NJ Unemployment Benefits Guide

Just like change is the only thing that remains constant in our life, unemployment is an ordeal every employed person must go through. If you are unemployed and live in NJ, don’t worry, this article explains how to file for NJ unemployment benefits. This article covers Unemployment insurance (UI) eligibility criteria, compensation levels, and instructions on how to apply for the compensation.

First thing first: file for UI as soon as you become eligible. Eligibility starts from the day you have lost the job. You should not be receiving any full-time salary from the employer for you to be considered unemployed. If you are working part-time you can still apply.

The most important eligibility criterion is that you must have lost job through no fault of your own. If you have left the job because you did not like the work or for other personal inconvenience, then you may not qualify. You may not be able to get unemployment benefits if you are going to school full time. You must be actively seeking work and must be agreeable and able to do the job if you get the job offer. For more detailed eligibility criteria, refer to NJ unemployment benefits guide

Next step would be to prepare the paperwork needed to submit the application. Typically you need the following:

• Previous employment information such as business name and mailing address of the employer. You typically need about two years of history. It would be beneficial if you have your tax returns available. An estimate of date-time and interval of every job is needed as well. Normally employers do not give this info to states.
• Personal details such as legal name, SSN, telephone number, home address etc.
• Your financial institution's Routing Transit Number and your Account Number if you ask for Direct Deposit for your benefit amount
• Reason for quitting the job - voluntary or involuntary and how you left the job. Any papers if available will be of use.

Most states require you to file your claims with the state where you worked. If you had the job in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in several states, the state UI agency where you now live can offer information about filing your claims with other states. Refer to state guides such as NY unemployment claims guide for more details.

Prepare and submit your application online at the State’s website - http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us/labor/ui/ui_index.html

If you choose to file over phone, call the unemployment compensation services toll-free number at (888) 795-6672 if you are currently living outside of New Jersey but worked in NJ state in the past. If you are from North East New Jersey, call Union City office at (201) 601-4100. Northwest and Central NJ is serviced at (732) 761-2020 which is the Freehold office. South Jersey residents must contact Cumberland office at (856) 507-2340.

Benefits amount vary depending on the amount of salary you earned in your base period which is typical 12 to 18 months. Refer to state website if you want to know accurate amount.

On November 6, 2009, President Obama signed legislation providing additional Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits. The new law provides up to 20 additional weeks of benefits Individuals who have exhausted all federally funded extended benefit programs or were disqualified from receiving Extended Benefits (EB) due to specific separation issues (such as misconduct or refusal of suitable work) can benefit from the new law.

NJ unemployment law also dictates that if you receive any unemployment benefits to which you are not entitled, you should return any such benefits received. If benefits were paid to you in error, you will receive a notice stating the amount you were overpaid and why you were not entitled to the benefits.