lwd.dol.state.nj.us - File Unemployment Claim

If you want to File Unemployment Claim New Jersey follow step by step instructions that will help you claim benefits through NJ state unemployment office.

First and foremost, apply as soon as you lose the job. State unemployment offices generally take 1-3 weeks to process your application, especially for the initial claim. The compensation will be paid from the week you applied and if you delay, you will lose the benefits prior to the week of filing. You won't be allowed to back-date your claims or claim the benefits for prior weeks.

New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Eligibility Requirements

1. There are some basic rules for eligibility. Even if you meet some of these rules partially, you should still apply for unemployment because state offices make a reasonable attempt to process your claim, as long as you provide a good justification.

2. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. That means if you have quit job voluntarily you may not qualify for unemployment insurance. However, there are exceptions - such as working in hazardous or inhuman working conditions etc. to this rule.

3. You must be willing and able to work. If you are physically disabled, you do not qualify.

4. You must have worked minimum number of weeks specified by the State. New Jersey State minimum weeks of covered employment requirement (employer must have paid unemployment taxes on your behalf): 20

5. You must have earned minimum amount of wages specified by State during this period. This amount may change every year. You can get get complete eligibility criteria and the benefits calculator from state website mentioned in the next section. Minimum wages earned during the base period: $7,200

Prepare documents required to apply for unemployment in NJ

Your name, address, social security number and other personal details such as telephone number, email address etc.

Dependents name, date of birth and their social security number.

Details of your previous employer. For each employer, you need to provide

Name and address
Telephone number
Start and end dates of employment

If you had out-of-state employment in the past 18 months, you also need to provide the employment details.

Reason you lost the job – it has to be involuntary to be eligible to receive benefits.
Your job skills summary

If you are not an US citizen, keep your alien registration number and work authorization.

However if you are on a work visa such as H1-B, immigration experts do not advise claiming unemployment insurance.

Apply for Benefits or Claim Extension

You can submit your application for unemployment compensation online, off-line (by mail or by visiting local employment office) or through telephone. Online application is the quickest and most efficient option which will also be available 24x7, 7 days a week.

Prepare and submit your application online go lwd.dol.state.nj.us

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.

If you are applying for unemployment extension in New Jersey, make sure you check the latest rules. Many states are in the process of revising the rules to extend the benefits beyond the initial period. Also, remember that you need to report unemployment benefits as an income when you file taxes with IRS at the end of the year.

All the major cities in New Jersey including Newark, Jersey City, Paterson,Elizabeth, Edison, Toms River, Trenton, Camden, Brick Township, and Clifton have an unemployment office location to process unemployment claims. You can visit the local office for consultation or to file for unemployment in person