Division of Unemployment Insurance

Most likely yes. The CARES Act that was signed March 27, 2020 provides assistance to many NJ workers impacted by COVID-19. The Continued Assistance Act, signed December 27, 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act signed March 11, 2021 extends this assistance. Under these laws, there are three types of assistance:

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance: provides up to 75 weeks of benefits, up until September 4, 2021, to NJ workers who meet all three of the following criteria:
1. Are not eligible for unemployment benefits in any state, including self-employed workers (independent contractors, “gig” workers)
2. Are otherwise able and available to work except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to a COVID-19 qualifying reason, and
3. Are able to demonstrate labor market attachment, through earnings or an official work offer.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation: provides up to 49 of benefits to recipients of regular Unemployment Insurance benefits, on top of the typical maximum of 26 weeks, for a maximum total of 75 weeks of benefits.
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation: provides an additional $300 per week to all PUA and regular Unemployment Insurance recipients from January 2, 2021 through September 4, 2021. You may also have been eligible for $600 per week, on top of regular benefits, retroactive to the week ending April 4, 2020 through July 25, 2020.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) expands unemployment assistance to individuals who are typically not eligible for benefits.

To be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), workers must meet all three of the following criteria, which are explained in more detail below.

Are not eligible for unemployment benefits in any state, including self-employed workers (independent contractors, “gig” workers)
Are otherwise able and available to work except that they are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to a COVID-19 qualifying reason, and
Are able to demonstrate labor market attachment, through earnings or an official work offer.

PART 1: You must not be eligible for unemployment benefits in any state. Reasons for ineligibility could include:

Your claim is invalid due to self-employment, your employer is exempt (for example, a church), or you have insufficient work history.
You’re ineligible because you had a prior disqualification or couldn’t meet a requirement. For example, you didn’t earn enough.
You exhausted all benefit entitlement under regular unemployment.

Please note: If you believe you’re eligible for regular unemployment, learn more about eligibility and apply at myunemployment.nj.gov.

PART 2: You must be otherwise able and available to work except that you are unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work due to a COVID-19 qualifying reason:

You are sick, quarantined, or exposed:
- You were diagnosed with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms and seeking medical diagnosis
- You were advised by a medical provider to self-quarantine due to COVID-19
- A member of your household was diagnosed with COVID–19
You need care for a family member or household member:
- You are providing care for a family member or a member of your household who has been diagnosed with COVID-19
- You are the primary caregiver for a child or family member who is unable to attend school or another facility which is closed due to COVID-19
- You became the breadwinner because the head of household has died from COVID-19
You lost employment or hours:
- Your place of employment is closed due to the COVID-19 public health emergency
- You are an employee and your hours have been reduced or you were laid off as a direct result of the COVID-19 public health emergency
- You quit your job because you were diagnosed with COVID-19 and continuing work is not possible, or because you came into contact with an individual who was diagnosed with COVID-19 and a medical professional advised that you resign in order to quarantine
- You are unable to reach your place of employment due to an imposed quarantine or you were scheduled to commence employment and do not have a job or are unable to reach the job due to COVID-19
- You are self-employed / an independent contractor / a 1099 filer / a farmer and you’re experiencing a significant reduction of services because of the COVID-19 public health emergency
- You provide services to an educational institution or educational service agency and are unemployed or partially unemployed because of volatility in the work schedule due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This includes, but is not limited to, changes in schedules and partial closures.
You have health and safety concerns:
- You refused to return to work or accept an offer of work at a worksite that is not in compliance with local, state, or national health and safety standards directly related to COVID-19. This includes but is not limited to, those related to facial mask wearing, physical distancing measures, or the provision of personal protective equipment consistent with public health guidelines.

PART 3: You must be able to demonstrate labor market attachment with either:

wage history (covered employment, self-employment, exempt employment) in 2019/2020, prior to the point you were impacted by the pandemic; or
a bona fide offer of work that was to begin during the pandemic, but could not due to the pandemic (a bona fide offer means a definite, official offer with a start date, not just an interview or potential employment)

To apply, complete an application for regular unemployment. Per federal rules, the first step to access these expanded benefits is that you need to be found ineligible for traditional unemployment benefits, which means you need to apply and be denied. You always have the right to file an appeal for a denial, but that can be a lengthy process, and NJDOL will contact you regarding next steps and to gather any additional information necessary to assess you for PUA. The PUA benefits can be paid retroactively for periods of unemployment, beginning on or after February 2, 2020. If you believe your claim should be backdated, you’ll need to request a backdate over the phone, even if you submit your application online. We will then schedule a fact-finding interview to determine if your claim can be backdated.

