks within a benefit year. Once the maximum has been paid, payments end, and receiving further benefits generally requires a new benefit year and meeting the wage requirements again.

How do I claim my NJ unemployment benefits online?

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:

As a condition of eligibility, you must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work during each week in which you are claiming benefits.

New Jersey Family Leave During Unemployment

If you have been out of work for more than 14 days and need to take family leave, your claim is processed under a hybrid program called Family Leave During Unemployment  (FLDU).

FLDU can be claimed for up to 12 consecutive weeks in a 12-month period. Depending on how much you have earned in your base period, you may receive up to $905 per week.

If you are currently collecting UI and need to switch to FLI, you simply stop certifying for weekly UI benefits and submit an FLI application.

Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance
(609) 292-3349