New Jersey cityscape representing unemployment benefits

If you've been laid off in New Jersey, you're likely eligible for unemployment insurance benefits through the New Jersey Department of Labor (DOL). New Jersey offers one of the most generous unemployment programs in the nation, with maximum benefits of $830 per week (plus dependent allowances). This guide covers everything you need to know about filing for and receiving New Jersey unemployment benefits.

New Jersey Unemployment Benefits Overview

Benefit Amounts

Category Amount
Weekly minimum $120
Weekly maximum $830
Dependent allowance Up to $7/week per dependent
Maximum with dependents $851/week
Benefit duration Up to 26 weeks

How Benefits Are Calculated:

Your weekly benefit rate (WBR) is 60% of your average weekly wage in the base period (the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), capped at $830.

Example: If your average weekly wage was $1,500:
$1,500 × 0.60 = $900, capped at $830/week

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for New Jersey unemployment:

  1. Earned sufficient wages in your base period (at least $260/week for 20 weeks, OR earned at least $13,000 total)
  2. Lost your job through no fault of your own (layoff, reduction in force)
  3. Be able and available to work full-time
  4. Actively seek suitable work each week
  5. Register with Career Connections
  6. Be legally authorized to work in the United States
Financial documents for unemployment calculations

How to File for New Jersey Unemployment

Before You File

Gather the following information:

Step 1: Access the Unemployment Portal

Step 2: File Your Claim

Step 3: Register with Career Connections

Step 4: Certify for Benefits

Filing by Phone

Call NJ DOL:

Hours:

Filing Timeline

Event Timeframe
File initial claim First week of unemployment
Waiting week First week (no payment)
First weekly certification Week 2
First payment ~3 weeks after filing (if approved)

After You File

The Waiting Week

New Jersey has a one-week unpaid waiting period. Your first week serves as the waiting week—you must meet all requirements but won't receive payment.

Weekly Certification

New Jersey requires weekly certification:

When to Certify:

What You'll Answer:

Important: Missing weekly certification forfeits benefits for that week.

Work Search Requirements

New Jersey requires at least 3 work search activities per week:

Acceptable Activities:

You Must Also:

Person job searching online

Receiving Your Benefits

Payment Methods

Direct Deposit:

New Jersey Debit Card (Bank of America):

Payment Schedule

Taxes on Unemployment

Unemployment benefits are taxable income at both federal and state levels.

Federal Tax:

New Jersey State Tax:

Recommendation: Have taxes withheld to avoid a large bill at tax time.

Working While Receiving Benefits

Partial Benefits

New Jersey has one of the more generous partial benefit formulas:

Earnings Formula:

Example:

Reporting Requirements

When certifying:

Dependent Allowances

New Jersey provides additional benefits for dependents.

Who Qualifies

Spouse:

Children:

How Much

How to Claim

Common Issues and Solutions

Claim Under Review

Your claim may need review if:

What to Do:

Benefit Denial

If your claim is denied:

  1. You'll receive a Determination of Benefits
  2. You have 20 calendar days to appeal
  3. File appeal online or by mail
  4. A hearing will be scheduled with an Appeal Tribunal
  5. Many denials are reversed on appeal

System Issues

If you encounter online problems:

Special Situations

NYC Commuters

If you live in NJ but worked in NYC:

If You Worked in NJ

If you worked in New Jersey (regardless of where you live):

Tech and Pharma Workers

If you were laid off from NJ's tech or pharmaceutical industries:

Severance Pay

In New Jersey:

Retirement Benefits

If you receive pension or Social Security:

One-Stop Career Centers

New Jersey's One-Stop Career Centers offer free services:

Available Services:

Locations: Throughout the state—find your nearest at careerconnections.nj.gov

NJ DOL Contact Information

Online: myunemployment.nj.gov

Phone:

Hours:

Email: Use the online portal messaging system

Mail:
NJ Department of Labor
P.O. Box 058
Trenton, NJ 08625-0058

Key Takeaways

  1. New Jersey pays up to $830/week—one of the highest in the nation
  2. Duration is 26 weeks—full standard duration
  3. File immediately during your first week of unemployment
  4. One waiting week before benefits begin
  5. Certify weekly—not biweekly like some states
  6. Complete 3 work search activities per week
  7. Part-time work allowed—20% earnings disregard
  8. Severance doesn't affect your benefits
  9. Appeal if denied—you have 20 days
  10. Use direct deposit for fastest payment

New Jersey offers one of the most generous unemployment programs in the nation. Take advantage of the higher benefits, file promptly, and certify weekly to maintain your payments.