In addition, check our eligibility tool to see what other benefits and protections you may be eligible for due to your COVID-19 situation.

You may be eligible under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). To apply, complete an application for regular unemployment. Learn more here. Per federal rules, the first step to access these expanded benefits is that you need to be found ineligible for traditional unemployment benefits, which means you need to apply and be denied. You always have the right to file an appeal for a denial, but that can be a lengthy process. In this case, you will need to gather the last two years of your tax returns, or other evidence of income history, which will be necessary for processing your claim. The NJDOL will contact you regarding next steps and to gather any additional information necessary to assess your eligibility for PUA. The PUA benefits can be paid retroactively for periods of unemployment, beginning on or after February 2, 2020. If you believe your claim should be backdated, you’ll need to request a backdate over the phone, even if you submit your application online. We will then schedule a fact-finding interview to determine if your claim can be backdated.

You do not have to do anything except continue to certify weekly to receive the $300/week. This federally taxable $300 payment is issued separately each week – you may receive it at the same time as your regular Unemployment benefits, or a few days later. It will usually be deposited into your account on Monday or Tuesday.

The additional weeks of benefits will be added to an eligible claim automatically. If you exhaust these benefits, you may also be eligible for additional weeks of state unemployment benefits. Learn more here.

Yes, under the American Rescue Plan Act, recipients of regular Unemployment benefits are likely eligible for federal extensions, provided by Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), through the week ending September 4, 2021. If you exhaust these benefits, you may also be eligible for additional weeks of state unemployment benefits. Learn more here.

What do I need to do to access the federal extensions of benefits (PEUC) under the CARES Act, Continued Assistance Act, and American Rescue Plan Act? Please note that the 11-week extension from the Continued Assistance Act is only available for weeks of unemployment starting December 27, 2020. The 25-week extension from the American Rescue Plan Act is available for weeks of unemployment after March 14, 2021.

SCENARIO A: Do these describe you?

On a date after July 8, 2018, I filed for unemployment.
I have not worked since the dates in 2018-2020 when I collected unemployment.
I have exhausted my balance OR my benefit year ended on my most recent claim.
I did not receive 49 weeks of PEUC on any claim.

If all of these describe you, certify for weekly benefits on your scheduled day/time. PEUC will be added to an eligible claim automatically.

SCENARIO B: Do these describe you?

On a date after July 8, 2018, I filed for unemployment.
I have worked since the dates in 2018-2019 when I collected unemployment.

If both describe you, file a new claim if you haven’t already.

SCENARIO C: Do these describe you?

I filed an unemployment claim within the past 12 months.
I have not utilized all 26 weeks of benefits.

If both describe you, re-open your claim if currently closed. Begin certifying for benefits again.

You may be eligible under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). To apply, complete an application for regular unemployment. Per federal rules, the first step to access these expanded benefits is that you need to be found ineligible for traditional unemployment benefits, which means you need to apply and be denied. You always have the right to file an appeal for a denial, but that can be a lengthy process. The NJDOL will contact you regarding next steps and to gather any additional information necessary to assess your eligibility for PUA. The PUA benefits can be paid retroactively for periods of unemployment, beginning on or after February 2, 2020. If you believe your claim should be backdated, you’ll need to request a backdate over the phone, even if you submit your application online. We will then schedule a fact-finding interview to determine if your claim can be backdated.

You may be eligible under Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), but it will depend on your individual circumstances. To apply, complete an application for regular unemployment. Per federal rules, the first step to accessing these expanded benefits is to be found ineligible for traditional unemployment benefits, which means you need to apply and be denied. You always have the right to file an appeal for a denial, but that can be a lengthy process. The NJDOL will contact you regarding next steps and to gather any additional information necessary to assess you for PUA. The PUA benefits can be paid retroactively for periods of unemployment, beginning on or after February 2, 2020. If you believe your claim should be backdated, you’ll need to request a backdate over the phone, even if you submit your application online. We will then schedule a fact-finding interview to determine if your claim can be backdated.

Yes, if you exhausted your regular Unemployment benefits, you are likely eligible for up to 49 additional weeks under Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, available through the week ending September 4, 2021.

What do I need to do to access the federal extensions of benefits (PEUC) under the CARES Act, Continued Assistance Act, and American Rescue Plan Act? Please note that the 11-week extension from the Continued Assistance Act is only available for periods of unemployment starting December 27, 2020.The 25-week extension from the American Rescue Plan Act is only available for weeks of unemployment after March 14, 2021.

SCENARIO A: Do these describe you?

