How do I file for unemployment benefits in New Jersey?

Q: How do I file for unemployment benefits in New Jersey?

New Jersey unemployment is administered by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) under N.J. Stat. § 43:21-1 et seq. 1. How and When to File - File online at myunemployment.nj.gov or by phone (Reemployment Call Center). - File the first week of unemployment . - The waiting week was eliminated in 2020 . 2. Weekly Benefit Amount - Range: $151 to $854 per week (2025) — one of the highest caps in the country. - Calculated as 60% of average weekly wage in the base period. - Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits. 3. Eligibility Requirements (N.J. Stat. § 43:21-19(e)) - At least 20 base weeks earning at least $283/week (2025), OR total base-year wages of at least $14,200 . - Lost work through no fault of your own — not fired for misconduct (§ 43:21-5(b)) or voluntary quit without good cause attributable to the work. - Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work . 4. Work Search Requirement - Must make at least 3 employer contacts per week . - Must register on NJ Career Connections within the first week. - Maintain detailed records — NJDOL audits randomly. 5. Certifying for Benefits - Certify weekly online or by phone (1-Press 1 system). - Earnings up to 20% of your WBA are disregarded. 6. Appeals - File appeal within 10 days of the determination notice — one of the shortest deadlines. - Hearings are with the Appeal Tribunal. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

New Jersey unemployment is administered by the NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) under N.J. Stat. § 43:21-1 et seq.

1. How and When to File

File online at myunemployment.nj.gov or by phone (Reemployment Call Center).

File the first week of unemployment.

The waiting week was eliminated in 2020.

2. Weekly Benefit Amount

Range: $151 to $854 per week (2025) — one of the highest caps in the country.

Calculated as 60% of average weekly wage in the base period.

Maximum 26 weeks of regular benefits.

3. Eligibility Requirements (N.J. Stat. § 43:21-19(e))

At least 20 base weeks earning at least $283/week (2025), OR total base-year wages of at least $14,200.

Lost work through no fault of your own — not fired for misconduct (§ 43:21-5(b)) or voluntary quit without good cause attributable to the work.

Be able to work, available, and actively seeking work.

4. Work Search Requirement

Must make at least 3 employer contacts per week.

Must register on NJ Career Connections within the first week.

Maintain detailed records — NJDOL audits randomly.

5. Certifying for Benefits

Certify weekly online or by phone (1-Press 1 system).

Earnings up to 20% of your WBA are disregarded.

6. Appeals

File appeal within 10 days of the determination notice — one of the shortest deadlines.

Hearings are with the Appeal Tribunal.

This is legal information, not legal advice.