What If Someone In My Family Is Sick
New Jersey workers can earn up to six weeks of paid time off to care for a sick family member. They can earn up to two-thirds of their paycheck, or up to a maximum of $667 a week. Starting July 1, 2020, workers will get 12 weeks of paid time off and will be able to earn up to 85% of their weekly wages up to $881 a week.
You can also use earned sick leave.
Ashley Balcerzak is a reporter in the New Jersey Statehouse. For unlimited access to her work covering New Jerseys legislature and political power structure, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
What Qualifies As Misconduct
Whether you were terminated for misconduct will depend on the facts and circumstances. If you had unexcused absences or refused to comply with your employers lawful orders, you may be unable to collect unemployment compensation. If you are determined to have committed misconduct that caused your job loss, you will be unable to recover benefits for the week that you were discharged plus five additional weeks. If the misconduct was gross misconduct, you will be ineligible to recover benefits.
Remuneration In Lieu Of Notice
Remuneration in lieu of notice is a bar to unemployment benefits, and claimants who receive remuneration in lieu of notice are not eligible for unemployment benefits for those weeks. New Jersey law considers remuneration as regular income required by contract. However, if a claimant receives remuneration pay for a few days in one week, she may receive partial unemployment benefits.
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Almost 600000 New Jersey Residents Have Filed For Unemployment Insurance Benefits Since The Beginning Of March
Because of the sudden spike in job losses, some unemployed residents have experienced delays in the claims process. But the states department of labor plans to backdate claims based on the week an individual filed to ensure eligible people get the benefits they deserve.
If youre waiting to hear back on your jobless claim or youre planning to file soon, heres what to expect with unemployment benefits in NJ.
Types Of Disability Policies
There are two types of disability policies.
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Short-term policies may pay for up to two years. Most last for a few months to a year.
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Long-term policies may pay benefits for a few years or until the disability ends.
Employers who offer coverage may provide short-term coverage, long-term coverage, or both.
If you plan to buy your own policy, shop around and ask:
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How is disability defined?
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How long do benefits last?
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How much money will the policy pay?
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How Do I Apply For New Jersey Unemployment Insurance Benefits
You can apply for unemployment benefits in New Jersey online via the Division of Unemployment’s benefits portal. Alternatively, you can complete your application over the phone at one of the following numbers:
- North New Jersey: 201-601-4100
- Out-of-state claims: 888-795-6672
Ex-maritime employees can only claim New Jersey unemployment benefits over the phone.
During your application, you’ll need to provide information about your identity and earnings. This will allow assessors to determine your eligibility. Ensure you have the following information ready:
- Social Security or Alien Registration number
- New Jersey driver’s license or state ID number
- 18-month employment record, including your employers’ contact details, employment dates and your reasons for leaving each job
- Details of any income, such as a pension or separation pay
- Union hiring hall contact details
- SF-8 or SF-50 form
- DD-214 form
You will then receive a Notice to Claimant of Benefit Determination letter if your request is granted, explaining how much you will receive and how it was worked out. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a Notice of Invalid Claim. You may also receive a letter explaining how to make weekly benefits claims and the dates of any appointments you’re expected to attend.
You may be asked to supply further information if the Division of Unemployment Insurance cannot decide your case based on what you’ve provided. You should reply to any requests as quickly as possible to avoid payment delays.
Who Can Receive This Extra $300
Workers who lost hours or their job due to the pandemic would qualify. That means that people who were unemployed before COVID-19 would not receive this extra check, as they did with the $600 supplemental payment included in the stimulus CARES Act.
Additionally, workers who receive less than $100 in weekly unemployment are excluded from the program.
“It excludes some of our lowest-wage earners and part-time workers, and, perhaps most importantly, adds another layer of red tape that workers in need have to cut through,” Asaro-Angelo said earlier this year. “This will be slicing and dicing and picking losers and winners.”
The Labor Department estimated that more than 1 million workers could be eligible for the extra $300. The department said more than 1.4 million people could receive unemployment since the pandemic began.
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How Do I File For Unemployment Benefits In New Jersey
To file a claim for unemployment benefits in New Jersey, the easiest way to do so online. However, people who have military, federal or out-of-state wages, and those employees who earned wages while working for a maritime employer, will need to file by calling a Reemployment Call Center as follows:
- North New Jersey : 201-601-4100
- Central New Jersey : 732-761-2020
- South New Jersey : 856-507-2340
- Out-of-State Claims: 1-888-795-6672
If you are filing a New Jersey unemployment claim and do not have access to a computer, you can go to one of the states One-Stop Career Centers to use a computer.
