✺ New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development

UNEMPLOYMENT
INSURANCE

Your Rights &

Responsibilities

N E W J E R S E Y D E PA R T M E N T O F

LWD
LABOR AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
n j . g o v / l a b o r

PR-94 (R-1-19)
Unemployment Insurance
Your Rights and Responsibilities

Contents
Your Path to Employment: Reemployment services .................................................... 3
When you lose your job ........................................................................................... 3
New Jersey Career Connections ............................................................................... 3
About this publication ................................................................................................... 4
Your rights – equal opportunity and privacy ................................................................ 4

What is unemployment insurance (UI)? ....................................................................... 5

Unemployment insurance fraud................................................................................... 5

How to file an initial UI claim ........................................................................................ 6

Information you will need to provide ...................................................................... 7
Identity proofing ...................................................................................................... 7
Ways to file an initial claim ...................................................................................... 8
File online ........................................................................................................... 8
Your user ID and password ............................................................................ 8
File by phone ...................................................................................................... 9
Your personal identification number (PIN).................................................... 9
How to reopen a claim (reapply for UI benefits)........................................................... 9
Payment options ......................................................................................................... 10
Direct deposit ........................................................................................................ 10
Prepaid debit card ................................................................................................. 11

Do you qualify for unemployment insurance benefits? ............................................. 11

How much did you earn in your “base period”? ................................................... 12
Regular base period .......................................................................................... 12
Alternate base periods..................................................................................... 12
Why are you unemployed?.................................................................................... 12

To remain eligible ....................................................................................................... 14

What to expect after filing your initial claim .............................................................. 16
How to certify for benefits ..................................................................................... 17

Your Rights & Responsibilities 1

 Unemployment insurance benefits ........................................................................... 18
How much will your benefits be? .......................................................................... 18
How can you calculate weekly and maximum benefit amounts? ......................... 18
Dependents and dependency benefits .................................................................. 18
Part-time work (partial benefits) ........................................................................... 19
How we calculate partial benefits .................................................................... 19
Filing for unemployment insurance benefits after a period of disability .............. 20
Tax responsibilities ................................................................................................. 20
Making estimated tax payments, tax withholding ........................................... 21

Appealing a determination about eligibility ............................................................... 21

What if you disagree with a determination? ......................................................... 21
How can you appeal a determination?.................................................................. 21
The Appeal Tribunal hearing.................................................................................. 22
If your employer appeals your right to UI benefits ............................................... 23
If you cannot attend a scheduled hearing ............................................................. 23
After the hearing.................................................................................................... 23
Appeal to the Board of Review .............................................................................. 24
Right to further appeal .......................................................................................... 24

Answers to important questions ................................................................................ 25

Address change ...................................................................................................... 25
Appointments ........................................................................................................ 26
Eligibility ................................................................................................................ 26
Extensions ............................................................................................................. 29
Overpayment/refund ............................................................................................ 29
Certifying for benefits ............................................................................................ 30
Your UI claim account ........................................................................................... 30
Taxes ..................................................................................................................... 31

Online help .................................................................................................................. 31

Work search record ............................................................................................................................................... 32
Important contact information ................................................................................... 33
Local phone numbers............................................................................................. 34
One-Stop Career Center locations ......................................................................... 35
Application for dependency benefits .......................................................................... 36
Request to change withholding status ....................................................................... 36
Authorization for benefit payment by direct deposit or debit card (BC-502) ............ 37
Glossary of important UI terms .................................................................................. 38

2 Unemployment Insurance
 Your Path to Employment...
Reemployment Services
When you lose your job
 File for unemployment insurance benefits immediately. This publication will explain the
process.

 Use New Jersey Career Connections to assist you in your search for employment.
http://careerconnections.nj.gov

New Jersey Career Connections

Losing a job can be difficult. To help you determine the next steps in
your career, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce
Development (LWD) has created New Jersey Career Connections.
New Jersey Career Connections offers an easy-to-follow and effective
plan for success: The Path to Employment.

Here’s how it works . . .

As with most tasks, it’s important to break your employment search into stages. The Path to Employment
consists of three stages: Plan, Prepare, and Succeed. Each stage provides activities and information to help
you navigate your job search. In the Plan stage, you consider your current skills and interests and explore
the job market, as well as apply for funding assistance, if needed, and prepare a personal budget. Next, you
move on to the Prepare stage, where you research and attend skills trainings, sharpen existing skills, build
and enhance your resume, and learn interview and job-search skills. Finally, in the Succeed stage, you
pursue your chosen job opportunities with confidence, applying the tools and skills you acquired to achieve
your career goals.

New Jersey Career Connections is accessible online and in person. The New Jersey Career Connections
website, careerconnections.nj.gov, allows you to work independently, using online tools and resources as
you so choose. Other resources on the website include a directory of training programs, information on
hundreds of careers, and advice and guidance on a wide variety of topics, including networking, searching
for employment, and preparing for interviews. For in-person assistance, you can visit New Jersey Career
Connections locations throughout the state, including One-Stop Career Centers, local libraries, and
community colleges. Career coaches at these locations are trained in the use of online resources and can
provide additional tools and advice to help you succeed on your path to employment.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 3

As the primary sites for New Jersey Career Connections services, One-Stop Career Centers offer you the
most services and provide you the most direction. Most One-Stop Career Centers offer
 skills assessments
 free computer tutorials to refresh your math, English, and basic computer skills
 financial advice, including information on financial aid, tuition waivers, and training grants
 information on apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs, and
 access to Jersey Job Clubs, which provide networking opportunities, access to employment-search
workshops, and one-on-one employment-search assistance.