On a date after July 8, 2018, I filed for unemployment.
I have not worked since the dates in 2018-2020 when I collected unemployment.
I have exhausted my balance OR my benefit year ended on my most recent claim.
I did not receive 49 weeks of PEUC on any claim.

If all of these describe you, certify for weekly benefits on your scheduled day/time. PEUC will be added to an eligible claim automatically.

SCENARIO B: Do these describe you?

On a date after July 8, 2018, I filed for unemployment.
I have worked since the dates in 2018-2019 when I collected unemployment.

If both describe you, file a new claim if you haven’t already.

SCENARIO C: Do these describe you?

I filed an unemployment claim within the past 12 months
I have not utilized all 26 weeks of benefits.

If both describe you, re-open your claim if currently closed. Begin certifying for benefits again.

The Continued Assistance Act, signed December 27, 2020, can provide assistance to many NJ workers impacted by COVID-19 and has expanded Unemployment benefits, making it the optimal choice for many who cannot work due to coronavirus-related circumstances. This assistance was extended by the American Rescue Plan Act, signed March 11, 2021. Please note that you cannot receive benefits from these programs at the same time. Read these FAQs, including the next tab, “Unemployment: Applying, certifying for benefits,” for helpful tips, and apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov, which also has answers to questions about the program in general.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can provide you with monthly food assistance to buy groceries and helps almost 800,000 NJ residents. While your weekly unemployment benefits do count as income for SNAP eligibility, the additional weekly $300 payments, called Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), no longer count. This favorable change to a federal rule regarding food assistance eligibility for individuals receiving unemployment benefits means more families now qualify for SNAP.

If you applied for SNAP in the past, but were deemed ineligible because of FPUC income, you may now be eligible.
This new federal rule can only be applied to SNAP applications completed on and after December 28, 2020.
The fastest way to apply to SNAP is to submit a new application online or over the phone by calling your local board of social services.

If eligible, SNAP benefits are sent directly to an easy-to-use “Families First” electronic benefits card.

To learn more about SNAP visit www.njsnap.gov. To screen for eligibility, visit www.njhelps.org.

IMPORTANT: When using the SNAP screening tool, in question 8, your regular weekly unemployment benefit counts as income. Do not include the $300 weekly FPUC benefits as a part of your income.

First, read Worker Benefits and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) to learn about our laws and programs, including Earned Sick Leave, Temporary Disability, and Family Leave. There are helpful guides on the right-hand side of the page that you can download and print. NJ Earned Sick Leave, emergency federal paid sick and emergency FMLA childcare leave are paid by your employer directly. Unemployment, Temporary Disability and Family Leave benefits require an application to the State of NJ. Be sure you apply for the program that best fits your situation - applying for the wrong one could cause delays. Please do not apply if you continue to be working your normal hours.

NJ’s Unemployment Insurance system is experiencing record levels of demand due to coronavirus and all in-person services statewide are currently closed due to COVID-19. Some people cannot get through online or on the phone. We understand your anxiety and frustration, and we apologize. We’re working diligently to serve all our customers and ask for your patience. Please keep trying. We’re committed to ensuring that everyone receives their benefits during this crisis. You will not lose a day’s benefits as all claims will be backdated to the date you submitted your claim.

Applying online at myunemployment.nj.gov is fastest and we recommend filing in the evening or early in the morning.
If there are glitches in our online systems, keep trying.
iPhone/Mac Users – Please use Chrome, Firefox or Edge browsers to complete this process. Users have experienced challenges uploading any required documents through the Safari browser.
Please note that it’s not possible to save your online application and return to it. You must complete it and submit it all at once.
Once you’ve submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation number at the end of your application. Write it down. You will receive email instructions on how and when to claim benefits. If you don’t receive an email, you must phone the call center (see numbers below).

All claims have a start date of the Sunday of the week in which the worker files the unemployment application, so there is no rush to file on the day you cannot work. As long as you file by Saturday at midnight, you will receive credit back to the previous Sunday. If your last day of work is a Friday or Saturday, and you worked the full week, please wait to file until after Sunday. Otherwise, you may inadvertently file for a week when you actually worked.

If you need specific questions answered before you apply, please first review these FAQs and the webpages listed. You can try to reach our Unemployment program on the phone.

We’re experiencing record high call volume, but we’re working diligently to serve all our customers and ask for your patience.

North Jersey:  201-601-4100
Central Jersey:  732-761-2020
Southern Jersey:  856-507-2340

With so many people filing for Unemployment for the first time, some folks have questions about the procedure for telling the State that you remain under- or unemployed, also known as “certifying for weekly benefits.”

First, please read our article about certifying for benefits related to the coronavirus emergency.