Before you file an initial claim, youll need to gather the following pieces of information:
- Social Security number
- Alien registration number of you are not a U.S. citizen
- DD Form214 if you were are active military duty within the past two years
- Wage information, including W2 forms and paystubs from the past 18 months
- A New Jersey drivers license number or a similar photo identification card
- Banking information is you want to receive your benefits by direct deposit
- Your previous employers information, including the date you last worked for them for all employers within the past 18 months
- The reason you left your previous employer
When you file an initial claim, you will be asked to create a Personal Identification Number . You will use this PIN to certify for your benefits and to access your account, so it is important that you write it down and do not share it with anyone.
Who Can Receive Unemployment Benefits
To receive unemployment benefits, you must have lost your job through no fault of your own. You must then file a claim for benefits with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and you must be able, available, willing and ready to work. You must actively continue to seek employment. There is a one-week waiting period before you can begin receiving unemployment benefits, and you must meet the earnings requirement.
People who receive unemployment benefits must be able to work. If you accept a part-time job, you may still receive benefits. However, the income that you earn from your part-time job may reduce the benefits that you receive.
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Why Do Employers Fight Unemployment
Employers typically fight unemployment claims for one of two reasons: The employer is concerned that their unemployment insurance rates may increase. After all, the employer pays for unemployment insurance. The employer is concerned that the employee plans to file a wrongful termination action.
What Is The Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefit In New Jersey
609.984.2841. TRENTON The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced annual changes in the maximum benefit rates and taxable wage base that took effect on January 1, 2019 for New Jerseys Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance, Family Leave Insurance, and Workers Compensation programs. In the new year, the maximum weekly benefit amount for eligible Unemployment Insurance beneficiaries increased to $696, from $681.
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How Long Do I Have To Work For To Collect Unemployment In New Jersey
New Jersey defines an employer as having paid a minimum of $1,000 in wages during any year.
In order to qualify for unemployment insurance in New Jersey, you must have worked during a minimum of 20 weeks within the entire base period. During those 20 weeks, you must have earned at least $168 per week, totaling a minimum of $3,360 base period earnings.
You must have earned a minimum of $8,400 within the entire base period.
New Jersey offers alternate base periods for those who fail to qualify under the regular base period.
There are two possible ABP. If you still fail to qualify under the first ABP, then the second one will be applied to your claim to see if it will then qualify.
The first alternate base period considers the last four completed calendar quarters .
The second alternate base period considers the last three completed calendar quarters as well as any wages earned in the weeks of the quarter in which the unemployment insurance claim is filed to the date of discharge.
How Can I Apply
New Jersey accepts unemployment applications online, over the phone or in person. If youre planning to call, reemployment call centers are available between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays, excluding holidays.
Youll need to prepare the following information before you start the application process.
- Social Security number or Alien Registration number if youre not a U.S. citizen
- Pension or 401 information if youre receiving payments from those accounts
- Amount and duration of any separation pay you may be receiving from your employer
- The date you expect to be recalled to your job, if youre expected to return
- Union hiring hall information, including local number and address, if you get work through a union
- Military Form DD-214 if you were in the military in the last 18 months
- Form SF-8 or SF-50 if you were a federal employee
Youll also need to provide the complete name and address of each employer youve worked for in the last 18 months, along with your
- Employers telephone number
- Beginning and ending dates of employment
- Reason for separation
Youll need to create an online account to apply through the agencys website. And even if you apply over the phone or in person, setting up an online account can make it easier to recertify every week that youre still eligible for benefits. That process includes confirming that youre actively looking for a new job and able to accept an offer of employment when you receive it.
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Eligibility For New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Benefits For Individual That Voluntarily Quit Resigned Or Left Work Due To Good Cause Attributable To The Work
The courts have established legal standards that are to be applied in determining whether an individual is eligible for benefits where they left a job due to good cause attributable to the work such as in situations in which the employee was being harassed, subject to a hostile work environment or other situations in which the employee had good cause to leave the job. “o further the remedial and beneficial purposes,” of the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law, the courts have recognized that “the is to be construed liberally in favor of allowance of benefits.” Yardville Supply Co. v. Board of Review, supra, 114 N.J. 371, 374 see also Provident Institution for Sav. V. Division of Employment Sec., 32 N.J. 585, 590 . “The purpose of the is to provide some income for the worker earning nothing, because he is out of work through no fault or act of his own….” Battaglia v. Bd. of Review, 14 N.J.Super. 24, 27 see also Yardville Supply Co. v. Bd. of Review, 114 N.J. 371, 375 .
The Act protects not only workers who are involuntarily unemployed–those who are laid-off or terminated from their jobs by their employers–but also those who voluntarily quit their jobs for good cause attributable to their work. See Zubrycky v. ASA Apple, Inc., 381 N.J.Super. 162, 168, ).
It may be important to seek the advice of a New Jersey Unemployment Compensation attorney or lawyer with respect to determining whether your qualify for New Jersey Unemployment Compensation benefits.
