New Jersey Unemployment insurance (UI) is a government program that provides financial assistance to United States residents who are unemployed but seeking work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines unemployment as people who are currently unemployed, available to work, and have been actively seeking work for at least 4 weeks.
Unemployed job seekers may be eligible for unemployment insurance in NJ if they are able to meet several eligibility requirements. General eligibility requirements for unemployment insurance benefits in New Jersey include but are not limited to:
- Individual must be unemployed and seeking work
- Physical and mental ability to work
- Proof of previous employment over for at least 20 hours a week over a period of 20 weeks OR at least 1,000 hours over a period of a year
Learn About New Jersey Unemployment Resources
The process to receive unemployment insurance coverage can be completed online or over the phone. If unemployment benefits are granted, the beneficiary will receive a Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR).
The WBR is the amount of benefits paid weekly. It is generally calculated as 60 percent of the average wages received during a preset period of time during the claimant’s employment. Unemployment benefits are granted for 26 weeks.
Unemployment insurance benefits must be claimed by the beneficiary weekly. Failure to regularly claim unemployment benefits will result in nonpayment. If the unemployment claim is denied, the applicant has the right to file an appeal. A letter outlining why unemployment benefits cannot be granted will be sent to the applicant.
The applicant is also encouraged to schedule an appointment with a claims examiner for suggestions on how to become eligible for unemployment benefits. Unemployment insurance coverage is only permitted for 26 weeks. During times of high state and/or national unemployment, an unemployment claim may become extended for up to 99 additional weeks through state and federal extensions.
Understand Requirements for Unemployment in New Jersey
Eligibility for Unemployment in New Jersey is generally granted to residents who have become unemployed through no fault of their own. This also applies if your hours have been greatly reduced, or if you have been laid off.
However, you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits in NJ if you have been terminated from your job or voluntarily quit. These are the main requirements, however, each case is unique.
Unemployed residents of New Jersey who need information about how to qualify for unemployment may do so by first determining their eligibility status. Eligibility for unemployment insurance is regulated by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to best assist those who have become unemployed.
Applying for Unemployment in New Jersey
The New Jersey unemployment registration process begins when a petitioner completes an unemployment application. In regards to where to sign up for unemployment benefits, petitioners have the option of applying either online or over the phone.
After the petitioner decides where to apply for unemployment, he or she must gather the information needed, and register. If granted benefits, the claimant must file for an unemployment claim each week that benefits are needed.
Learn About Unemployment Benefits in New Jersey
When applying for unemployment insurance in New Jersey, it may be beneficial for applicants to calculate an estimate of what his or her benefits may be. There are several factors that determine what an individual’s benefits may be.
An unemployment benefits extension may be granted by the state and/or federal government to claimants who are still unemployed after the benefit period is over. Both state and federal unemployment benefits are only given during periods of high unemployment.
Appealing Unemployment Denials in New Jersey
Unemployment petitioners in New Jersey asking, “What can I do if unemployment denied me benefits?” have several options. After reviewing eligibility for unemployment benefits, an unemployment denial appeal may be filed if the petitioner believes that he or she has been wrongfully denied.
For more information about getting unemployment benefits denied, the petitioner may also schedule an appointment with a claims examiner for an in-depth evaluation of the claim.
Learn About Unemployment Extension in New Jersey
New Jersey unemployment beneficiaries may be concerned about supporting their families after the benefit period is over, especially during a bad economy. Some may even be asking “What can I do to extend unemployment?”
If unemployment is high in New Jersey, or even the nation, unemployment benefits may be extended for up to 99 additional weeks. Although this may come as a relief to some claimants, an unemployment benefits extension is only granted during these times.