Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Extended Unemployment Benefits In New Jersey

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Reminder: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefits Including Peuc Pua Fpuc And Meuc Ended Sept 4 2021 Learn More

New Jersey Will Not Extend Pandemic Unemployment Benefits

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation is an extension to state unemployment insurance benefits that was created through the federal CARES Act and extended through the Continued Assistance Act and American Rescue Plan Act.

Claimants may receive PEUC for up to 53 weeks after exhausting state unemployment insurance benefits. The PEUC program expires Sept. 4, 2021.

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Extended Unemployment Insurance To Expire For 80000 Nj Workers

Eighty-eight weeks of unemployment benefits triggered by the coronavirus pandemic are coming to a close.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced Thursday that approximately 80,000 New Jersey workers are due to exhaust extended unemployment insurance in the coming weeks, and they won’t be able to receive additional unemployment assistance until new earnings and work history requirements are met.

Claimants in this pool will have benefited from 26 weeks of regular state unemployment, up to 49 weeks of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation that ended Sept. 4, and up to 13 weeks of state Extended Benefits that followed.

“We have distributed $37.5 billion in benefits to help more than 1.5 million claimants through the darkest days of the pandemic,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Our team now stands ready to help these workers reenter the workforce by finding meaningful, dignified, sustained employment.”

The department noted it is offering in-person services, , at One-Stop Career Centers located across New Jersey. Also, free training courses provided by Metrix Learning are offered for positions in a variety of high-demand industry sectors, such as information technology, business analysis, and digital literacy.

Contact reporter Dino Flammia at .

The Federal Peuc Program That Extends Unemployment Benefits Ended

If you were getting PEUC benefits, the week ending Sept. 4 is:

  • The last payable week for PEUC benefits.
  • The last week for the extra $300 per week. By federal law, all claimants except those receiving Training Benefits were getting $300 in addition to their usual weekly benefit amount for a limited time.

If you still need unemployment benefits after Sept. 4

  • Continue filing weekly claims if you have an active unemployment claimYou might have weeks available on a regular unemployment claim.
  • If you use eServices, youll know you have available weeks if you see a link that says You have a weekly claim to file.
  • If you file weekly claims by phone, you will hear an option to file a weekly claim.

Remember: If you have remaining weeks available and youre eligible for those weeks, you will be paid your regular weekly benefit amount. That amount will not include the extra $300 per week from FPUC.

  • Apply for a new claimIn eServices, click the Apply for benefits link under Alerts. If you dont have eServices, or if you think you should be eligible and dont see the link, call the Unemployment Claims Center to speak with an agent.

See more information about applying at esd.wa.gov/unemployment.

If you have a claim pending in adjudication or appeal after Sept. 4: Benefits will be available. If we find that you are eligible, we will pay benefits for weeks you claimed through the week ending Sept. 4.

What all claimants should do:

  • Continue filing claims for weeks you want to get benefits.
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    How Do I Apply

    To receive unemployment insurance benefits, you need to file a claim with the unemployment insurance program in the state where you worked. Depending on the state, claims may be filed in person, by telephone, or online.

    • You should contact your state’s unemployment insurance program as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.
    • Generally, you should file your claim with the state where you worked. If you worked in a state other than the one where you now live or if you worked in multiple states, the state unemployment insurance agency where you now live can provide information about how to file your claim with other states.
    • When you file a claim, you will be asked for certain information, such as addresses and dates of your former employment. To make sure your claim is not delayed, be sure to give complete and correct information.
    • Find the contact information for your state’s unemployment office to start your claim.

    Can I Still File A Claim For Back Dated Benefit Payments

    Unemployment Benefits Extended Nj

    If you believe your claim should be backdated, youll need to contact the NJ DOL who will then schedule a fact-finding interview to determine if your claim can be backdated. You will still be able to receive benefits for weeks prior to September 4, if you are found eligible for a claim filed before September 4, 2021

    If you are currently in an appeal or adjudication process, or have an appointment scheduled after the Sept. 4 program expiry, you should continue to certify weekly, follow NJ DOL instructions and monitor your email.

    Claimants with pending decisions may still be paid retroactively for weeks before September 4th, 2021, if they are later deemed eligible.

    Note that funds that appear as remaining in your unemployment account related to the federal enhanced unemployment programs will not be available for certification or payment for weeks of unemployment ending after September 4, 2021.

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    Weeks Of Unemployment Insurance Available And Unemployment Rates

    The remaining six states periodically update their maximum weeks of UI available based on changes in the states unemployment rate:

    • Alabama currently provides up to 14 weeks of UI for new enrollees, with an additional five-week extension for those enrolled in a state-approved training program
    • Georgia provides 14 weeks of UI, but in the COVID-19 emergency that has been increased to 26 weeks
    • Florida currently provides up to 12 weeks for claims filed after January 1, 2022
    • Idaho currently provides up to 20 weeks for new enrollees based on its November unemployment rate
    • Kansas currently provides up to 16 weeks of UI and
    • North Carolina currently provides up to 12 weeks for claims filed after January 1, 2022.

    Kentucky and Oklahoma also have enacted legislation that would cut their maximum number of weeks of benefits beginning in 2023.