Be sure to contact your local One-Stop Career Center to determine the specific services offered at your
location.

Connect with New Jersey Career Connections online!

Website: careerconnections.nj.gov
New Jersey Career Connections locations and contact information here.
[https://www.careerconnections.nj.gov/careerconnections/plan/support/njccsites/one_stop_career_centers.shtml]

About this publication

If you are currently unemployed through no fault of your own, you may be eligible for unemployment
insurance benefits. As a person claiming benefits, you have both rights and responsibilities. Read this
publication carefully and completely. It contains important information that should answer most of your
questions about unemployment insurance benefits.

This publication gives only general information. It is not the law. It is not a regulation. It is not legal advice.

Your rights
Equal opportunity is the law
It is against the law for this department to discriminate against recipients of
federal financial assistance (unemployment insurance benefits) based on specific criteria.
Read about your equal opportunity rights here. [nj.gov/labor/EqualOpportunity]

Your privacy
All records, reports and other information obtained from employers and employees under the
Unemployment Compensation Law are confidential and are not published or open to public inspection.
However, public employees may access this information as part of their public duties. If you are party to a
hearing before the Division of Unemployment Insurance, the Appeals Tribunal or the Board of Review, you
will be given information from such records to the extent necessary to properly present your claim.
4 Unemployment Insurance
 What is unemployment insurance?
Unemployment insurance (UI) is a program that gives financial support to people who lose their jobs
through no fault of their own. The money to pay these benefits comes from a payroll tax paid by employers
and workers. The benefits partially replace your wages and are meant to help you meet your financial
responsibilities while looking for work. To qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, you must meet all
of the eligibility requirements of New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law. Those who meet the
requirements may receive unemployment insurance benefits for up to 26 weeks during a 1-year period.

People who are claiming unemployment insurance benefits are sometimes referred to as “claimants.” You
will see that word in this publication and on our website.

Unemployment insurance fraud

Unemployment insurance is a safety net for you and your family. It is a crime to fraudulently collect
unemployment insurance benefits. Do not jeopardize your benefits by committing fraud.

We look for and aggressively pursue all unemployment insurance fraud. We cross-match our data with
other state and federal government agencies to confirm the work status and unreported earnings of people
who claim unemployment insurance benefits. We conduct random investigations to review your eligibility,
payroll records, and work search contacts. If your case is picked for a spot check, we will contact you to
schedule an interview.

You are committing fraud when you

 knowingly do not report earnings. You must report all earnings, from all employers, even if you
have not been paid yet. If you are in doubt, report the earnings.
 do not give the true reason why you became unemployed
 hide or lie about any fact that could make you ineligible for benefits or reduce your benefit amount
 use someone else’s identity to claim or get benefits
 do not tell us that you have returned to work
 allow someone else to certify for benefits on your behalf
 alter, buy, sell or counterfeit a Social Security card. This is a felony under federal law. Felony crimes
are punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

If you commit fraud,

 you may face criminal prosecution and imprisonment
 you may incur severe fines and penalties

Your Rights & Responsibilities 5

  your state or federal income tax refunds may be garnished to satisfy any money owed
 you can be denied unemployment benefits in the future
 you must repay the benefits you received — plus interest and penalties.

Report fraud
If you suspect someone is illegally collecting unemployment benefits or committing fraud, you can report it
online. [nj.gov/labor/ReportFraud] You do not have to give your name.

How to file an initial UI claim

If you need to …
 apply for unemployment insurance benefits (file an initial claim)
 reopen a claim* (reapply for benefits) after a period of employment, or
 reactivate your claim after any period of claim inactivity
... do so as soon as possible. Your claim doesn’t begin until you file. A delay in filing results in delayed
payment of your UI benefits. The system will not allow you to “backdate” claims for weeks you have
missed. If you need to claim UI benefits for missed weeks, you can request an interview with a claims
examiner. Call your closest Reemployment Call Center:
North New Jersey (Union City): 201-601-4100
Central New Jersey (Freehold): 732-761-2020
South New Jersey (Vineland): 856-507-2340
Out-of-State Claims: 1-888-795-6672 — You must call from a phone with an
out-of-state area code

IMPORTANT: All of these phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone numbers are offered as a
courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone queue, you will
not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different number,
you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.

The easiest, quickest way is to file online at nj.gov/labor/ui. However, if you were a maritime employee in
the last 18 months or live outside the United States, you must file your claim by calling a Reemployment
Call Center (phone numbers shown above).

* Read more about reopening a claim in the “Ways to File” section of this publication.

