Unemployment NJ Insurance is a joint Federal-State program that provides temporary, partial wage replacement for New Jersey workers that have become unemployed through no fault of their own.

The purpose of this blog is to help you understand the Unemployment NJ program and learn how to access benefits.

Eligibility Requirements for Unemployment NJ Benefits

To qualify for Unemployment NJ benefits, you must:

1)      Be unemployed or working less than full-time due to no fault of your own. If you quit your job or were fired for misconduct, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits;

2)      Be able and available to work;

3)      Be actively looking for work;

4)      Have worked at least 20 weeks or earned at least $7150 in the last 18 months for employers that pay unemployment taxes.  If you are not sure, contact your employer’s payroll department.

Applying for  Unemployment NJ Benefits

You may file a claim for  Unemployment NJ benefits online at http://njsuccess.dol.state.nj.us/html/uimain.html or by telephone by calling:

·        Union City Call Center (201) 601-4100 TTY: (201) 601-4159;

·        Freehold Call Center (732) 761-2020 TTY: (732) 761-2035;

·        Cumberland Call Center (856) 507-2340 TTY: (856) 507-2399; or

·        Out-of-state claimants may call (888) 795-6672 TTY: (732) 761-2035

You should file your claim as soon as possible, as  Unemployment NJ claims cannot be back-dated.  When you file the claim, be sure to have available your Social Security number and the complete name and address of each employer that you worked for in the past 18 months.

You may only file by Internet if you meet the following requirements:

·        All of your employment in the past 18 months was in New Jersey; and

·        You did not work for the federal government; and

·        You were not in the military service in the past 18 months.

Otherwise, you must file by telephone between 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 8:00 am to Noon, Saturday and Sunday, excluding holidays.

Receiving New Jersey Unemployment Benefits

If you are approved for NJ Unemployment benefits, your weekly benefit rate will be 60% of the average weekly wage you were paid during your base period, up to a maximum of $589 a week.  Most recipients receive a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits; however, this period can be extended by law.

For More Information

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