    State laws in many states with a maximum of 26 weeks employ a sliding scale based on a workers earnings history to determine the maximum number of weeks for which an individual worker qualifies. Except in Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico, many UI recipients maximum is fewer than 26 weeks.

    TABLE 1

    Timeline Of Unemployment Insurance Program In New Jersey

    The following timeline features selected key events in the history of New Jersey’s unemployment insurance program. The timeline is not a comprehensive history of the state unemployment insurance program.

    • 1938: As of May 1, 1938, New Jersey’s unemployment insurance program offered a maximum weekly benefit amount of $15 for up to 16 weeks.
    • 1985: As of January 1, 1985, New Jersey’s unemployment insurance program offered a maximum WBA of $203 for up to 26 weeks.
    • 2021: A March 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Labor found that the trust funds in 40 states and territories, including New Jersey, had dropped below the recommended minimum solvency standard as of January 1, 2021.

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    Unemployment Program Extensions Under Biden Arpa Stimulus Package

    Under President Bidens $1.9 trillion federal coronavirus relief package, known as the American Rescue Plan , enhanced unemployment benefits will be extended until September 6th. This would be the week ending September 4th, 2021 in New Jersey. This includes the following extensions:

    Pandemic Unemployment Assistance The PUA program, designed for freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors or those that generally dont qualify for regular state unemployment, has been extended to September 6th, 2021 . This brings the total number of weeks in the program to 79. The minimum PUA payment is still 50% of a states average weekly benefit amount and limited to the states maximum weekly benefit amount .

    Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation The new stimulus bill funds another 25 weeks of weekly supplementary/extra unemployment at the current $300 level. Payments for the $300 weekly payment will continue until early September for a total of 25 weeks and eligible claimants those getting at least $1 from state and federal unemployment programs can get a maximum of $7,500 if they qualify for all weeks covered in this new extension. The other $100 supplementary payment for Mixed Earners was also extended by 25 weeks.

    Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation The PEUC program, which extends coverage for those who have exhausted regular and extended state unemployment, has also been extended until the week ending September 4th, 2021.

    One Of My Workers Quit Because He Said He Would Prefer To Receive The Unemployment Compensation Benefits Under The Cares Act Is He Eligible For Unemployment If Not What Can I Do

    Unemployed workers are now eligible for extended benefits

    No, typically that employee would not be eligible for regular unemployment compensation or PUA. Eligibility for regular unemployment compensation varies by state but generally does not include those who voluntarily leave employment. Similarly, to receive PUA, an individual must be ineligible for regular unemployment compensation or extended benefits under state or federal law, or pandemic emergency unemployment compensation, and satisfy one of the eligibility criteria enumerated in the CARES Act, as explained in Unemployment Insurance Program Letter 16-20. There are multiple qualifying circumstances related to COVID-19 that can make an individual eligible for PUA, including if the individual quits his or her job as a direct result of COVID-19. Quitting to access unemployment benefits is not one of them. Individuals who quit their jobs to access higher benefits, and are untruthful in their UI application about their reason for quitting, will be considered to have committed fraud.

    If desired, employers can contest unemployment insurance claims through their state unemployment insurance agencys process.

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    If I Am Eligible For Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Do I Need To First Apply For Unemployment Insurance

    States must have a process for determining that Pandemic Unemployment Assistance applicants are ineligible for regular unemployment benefits, which may not include filing a regular claim as a first step. States are not required to take and adjudicate a full claim for regular unemployment insurance benefits to meet this requirement. While states are not prohibited from taking a full claim, to facilitate expedited claims processing the U.S. Department of Labor has discouraged states from doing so. Individuals should apply using the states PUA application process and, in states that have not yet established that process, must wait until it is established.

    How To Get Extended Unemployment Benefits

    How you’ll collect extended benefits will vary based on your state. In some states, you wont need to do anything. You’ll automatically be paid for the additional weeks. You may have to apply in other states.

    • If you’re currently collecting unemployment benefits: Benefits are provided through the state unemployment offices, and information on eligibility will be posted online. You’ll be advised on how to collect when your regular unemployment benefits end if you’re eligible.
    • If you’ve exhausted unemployment benefits: Long-term unemployed workers who have already exhausted state unemployment benefits may also be eligible for additional weeks of benefits. Check with your state unemployment website for eligibility criteria in your location.

    You’ll receive the same amount that you received for regular unemployment compensation if you’re eligible for extended unemployment benefits. The number of weeks you’ll receive depends on your state unemployment rate and it may vary.

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    My Regular Unemployment Compensation Benefits Do Not Provide Adequate Support Given The Unprecedented Economic Challenges Caused By The Covid

    Yes, depending on how your state chooses to implement the CARES Act. The new law creates the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program , which provides an additional $600 per week to individuals who are collecting regular UC and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers , PEUC, PUA, Extended Benefits , Short Time Compensation , Trade Readjustment Allowances , Disaster Unemployment Assistance , and payments under the Self Employment Assistance program). This benefit is available for weeks of unemployment beginning after the date on which your state entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor and ending with weeks of unemployment ending on or before July 31, 2020.