6 Unemployment Insurance
Information you will need to provide
Before you file your initial claim for unemployment insurance benefits, gather the information you need:

About yourself
 Social Security number
 home address, mailing address (if different than your home address) and phone number
 alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen or national
 DD Form 214, if you were on active duty in the U.S. military in the last 2 years
 information from W-2s and or pay stubs
 information from Standard Form 8, Standard Form 50, if you worked for the federal government in
the last 18 months.
 banking information if you choose to receive benefits by direct deposit
 New Jersey driver’s license number or non-driver photo identification card number

About your employer

 name of your last employer, or your current employer who has reduced the number of hours you
work
 complete mailing address and phone number of your last employer
 date you started working for that employer
 last date you worked for the employer
 reason you left, or the reason you are working fewer hours than you were first hired to work.

About your work history

 name, complete address, and phone number for each employer you worked for in the last 18
months
 start and end dates for each job you had in the last 18 months, and the reason(s) you are no longer
working for each employer.

Identity proofing
For your protection, and for the protection of everyone who needs unemployment insurance (UI) benefits,
we now use an "identity proofing" process.

When you file an initial claim for UI benefits, we will ask you to confirm your identity. Several multiple-
choice questions will ask about your background based on information from public records. We do not
retain any information used to verify your identity.
Your Rights & Responsibilities 7
If you do not participate in the identity proofing process, you may continue filing your initial claim or
claiming UI benefit payments. However, we will not issue any unemployment insurance benefit payments
until we have verified your identity.

If you fail identity proofing or do not participate, we will mail you instructions to report, in person, to a UI
staff member in one of our designated One-Stop Career Centers with acceptable documentation. Offices
are open Monday – Friday (except state holidays), 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. We recommend that you arrive
before 4:00 to allow enough time to complete your business before the office closes. Designated One-Stop
Career Centers that have UI staff are listed online. [nj.gov/labor/ui/offices]

To prove your identity, you must provide original or certified copies of your Social Security card and other
documents that show your name and current mailing address. Mail addressed to a post office box is not an
acceptable proof of address. We will mail you instructions explaining this process and the types of
documents we will accept.

If you live out of state, you may be able to fax documents to prove your identity. If you qualify as an out-of-
state claimant, we will mail you instructions explaining how to prove your identity.

Ways to file an initial claim

File online
 Turn off any “pop-up blocker” on the computer you are using. Pop-up windows display important
information, both when you are filing your initial claim and also when certifying your weekly claim.
 Follow the instructions for creating an ID to file a claim.
 File your initial claim for benefits at nj.gov/labor/ui.
 If you do not have access to the internet, you can file using a computer at your local One-Stop
Career Center — locations on page 35.

Your user name and password

When you file your initial claim online, you will be prompted to create a user name (your email address)
and password. Write this information down, keep it in a safe place, and do not share this information with
anyone. You will need your user name and password to get form 1099-G so you can file your taxes, change
your address, log in to view your account, and to make changes to your direct deposit account.

If you forget your user name or password, you can retrieve that information by using the “Forgot
Username?” or “Forgot Password?” option on the sign-in page. Your user name is your email address,
which is used to retrieve your password. Instructions on how to reset your password will be sent to the
email address on file.

8 Unemployment Insurance
Be sure to use an email address that you check often, because we use email to communicate appointment
reminders, updates, and information about unemployment benefits. Notify the Division of any changes or
corrections to your email address and check your email regularly for messages about your claim.

File by phone
Call one of these Reemployment Call Centers
North New Jersey (Union City): 201-601-4100
Central New Jersey (Freehold): 732-761-2020
South New Jersey (Vineland): 856-507-2340
Out-of-State claims: 1-888-795-6672 — You must call from a phone with an
out-of-state area code

IMPORTANT: All of these phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone numbers are offered as a
courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone queue, you will
not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different number,
you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.

Your personal identification number (PIN)

When you first certify for benefits, you will choose a four-digit personal identification number (PIN).
Write down your PIN and keep it in a safe, secure place. Do not share it with anyone. You will need your
PIN every time you certify for your benefits. Your PIN is good for 1 year. If you forget your PIN, call your
local Reemployment Call Center, and ask a representative to reset your PIN.

How to reopen a claim (reapply for unemployment insurance benefits)

You have 1 year from when you file your initial claim to collect the maximum full balance of your UI
benefits (up to 26 weeks if you qualify). You may reopen a claim when
 you become unemployed again after a period of employment, or
 you were previously ineligible or disqualified for UI benefits, and the reason(s) why you were
ineligible no longer apply.
You can reopen an existing claim online at nj.gov/labor/ui or by calling a Reemployment Call Center.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 9

 Payment options
There are 2 ways to receive UI benefit payments: by debit card or by direct deposit. When you file your
initial claim, you may choose how you want to receive your benefits. You will get your benefits by prepaid
debit card (the default option), unless you sign up for direct deposit.

By direct deposit
If you want UI benefit payments deposited directly into your checking or savings account, choose that
option when you first file your claim, or complete the direct deposit application any time online. [nj.gov/labor/ui]

You will need your

 bank name
 account number
 bank routing number.

