NJ Unemployment
New Jersey’s unemployment rate ticked down two-tenths of a percentage point to 3.7% but remains two-tenths of a point above the national average. The state has regained more than a fifth of the jobs lost during the pandemic.
If you’ve lost your job in NJ through no fault of your own and meet the eligibility requirements for NJ unemployment, you can receive benefits for up to 26 weeks. You must certify each week that you’re still looking for work. The amount you’ll receive each week is your Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR) and depends on your average weekly earnings over your base year period up to a maximum amount. The maximum may change each year.
In addition to NJ Unemployment, you may also be eligible for state and federal extended unemployment benefits. These additional weeks of unemployment benefits depend on the state’s unemployment rate and are triggered by a decline in unemployment. You can check your status on the NJ Division of Unemployment Insurance website.
NJ Earned Sick Leave
You can also qualify for NJ Earned Sick Leave, a program that provides workers with up to 40 hours of paid sick leave. You can use this leave to care for a family member or to stay home with your child during COVID-19 school and daycare closures. You can apply for this leave at your local workforce development board.
NJ Unemployment & Disability Application
New Jersey residents with disabilities may qualify for state unemployment benefits, TDI, and other federal programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These services are run through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. If you’re unable to work, it’s important to apply for these benefits as soon as possible to avoid losing your eligibility.
Applicants for unemployment in New Jersey must meet certain requirements to receive a benefit. These include having a medical condition that prevents them from working and meeting minimum wage and benefit allowance requirements. The benefit amount depends on the individual’s weekly average earnings and the severity of the condition. Benefits are typically paid for 26 weeks in a benefit year, but the length of time can vary depending on the medical condition and the certification of a qualified healthcare provider.
In addition to submitting the required documents, you must also report any wages earned during your disability period on your tax return. These amounts are entered in Box 14 of the W-2 or the Quick Entry screen for federal taxes. The program also requires employers to pay mandatory contributions into the state’s disability insurance fund, which are reported on Form NJ-2450 Employee’s Claim for Credit and submitted to the IRS with your taxes. These contributions are based on payroll tax withholdings and are deductible for businesses.
NJ Unemployment Claim Status
Depending on your situation, you may be able to certify for benefits online or by phone. You can check your claim status on the NJ DOL website to see if you’re eligible and to find out when you can certify for benefits. To do so, you must provide the information requested by the DOL, including your name, sex, address, and telephone number.
Once you’re approved for unemployment, the state will deposit your weekly benefit payment into your bank account or send you a prepaid debit card. If you choose the prepaid card option, you must keep any unexpired cards that are sent to you in case you need to reapply for unemployment benefits.
If you disagree with the decision made on your claim, you can file an appeal. Typically, an appeal must be submitted within seven days after you receive the initial determination. You can file an appeal online or by submitting a written request to the department.