    Am I Eligible For Regular Unemployment Compensation

    Department of Labor and Workforce Development

    Each state sets its own unemployment insurance benefits eligibility guidelines, but you usually qualify if you:

    • Are unemployed through no fault of your own. In most states, this means you have to have separated from your last job due to a lack of available work.
    • Meet work and wage requirements. You must meet your states requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a “base period.”
    • Meet any additional state requirements. Find details of your own states program.

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    Division Of Unemployment Insurance

    “My benefits are ending. Are other resources available?”

    See links to assistance with food, housing, child care, health, and more.

    “Why canât I claim my remaining UI balance?”

    For PUA/PEUC recipients, the balance represents the maximum that was available for weeks of unemployment before 9/4/21.

    “How do you verify my identity?”

    To reduce the risk of fraud, many unemployment claimants must verify their identity using the security vendor ID.me.

    “How can I reset my PIN or password?”

    We can help if you’re having trouble with your online account password and/or PIN to certify for weekly benefits.

    Federal benefits created during the benefit expired September 4, 2021.

    You will still be able to receive benefits for eligible weeks prior to September 4, 2021.

    “What does it mean if my claim is pending, or not payable at this time?”

    Many claimants see these messages and aren’t sure what, if anything, they need to do about them.

    “How do I complete an application?”

    Get step-by-step instructions for our application process and find out what happens after you file.

    “I want to certify for and claim benefits.”

    You must confirm each week that you are still eligible for benefits in order to get paid.

    “I need to update my information.”

    You can change your address, phone number, and other information from the online dashboard.

    You can have your benefits deposited directly to your bank account, or loaded onto a prepaid debit card.

    After A Delayed Rollout Due To A Need To Program State Computers For The 11

    It took until February but New Jersey Department of Labor finally completed programming for the 11-week benefits extension passed in late December. According to the agency the work got done ahead of schedule although officials were questioned why the state had a delay when New York and Connecticut had not.

    The delay that left over 75,000 claimants without extended benefits was blamed on the last-minute federal action to continue benefits beyond the 26 December cutoff. States across the US experienced similar problems due to the bill passing so close to the benefits expiration and the subsequent hesitation to sign the legislation by former President Trump.

    States were not given time to program systems for the 11-wk extension to all claimants without delay. The frustrations our workers are feeling are taking place all over the nation right now as a result of last-minute federal action.

    NJ Labor Department

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    How Long Can You Collect Unemployment

    Workers in most states are eligible for 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits, although nine states provide less than 26 weeks and two provide more, as of August 2022. Florida and North Carolina provide only 12. Extended benefits for an additional seven to 20 weeks can kick in when these time periods end.

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    Lost Wages Assistance Program

    Labor Commissioner Says End of Extended Unemployment is Positive Economic Sign

    NJ has made all final payments under the LWA program, which provided supplemental payments to eligible unemployment benefits claimants who were unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to disruptions caused by COVID-19. Roughly 800,000 workers in New Jersey were eligible for up to $1,800 in LWA benefits.

    The NJ Labor Department has confirmed that LWA payments have been successfully processed on October 21st and disbursed for payment. It could take 1 to 3 business daysfrom this date to actually receive payments in your financial account or debit card due to processing times across financial intuitions,. As such, I expect payments should start appearing in accounts and cards from . This off course is for the first batch of payments. People who verified late or have had their account flagged may see payments a few days or weeks later.

    Latest Update It appears that the majority of New Jerseyans are now seeing LWA payments in their bank accounts or debit cards. Check your pending transactions online as well, because that means your payment will be there shortly . If you havent got your payment yet, dont panic as they are still being processed in batches and could take till Monday or Tuesday to get to your account. Calling the NJ DOL/DUI is not going to help at this stage . See comments on this article for reader confirmations of the LWA payment across various banks.

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    Extended Unemployment Benefits Will End For 20k Nj Workers

    By: Sophie Nieto-Munoz– March 31, 2022 6:59 am

    A federal program providing extended unemployment benefits was trigged in 2020 when the jobless rate skyrocketed.

    Tens of thousands of people will lose their weekly unemployment benefits starting next week.

    The Department of Labor announced the federal unemployment program known as Extended Benefits will end for about 20,000 New Jerseyans on April 9. The program provided up to 13 weeks of additional jobless benefits for people who exhausted their 26 weeks of regular benefits.

    The federal program was triggered in July 2020 after jobless rates skyrocketed. The states unemployment rate, which reached a record 16.6% in April 2020, dropped in February to 4.6%, below the threshold required to continue to provide the extra benefits.

    The declining unemployment rate is a great sign of our states economic recovery, Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said in a statement. Knowing the end of these benefits will impact thousands of New Jersey families, we remain committed to helping residents transition back into the workforce.

    People with jobless claims may still see a balance left on their claim after the extended benefits expire, but federal rules bar them from claiming the money.

    The state Department of Labor has disbursed $1.3 billion in extended benefit payments since the pandemic led to mass layoffs and monthslong business shutdowns.

    by Sophie Nieto-Munoz, New Jersey MonitorMarch 31, 2022

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