If you choose to receive UI benefits by direct deposit, the money will usually be available in your account
within 2 business days after you claim your benefits. You may apply for direct deposit either online at
nj.gov/labor/ui or print out and submit form BC-502, “Authorization for Benefit Payment by Direct Deposit
or Debit Card,” found on page 37. Mail the form to:
Unemployment Insurance, Checkmaster Unit
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 908
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0908

or fax it to (609) 777-2444

10 Unemployment Insurance
 NOTE: The telephone certification system will not give you the direct deposit option. To choose direct
deposit, you must do so either online or by mail.

If you want to switch to direct deposit from a debit card or from another direct deposit account, it may take
a day to process the request. If you want this week’s UI benefits to be paid by direct deposit or to a
different account, sign up for direct deposit, then wait until the next day to certify for your benefits. If you
sign up for direct deposit after you certify by phone, this week’s benefits will be paid by debit card or to the
existing direct deposit account on file.

By prepaid debit card

If you do not choose direct deposit, you will receive a prepaid Bank of America debit card. If you choose to
receive benefits by prepaid debit card, the money will usually be available in your account within 2 business
days after you claim your benefits.

If more than 28 days have passed since you certified for UI benefits, the system automatically switches to
payment by debit card. Bank of America mails the card to you in a plain, unmarked envelope 7–10 days
after filing your initial claim. Watch your mail for it. The card comes with detailed instructions. This card is
good for 4 years. You should keep this card for 4 years, even after you return to work or your claim expires.
If you need to reopen a claim or file a new claim within 4 years, you will use this same card for these claims.

If you lose your card and need a replacement, call Bank of America at 1-866-213-4074. Operators are
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Do you qualify?
Eligibility for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits depends on 2 things (explained in detail below):

1. How much money you earned in your “base period.”

2. The reason you are unemployed. Unemployment insurance benefits are meant for people who lose
their job “through no fault of their own,” such as an employer’s lack of work.

1) How much did you earn in your base period?

Your UI benefit amount depends on how much money you earned in your “base period.” We calculate your
weekly benefit amount and maximum benefits payable based on wage information your employer(s)
report. In New Jersey, the maximum weekly benefit amount for 2019 is $696.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 11

Regular base period
A regular base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the week you file an
initial claim. The wages you earned during this period are used to determine if you qualify for UI benefits
and to calculate your UI benefit amount.

For claims filed in 2019: In your base period, you must have 20 base weeks or gross wages that total at
least $8,600. A base week is one in which you earn at least $172.

The chart below will help you identify your base period. The month in green represents the month in which
you are filing your initial claim. The quarters on the left in yellow indicate your base period, which in this
case is a base year.

Oct Jan Apr July Oct Jan

Nov Feb May Aug Nov Feb
Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar
Jan Apr July Oct Jan Apr
Feb May Aug Nov Feb May
Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun
Apr July Oct Jan Apr July
May Aug Nov Feb May Aug
Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep
July Oct Jan Apr July Oct
Aug Nov Feb May Aug Nov
Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec

Alternate base periods

If you don’t qualify for UI benefits using the regular base period, we will check if you qualify using an
alternate base period. Alternate base period #1 includes wages earned in the 4 most recently completed
quarters before your date of claim. Alternate base period #2 is the 3 most recently completed quarters
before your date of claim, plus the weeks in the current filing quarter up to your date of claim.

2) Why are you unemployed?

Only people who become unemployed through no fault of their own may qualify for unemployment
insurance benefits. If you are unemployed due to a reason other than lack of work, a claims examiner will
conduct a fact-finding interview by either phone or email to determine whether you are eligible for
unemployment insurance benefits. Your employer may be invited to participate. The claims examiner will
review the facts that you and your employer(s) provide, and determine your eligibility based on the law.

12 Unemployment Insurance
T
If you quit: If you voluntarily left your job without good, work-related reasons, you may not qualify for
benefits.

If you were fired for misconduct: If you were fired for misconduct, your benefits may be delayed or denied.

If you have a fact-finding phone interview with a claims examiner

If you voluntarily left your job or were fired, we will contact you by phone or by email for more
information about your separation. Your employer may be contacted to participate.

 If your fact-finding interview is by phone, your caller ID will sow the telephone number of the
claims examiner as private, unknown, out-of-area, anonymous, etc. If your phone has other
features or devices to block calls, those features should be turned off on the day of your
appointment. You must accept this call. You will be considered as failing to appear if we cannot
reach you for this interview.
 If your fact-finding interview is by email, we will email you a questionnaire to the email address
we have on file. If you do not respond to this questionnaire by the deadline, your eligibility for
benefits may be affected.
 If we determine that you are not eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits, you may
appeal this decision. (See the Appeal Tribunal section (page 22) for more information.)

Your Rights & Responsibilities 13

 To remain eligible
To remain eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, you must:

1) Keep all scheduled appointments

If you are scheduled for an in-person meeting or interview, you must report on the day and at the time
scheduled. If you are scheduled for an interview by phone, we will make every effort to call at the
scheduled time. Since an unexpected delay may occur, you must be available for 2 hours after the
scheduled appointment time.