Due to high volume, we're taking steps to ensure the stability of our online application. Each week, please claim weekly benefits according to our most updated schedule, based on the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Unemployment benefits provide 60% of average wages, with a maximum of $731 per week, plus an additional $300 per week from January 2, 2021 through September 4, 2021 due to the American Rescue Plan Act.

The time to process a claim depends on many factors, including - but not limited to - number of employers, benefits history, and employment history.

Please note the following:

(1) be sure you file for the right benefit program (see our page about information on employer-provided paid leave and other state benefits);

(2) filing online is the fastest;

(3) provide all required information;

(4) the system is experiencing record-high levels of demand.

We understand that this is an extremely challenging time for many New Jerseyans. We are working as quickly as we can to process claims. If you believe your claim should be backdated, please contact our call center to request a future interview to determine if your claim can be backdated. Visit covid19.nj.gov to locate services that can help you and your family at this time.

You apply in New Jersey at myunemployment.nj.gov.

You are likely eligible for unemployment insurance. Learn more and apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov

You are likely eligible for unemployment insurance. Learn more and apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov.

You are likely eligible. Eligibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Learn more and apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov.

Yes. Click here for more information about applying for Unemployment Insurance after receiving Temporary Disability or Family Leave Insurance benefits.

Our easy-to-understand guide provides a list of COVID-19 scenarios and benefits and programs that may apply.

For most New Jersey workers, yes. The only exceptions to temporary disability are federal government and some local municipality workers (for example: public school teachers).

Once your healthcare provider determines your pregnancy prevents you from working (typically 4 weeks prior to your due date), you must stop claiming weekly Unemployment benefits. You do not need to notify the Division of Unemployment Insurance that you are no longer collecting benefits from them. Once you stop certifying for Unemployment, apply for Temporary Disability Insurance benefits for the period during pregnancy and delivery recovery. Once your Temporary Disability period ends, you can transition to NJ Family Leave Insurance to bond with your baby.

In general, you will receive the same weekly benefit amount as you were receiving on your Unemployment Insurance claim. Click here for more information on how benefits are calculated.

Temporary Disability Insurance provides up to 26 weeks of benefits while you are unable to work. Your healthcare provider will determine the date that your medical condition prevents you from working and the duration of leave you will need. Most physicians recommend an expectant mother stop working 4 weeks before her scheduled due date, and that she recover for 6-8 weeks after childbirth. If your healthcare provider recommends quarantine outside of the above time frame due to your pregnancy and the risk of coronavirus you may be payable for a longer period of time. Your health care provider must provide the pre-existing diagnosis (pregnancy) and the duration you are expected to be out of work. For more information on benefits during pregnancy and newborn bonding click here.

Currently, workers can receive a total of 12 weeks of family leave benefits per year regardless of the reason for leave. For example, if you used 3 weeks of family leave benefits to care for a loved one who had COVID-19, you will have 9 weeks left to bond with your newborn under FLI. In addition to family leave benefits, a worker can also use NJ Earned Sick Leave. New Jersey workers have the right to accrue up to 40 hours of earned sick time. For more information on NJ Earned Sick Leave, click here.

In addition to New Jersey’s family leave benefits and earned sick leave, your employer may provide you with federal paid sick leave to care for a loved one. Your employer is not required to provide you with it after December 31, 2020, but may voluntarily do so and receive a tax credit. Learn more at dol.gov and irs.gov.

Yes. The federal childcare leave is in addition to NJ Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits (a.k.a. Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance). However, you cannot receive NJ Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits while you’re being paid by your employer, so these leaves cannot be used at the same time. Please take note that your employer has the ability to count both federal emergency childcare leave and your pregnancy/recovery leave against your total federal job-protection (FMLA) balance of 12 weeks per 12-month period.

Yes. Apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov. Click here for more information on Unemployment Insurance after Temporary Disability, and see the Unemployment Insurance FAQ section in the other tab on this page.

Apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov. However, if your Family Leave claim was started during a period of unemployment, you will have to call Unemployment Insurance and explain your situation. They will ensure that your Family Leave claim is ended and your UI claim is activated. The Unemployment Insurance program is experiencing record high call volume but we’re working diligently to serve all our customers and ask for your patience.

North Jersey:  201-601-4100
Central Jersey:  732-761-2020
Southern Jersey:  856-507-2340

Under the federal CARES Act, and extended by the Continued Assistance Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, if you are unable to work because you are providing care to a family member who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, you are eligible for Unemployment benefits. You do not have to take any action. Continue your weekly unemployment certification and use the COVID-19 guide. Alternatively, you may be eligible for NJ Family Leave During Unemployment.