How To Apply For New Jersey Unemployment Online
“How do I file a New Jersey Unemployment Claim?” is a common question most recently terminated workers ask. New Jersey residents can file an unemployment claim online at . Many claimants who prefer to sign up in person can visit a New Jersey unemployment office and use the computers provided and get help if needed.
All applicants should learn how the New Jersey unemployment system works as many of the requirements for continuing to receive benefits must be done online. Most applicants prefer to file for New Jersey unemployment online as it can be done at their own pace, they can also pause the application in order to find the correct documentation.
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Ready To Start Gather The Following Information:
- Social Security Number
- Alien Registration Number .
- Your NJ drivers license or NJ non-driver identification number
- Pension information
- Amount and duration of any separation pay you may be receiving
- Recall date
- Union hiring hall information, including local number and address
- Military Form DD-214
- Form SF-8 or SF-50
- Your bank account number and routing number
IMPORTANT: If you applied for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance after December 27, 2020, you had to submit documentation demonstrating that you were working or about to commence employment/self-employment before the pandemic, such as a paystub, W-2, or 1099. You would have received an email requesting this information after you applied. Learn more here.
You may also need to provide additional information to verify your identity, such as a drivers license or passport. Learn more here.
Where Is This Money Coming From
Under a previous federal stimulus plan, everyone on unemployment received an extra $600 in benefits a week, but that program expired at the end of July.
After summer negotiations halted in Congress because Democrats and Republicans couldn’t agree on a replacement amount, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Aug. 8 allowing states to apply for additional federal funds for certain people out of work due to the pandemic.
At first, Trump said states had to contribute $100 a week to receive $300 from the federal government, but then relaxed those rules after states said they couldn’t afford to pitch in a share. New Jersey applied and was approved for the $300 benefits, without paying the $100 contribution.
The money comes from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which funds emergency responses to natural disasters, such as Hurricane Laura, under the “Lost Wages Supplemental Assistance program.”
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What Information Do I Need To Apply
- Social Security Number or Alien Registration Number
- Pension information if you are receiving any pension or 401
- Amount and duration of any separation pay you may be receiving
- Recall date
- Union hiring hall information, including local number and address
- Military Form DD-214
- Form SF-8 or SF-50
- Complete name and address of employer
- Employer’s telephone number
- Your occupation with that employer
- Beginning and ending dates of employment
- Reason for separation
How To Contact The New Jersey Unemployment Office
Online:
To file an unemployment insurance benefits claim, the easiest way to do so is online through the New Jersey unemployment website. The Department of Labor also offers an online messaging option for unemployment insurance questions.
In person:
You can file a claim at one of the many New Jersey unemployment office locations across the state. To find a New Jersey unemployment office location, visit our helpful guide.
You can also get help filing an unemployment benefits claim at a One-Stop Career Center in your area.
You can also file a claim by calling the states Reemployment Call Centers through the New Jersey unemployment phone numbers listed below:
- North New Jersey:201-601-4100
- South New Jersey:856-507-2340
- Out-of-State claims:1-888-795-6672
You can also call the New Jersey unemployment numbers listed above if you need to get any kind of help with your claim and you are unable to find answers on the states website.
Unemployment Insurance Customer Service OfficeNew Jersey Department of LaborP.O. Box 058Trenton, NJ 08625-0058
If you have questions about prepaid debit cards issues through Bank of America, call them directly at 1-866-213-4074.
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How Many Weeks Can I Get
New Jersey’s approved application covers six weeks, for Aug. 1 through Sept. 5, or the maximum the Trump administration allowed.
The FEMA grant was capped at $44 billion, but the program would also end if FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund balance drops below $25 billion. The account funds response and recovery efforts for natural disasters, and as the agency was responding to storms in the Gulf Coast like Hurricane Laura, that cut into what was available.
What If You Quit Or Were Fired
Workers who leave their jobs for personal reasons or who are fired may not be eligible for Unemployment Insurance benefits. If these circumstances apply to your application, we will need more information from you before we make a decision.
If you quit voluntarily
If you quit your job without “good cause connected with the work” you may not be eligible to receive benefits. “Good cause connected with the work” means that your reason for leaving must be directly related to your job, and be so compelling that you had no choice but to leave the job. While in most cases you cannot voluntarily quit a job and collect unemployment insurance benefits, where you can show unsafe, unhealthful, or dangerous working conditions, that were so intolerable that you had no choice but to leave the employment, you could be eligible to collect unemployment insurance benefits. The burden of proof is on you, the employee, to prove that you quit for good cause.
If you leave your job for personal reasons for example, to move out of the area your reason for quitting is not connected with the work. If you quit your job for better pay or more hours, you may be eligible for benefits under certain circumstances.
In both cases, a claims examiner will contact you by phone or email for a fact-finding interview to decide if you are entitled to benefits based on Unemployment Insurance law and policies.
If you were fired or discharged
There are two types of misconduct: misconduct and gross misconduct.
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