For your appointments you have the following rights:

1. You may represent yourself or you may be represented at your own expense by an attorney or
non-attorney,
2. You may request a postponement, if you require additional time to prepare for the interview,
3. You may request that your employer produce any documents which relate to your eligibility for
benefits,
4. You may request that statements be taken from your witnesses who have firsthand knowledge
of the case,
5. You or your representative will have the opportunity to question your own witness, present
documents and provide a closing statement or summary, and
6. If the reason for the appointment is related to your employment, any questions that you may
have for your former employer may be asked of the agency representative who in turn may, at
their discretion, pose the question(s) to your former employer.

It is important that we have your current phone number. Let us know immediately if your phone number
changes: you can change it online at nj.gov/labor/ui. For more information about keeping appointments,
see the Important Questions section.

2) Be able to work
You must be physically and mentally able to work each week for which you are claiming unemployment
insurance benefits. If you cannot work due to sickness or injury not caused by the job, you may be eligible
for benefits under New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Insurance program.

14 Unemployment Insurance
3) Be available for work
You must be ready to start a job immediately, have transportation, and not have to stay home to care for
children or other dependents.

4) Actively seek work

You must make an effort to secure employment for each week of benefits that you claim. Contacting at
least 3 employers each week by phone, mail, Internet or in person is considered a reasonable effort. You
must be able to show proof that you are actively searching for work. A sample template for recording your
contacts with employers is provided on page 32.

Even if you have a “work search waiver” excusing you from actively seeking full-time work, you must be
mentally and physically able and available to work.

5) Not refuse an offer of suitable work

What is an offer of suitable work?
People who receive UI benefits must accept any offer of suitable work. An offer of work is suitable if it is
reasonably similar to your previous work experience in location, type of work, and pay, including benefits.
The longer you remain unemployed, the more willing you must be to expand your work search. You may
need to consider offers outside of your normal trade or occupation and to accept work at a lower pay rate
in order to remain eligible for benefits.

6) Claim your UI benefits every week online or every 2 weeks by phone.

See page 17 for how to certify for benefits.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 15

What to expect after filing your initial claim
After you file your initial claim for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, we will mail you step-by-step
instructions (form BC-9, “Unemployment Insurance Instructions and Appointment Notice”) explaining how
to certify for benefits. The notice also lists any appointments you are required to attend. All appointments
are mandatory. Missing an appointment may affect your benefits.

Unemployment insurance benefits are paid for a 7-day week beginning on Sunday and ending on Saturday.
The Sunday of the week in which you file your initial claim is your “Date of Claim.” The first time you
certify for benefits will be on a Wednesday, 17 days after your date of claim.

Within 10 days of applying for benefits, you will receive a “Notice to Claimant of Benefit Determination”
(form BC-3C). The notice of benefit determination does not guarantee that you will receive benefits. The
notice will list

 the employer(s) that you worked for during the base year on your claim
 the base weeks you worked, as reported by your employer(s)
 the wages you earned from your employer(s) during this time, as reported by your employer(s), and
 your weekly benefit amount and a maximum benefit amount.

If any information on the notice is incorrect, call the Reemployment Call Center immediately. An agent will
schedule you for an appointment to correct your information. If weeks or wages are missing on your claim,
or if we have other questions about your pay, an agent will send a request for wage information to your
employer(s) and schedule a telephone interview.

If you became unemployed for any reason other than lack of work, or if we identify any issue that could
impact your eligibility for benefits, you may be scheduled for an interview with a claims examiner to review
the issues.

What are “non-monetary” issues?

Separation or other issues that are not related to wages are called “non-monetary” issues. Possible
other issues include attending school or job training, not being able or available to work, not actively
seeking work, refusing suitable work, and receiving certain types of payment after your last day of work
(such as pension withdrawals).

16 Unemployment Insurance
How to certify for benefits
Certifying for benefits is different from filing your initial claim. After you file your initial claim, which starts
your benefit year, you will have to certify for benefits every week online. If you certify by phone, you will
certify every 2 weeks. You will receive your benefits by direct deposit or debit card, depending on what you
chose when you filed your initial claim.

Certify online (the easiest way)

The easiest and quickest way to certify for your unemployment insurance benefits is online. When you
certify for benefits online at nj.gov/labor/ui, you can certify for benefits every week, any day of the week,
starting on Sundays (instead of having to wait for a weekday). Certifying online is easy, safe and secure, and
you will get your benefits faster than if you certify by phone.

You may certify for your benefits online any day of the week during the following hours:
Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

With your online ID, password and PIN, you can review your UI claim whenever you want.

Certify by phone
If you decide to certify for your benefits by phone, you will certify every 2 weeks, weekdays only. You will
need your 4-digit PIN to certify for benefits. The hours of operation for phone benefit claims are 8:30 a.m. –
6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (including holidays). The schedule for certifying for benefits by phone is:

Mondays — if your Social Security number ends with an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
Tuesdays — if your Social Security number ends with an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8).
Wednesday, Thursday or Friday — if you missed certifying on the assigned day.

If you have certified for benefits over the phone in the past, you may switch to certify online.

You can view your claim status anytime here, [nj.gov/labor/ui ] where you can get information about your claim
including your UI benefit balance and withholding information. Your claim status is not available on the
telephone system.

