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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.

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