The Continued Assistance Act that was signed December 27, 2020 and the American Rescue Plan Act that was signed March 11, 2021 can provide assistance to many NJ workers impacted by COVID-19 and has extended unemployment benefits, making it the optimal choice for many who cannot work due to coronavirus-related circumstances. Please note that you cannot receive benefits from these programs at the same time. See our FAQs on the previous tab, “Unemployment: Applying, certifying for benefits,” for helpful tips, and apply online at myunemployment.nj.gov.

Please see this webpage to learn about mandatory remote learning and worker benefits and protections.

Additionally, if you need assistance finding child care, visit the NJ Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies page, administered by the NJ Department of Human Services (DHS). You can also apply for the state’s Child Care Subsidy Program if you need assistance paying for child care, also administered by NJDHS.

Yes. You may be eligible for Temporary Disability Insurance, which provides up to 26 weeks of benefits while you are unable to work. Your healthcare provider will determine the date that your medical condition prevents you from working and the duration of leave you will need. Additionally, New Jersey workers have the right to accrue up to 40 hours of earned sick time. For more information on NJ Earned Sick Leave, click here.

In addition to New Jersey’s family leave benefits and earned sick leave, your employer may provide you with federal paid sick leave to care for yourself if you have COVID-19 or need to quarantine. Your employer is not required to provide you with this paid leave after December 31, 2020, but may voluntarily do so and receive a tax credit. Learn more at dol.gov and irs.gov.

Additionally, if you are unable to work because you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are suspected of having COVID-19 and need to quarantine, you could be eligible for unemployment benefits through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

Yes, you may be eligible for Workers' Compensation, which provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. Speak to a Workers' Compensation attorney about your situation.

Essential workers should note that on September 14, 2020, Governor Murphy signed Senate Bill 2380 into law, which creates a rebuttable presumption of workers’ compensation coverage for COVID-19 cases contracted by “essential employees” during a public health emergency. This means that if an employee deemed essential under the law contracts COVID-19, it is presumed that “the contraction of the disease is work-related and fully compensable.” An employer can attempt to dispute this presumption.

It is against the law for an employer to retaliate against you for using or seeking to use your Temporary Disability or Family Leave Insurance benefits. In addition, many NJ workers also have job protection for medical leave under another law, the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, and for family leave under the NJ Family Leave Act. Your NJ Paid Family & Medical Leave period may overlap with your coverage under these laws. It’s also possible that you are eligible for NJ Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits, but not covered under the job protection laws.

Additionally, employees can’t be fired for taking time off to test, quarantine or isolate, with a medical note recommending that the employee take that time off because the employee has, or is likely to have, an infectious disease that may infect others at the employee’s worksite. If you are taking Temporary Disability Insurance benefits for one of these reasons, then your job is likely protected. Learn more here: nj.gov/labor/covidretaliation.

As a general matter, employers can set the terms of PTO usage unless there is an employee handbook, union contract, or prior agreement that says otherwise. In the absence of any of those, the company can require it to be used. The NJ Department of Labor enforces Breach of Contract but the contract must be in writing. An employer may not require you use your PTO before accessing NJ Family Leave Insurance and NJ Earned Sick Leave.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 extended employer tax credits for paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave voluntarily provided to employees until March 31, 2021. However, this Act did not extend an eligible employee’s entitlement to FFCRA leave beyond December 31, 2020. For more details, see dol.gov and irs.gov.

As of January 1, 2021, employers can choose to pay their employees for these paid leaves, and certain employers can take advantage of two refundable payroll tax credits, designed to immediately and fully reimburse employers, dollar-for-dollar, for the cost of providing the leave. For more details, see dol.gov and irs.gov.

Certain self-employed individuals may also be eligible for these tax credits. For more details, see https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/special-issues-for-employees#specific-provisions-related-self-employed-individuals.

No, if you use the 12 weeks because your children do not have school or child care, then you will have exhausted your FMLA coverage for the year. But, you may be eligible for NJ benefits. In NJ, most workers have access to NJ Paid Family & Medical Leave benefits (also known as Family Leave Insurance and Temporary Disability Insurance) and it is against the law for an employer to retaliate against you for taking these benefits. Although you may not have job protection through FMLA for a leave related to your own medical condition, you may have job protection through the NJ Family Leave Act for a leave related to caregiving for a loved one or bonding with a new child.

You could be eligible for NJ Family Leave Insurance, job-protected leave under the NJ Family Leave Act and/or FMLA, and/or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. Check our eligibility tool to see what benefits and protections you may be eligible for.

Official Site of The State of New Jersey

NJ Workers: Frequently Asked Questions During the Coronavirus Emergency