IMPORTANT: If either you or the employer is appealing a decision about your eligibility, you should
continue to certify for benefits during the appeal process. If the appeal is decided in your favor, you will
receive unemployment benefits only for weeks you have certified for benefits. During the appeal
process you must report to any appointments for which you are scheduled. If you do not keep these
appointments, you may lose benefits, even if you win your appeal.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 17

 Unemployment Insurance Benefits
How much will your benefits be?
Your unemployment insurance (UI) benefit rate depends on 2 factors: your weekly benefit rate and your
maximum claim benefit amount, described below.

1) Weekly benefit rate

Your weekly benefit rate is 60% of your average weekly wage, up to the maximum benefit amount. The
maximum weekly benefit is $696 in 2019.

2) Maximum claim benefit amount

The maximum claim benefit amount equals the total amount of benefits you could collect in one benefit
year. It will be shown on your “Notice to Claimant of Benefit Determination” (form BC-3C).
 Your benefit year consists of the 52 weeks beginning with the first week you filed your claim.
 Your maximum benefit amount is your weekly benefit rate multiplied by the number of your base
weeks, up to a maximum of 26 weeks.
 You have 1 year from your date of claim to collect your maximum benefit amount, up to 26 weeks.
 You may reopen your claim more than once before the end of your benefit year, as long as you
have a balance remaining.

How can you calculate your weekly and maximum UI benefit amounts?
Use our online calculator [https://lwd.state.nj.us/uiapp/Start.htm] to get an estimate of what your benefits might be.

The UI benefit amount you are entitled to receive each week is called your weekly benefit rate. The amount
is 60% of the average weekly wage you were paid during your base period, up to the maximum amount
payable.

Dependents and dependency benefits

If you are not eligible for the maximum weekly benefit amount, you may qualify for dependency benefits. A
dependent is defined as an unemployed spouse or civil union partner, or an unemployed, unmarried child
under age 19 (22 if the child is still in school).

Dependency benefits can be an extra 7% of your basic weekly benefit for your first dependent, and an extra
4% for each of the next 2 dependents. You can claim up to 3 dependents, for up to 15% more than your
weekly benefit amount, up to the maximum payable amount. Note:

1. If your spouse or civil union partner is employed during the week you file your claim, you cannot
receive dependency benefits.

2. If you and your spouse or civil union partner are both unemployed, only 1 may claim dependency
benefits.

18 Unemployment Insurance
 3. To claim dependency benefits, complete an Application for Dependency Benefits (page 36). You
must provide the Social Security number(s) of all dependents you are claiming.

4. To verify dependency status, we will accept your most recent federal or state income tax return. If
this is unavailable, or is insufficient to prove current dependency status, we may consider a
combination of the following documents:

• birth certificate • baptismal certificate • marriage certificate

• civil union license • adoption order • certain other legal documents
• child support order • divorce, dissolution, or annulment order

5. You must provide proof within 6 weeks of the date of claim or you will not be eligible for
dependency benefits for the duration of the claim. No dependency benefits will be paid until you
provide proof.

Part-time work (partial benefits)

If you work part time you may still be able to collect all or part of your unemployment insurance (UI)
benefits.

IMPORTANT: When claiming benefits, you must report your part-time wages when earned, even if you
have not yet been paid.

How we calculate partial benefits

To be eligible for partial UI benefits, you cannot work more than 80% of the hours normally worked in the
occupation. For example, if you worked a 40-hour week, you can’t work for more than 32 hours.

For any wages earned from any employer

 If you earn 20% or less of your weekly benefit rate from an employer, you can still receive your full
benefit amount for that week. However, you cannot be paid more than your weekly benefit rate.

 If you earn more than 20% of your weekly benefit rate from an employer in a given week, your
partial weekly benefit payment will be reduced dollar-for-dollar for all gross wages earned that
week.

o For example, if your weekly benefit rate is $200, your partial weekly benefit rate is $240
(20% more than $200.) If you earn $50 gross during a week, you would receive $190 in
unemployment insurance benefits ($240 – $50 = $190).

 Report your gross earnings and all hours worked for the week in which they were earned, not when
they are paid.
Your Rights & Responsibilities 19
  If you worked on Election Day for a county Board of Elections, you do not have to report these
earnings. Earnings from Election Day work do not reduce your weekly UI benefits.

Filing for unemployment insurance benefits after a period of disability

If you are laid off or terminated from your job while collecting temporary disability benefits or workers’
compensation, you should file for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits upon recovery. You may qualify
for UI benefits by using wages you earned in an alternate base year set by the disability date. To use the
alternate base year, all of the following must have occurred:

1 You recovered from either:

 a workers’ compensation disability that began less than 2 years before the UI claim date, OR
 a temporary disability covered by the temporary disability program.

2 You contacted your employer after you recovered, and work is no longer available.

3 You filed a claim for UI benefits within 4 weeks of recovery.

The alternate base year cannot be used if work was available and you did not return to work. If you have
sufficient wages in the regular base year to file a claim, you may use the base year to calculate your UI
benefit amount. Wages in both the regular and alternate base years cannot be combined to establish a
valid unemployment claim. Wages used on an earlier claim cannot be used again.

Tax responsibilities
The state of New Jersey does not tax unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, but benefits are subject to
federal tax. UI benefits are subject to the rules that apply to reporting income and paying taxes. By the end
of January, we will make available the total amount of UI benefits you received and tax withheld during the
year. We also report this information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

You may view and print a copy of your yearly income tax statement(s) online by using our self-service
system. Login with your user name and password at nj.gov/labor/ui. On your dashboard select “Print 1099-
G.” By January 31 each year, we will post notification on our website when 1099-G information is available.
You will need your user ID and password to access 1099-G information online.

The Internal Revenue Code states that you must pay most of your tax liability through tax withholding or by
making estimated tax payments quarterly. The IRS may impose penalties if you do not pay enough tax using
one or both of these methods each calendar quarter.

20 Unemployment Insurance
Making estimated tax payments
You must make estimated tax payments if you expect to owe taxes to the IRS, and expect to owe more than
your withholding and credits.

The IRS divides the year into 4 payment periods, each with a due date for paying estimated taxes. If you do
not pay enough tax by the due date, the IRS may impose a penalty.

Contact the IRS [irs.gov] for more information about making estimated tax payments.

Tax withholding
When you file your initial unemployment insurance (UI) claim, you will be asked if you want 10% of your
weekly UI benefits withheld and sent to the IRS to help offset your tax liabilities. If you choose to have tax
withheld but later change your mind, complete the “Request for Change in Withholding” status (on page
36) and mail it to us at the address shown on the form. You may change your withholding status any time.

Taxes already withheld cannot be returned to you except by the IRS as part of your federal income tax
refund.

Appealing a determination about eligibility

What if you disagree with a determination?

You will receive, by mail, any written decision (called a determination) that affects your eligibility for
unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. If your claim for benefits is denied or your UI benefits are reduced
and you disagree with that determination, you have the right to appeal. Your employer also has the right to
appeal. Regardless of who appeals, your former employer may participate in the hearing.

How can you appeal a determination?

If a determination denies or reduces your UI benefits and if you choose to appeal the determination, you
must do so in writing either by letter or by the online form [nj.gov/labor/onlineappeal]. You must state the reason
you are appealing the determination. (See #1 below for helpful information to include.) Your appeal may be
dismissed if you fail, without good cause, to file the appeal on time.

1. Your letter of appeal should include

 your name
 your Social Security number or claimant ID number
 your mailing address
 your phone number
Your Rights & Responsibilities 21
  your e-mail address
 your reasons for disagreeing with the determination
 and, if you are filing the appeal late, the reason for the delay.

2. You must file your appeal within 10 calendar days of the date the determination was mailed to you or
within 7 calendar days after delivery.

Again, if you send your appeal late, your written appeal should include the reason for the delay. The
appeal period will be extended only if you show good cause for filing late. Good cause exists when you
can show that the delay was due to circumstances beyond your control, which could not have been
reasonably foreseen or prevented.

3. Keep a copy of your written letter of appeal.

4. You may file an appeal

online nj.gov/labor/onlineappeal
by mail Appeal Tribunal
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 907
Trenton, NJ 08625-0907
or by fax (609) 292-2438

Get more information here. [nj.gov/labor/UI-appeals]

The Appeal Tribunal hearing

If you or your employer file an appeal, you will get a Notice of Hearing in the mail. The notice will tell you
the date and time of your hearing, and explain how to participate. Most hearings are held by phone. Be
sure to read all instructions carefully. If you do not follow the instructions, the appeal may be dismissed or
you may be denied participation in the hearing.

Phone Hearings: The process for participating in appeal hearings was changed in 2017. Be sure to read your
hearing notice and the enclosure carefully and completely. The appeal may be dismissed or you may be
denied participation in the hearing if you do not follow the instructions on the hearing notice to properly
register for the hearing.

To participate, you must register for the hearing no later than 3:00 p.m. on the business day before the
scheduled hearing. You should register as soon as you receive your hearing notice. You can register for your

22 Unemployment Insurance
hearing by telephone or online at nj.gov/labor/ui/appeals/onlineregistration.html. The hearing notice will
show the phone number to use when registering by phone.

The Appeals Examiner will call you when it is time to begin the hearing. You must accept this call. We will
consider it a failure to participate if we cannot reach you at the number you provided.

 Caller ID shows the telephone numbers of the Appeal Tribunal as private, unknown, out-of-area,
anonymous, etc. If your phone has other features or devices to block calls, those features should be
turned off on the day of your scheduled hearing.

 If you do not register as instructed for the hearing or do not answer our call to you, your appeal
may be dismissed or decided unfavorably to you. You may have to pay back any benefits you have
already received.

IMPORTANT: If either you or the employer is appealing a decision about your eligibility, you should
continue to certify for benefits during the appeal process. If the appeal is decided in your favor, you will
receive unemployment benefits only for weeks you have certified for benefits. During the appeal
process you must report to any appointments for which you are scheduled. If you do not keep these
appointments, you may lose benefits, even if you win your appeal.

If your employer appeals your right to UI benefits

If your former employer(s) disagrees with the determination awarding you benefits, the employer may
appeal. If it is determined that you are eligible for benefits, you will continue to receive your benefits as
long as you meet all other requirements. If the Appeal Tribunal decides in the employer’s favor, you will be
required to repay all or part of the unemployment insurance benefits that have been paid to you.

If you cannot attend a scheduled hearing

If you are unable to participate in a scheduled hearing, you may request a postponement. The Appeal
Tribunal may grant the request if you show good cause. If possible, request a postponement in advance of
the hearing.

After the hearing

The Appeal Tribunal’s decisions are issued in writing and are based entirely on the evidence and testimony
presented at the hearing. If the Appeal Tribunal rules in your favor, the Division of Unemployment
Insurance will issue any payments due. The Appeal Tribunal does not issue payments. Allow up to 7 days
from the date of mailing for the unemployment insurance division to process the Appeal Tribunal’s
decision. Please direct any questions about your appeal decision to the Reemployment Call Center:
Your Rights & Responsibilities 23
 North New Jersey (Union City): 201-601-4100
Central New Jersey (Freehold): 732-761-2020
South New Jersey (Vineland): 856-507-2340
Out-of-State claims: 1-888-795-6672 — You must call from a phone with an
out-of-state area code
Call Centers are open weekdays (except state holidays) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT: All of these phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone numbers are offered as a
courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone queue, you will
not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different number,
you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.

Appeal to the Board of Review

If you disagree with the Appeal Tribunal’s decision, you may appeal to the Board of Review. You must do
this within 20 days of the mailing date of the Appeal Tribunal’s decision. Instructions on how to do this are
on the last page of the Appeal Tribunal decision, which we will mail to you.

Appeals to the Board of Review must be submitted in writing to:

Board of Review
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 937
Trenton, NJ 08625-0937

The Board of Review is the highest appellate level within the Department of Labor and Workforce
Development. The Board of Review will base its decision on a review of the Appeal Tribunal record. You can
find more about the Board of Review online here. [http://www.nj.gov/labor/bor]

Right to further appeal

If you receive an unfavorable decision from the Board of Review, you may appeal the Board’s decision to
the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court. The Court is part of the Judiciary branch of
government and is entirely out of this department’s jurisdiction. The Court has its own rules and procedure,
costs and requirements.

For more information about appealing Board of Review decisions, call the Appellate Division at 609-815-
2950 x54720. You can get additional information on the appeal process, including frequently asked
questions, here. [nj.gov/labor/UI-appeals2] or go to their website at njcourts.gov.

24 Unemployment Insurance
 Answers to Important Questions
Address change
IMPORTANT: If you move within 2 years from the date of your initial claim, even if you are not currently
claiming unemployment insurance benefits, you must still notify us about a change of address. We need
your current address to notify you about possible benefit extensions, adjustment payments,
determinations or other changes and general information.

Q. What should I do if I move?

A. If you move within New Jersey, you can change your address and telephone number online here.
[nj.gov/labor/ui] You will need a New Jersey state identification card, a New Jersey driver’s license, or the

personal identification number (PIN) you set up when you filed your initial unemployment benefit claim to
change your address online. You may change your information by phone by calling a local Reemployment
Call Center (see numbers below).

If you move or live out of state, you can change your address and telephone number by calling a
Reemployment Call Center:

North New Jersey (Union City): 201-601-4100

Central New Jersey (Freehold): 732-761-2020
South New Jersey (Vineland): 856-507-2340
Out-of-State claims: 1-888-795-6672 — You must call from a phone with an
out-of-state area code
Call Centers are open weekdays (except state holidays) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT: All of these phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone numbers are offered as a
courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone queue, you will
not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different number,
you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.

After you change your address with us, you should report to the nearest unemployment insurance office in
the state where you live to register for work, if you are still unemployed.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 25

Appointments
Q. What should I do if I cannot keep a scheduled appointment for a phone interview?

A. If you know in advance that you cannot keep an appointment for a phone interview, contact your
Reemployment Call Center before your assigned date to reschedule. If you missed your appointment,
contact your Reemployment Call Center as soon as possible after the missed appointment. An agent from
your Reemployment Call Center will schedule an interview to determine why you missed your initial
appointment.

Q. What should I do if I cannot keep a scheduled in-person appointment for reemployment services?

A. If you know in advance that you cannot keep an appointment for reemployment services, contact your
One-Stop Career Center before your assigned date to reschedule. Refer to the appointment letter you
received for instructions. An agent from your Reemployment Call Center will schedule an interview to
determine why you missed your initial appointment.

Eligibility
Q. What should I do if I did not file a claim the week in which I became unemployed?

A. Claims begin when you file your claim. If you believe your claim should be backdated, discuss this with
the agent when you file your claim by phone. If you file your claim online, call a Reemployment Call Center
to request that your claim be backdated. A request for backdating will be referred to a claims examiner for
adjudication.

North New Jersey (Union City): 201-601-4100

Central New Jersey (Freehold): 732-761-2020
South New Jersey (Vineland): 856-507-2340
Out-of-State claims: 1-888-795-6672 — You must call from a phone with an
out-of-state area code

IMPORTANT: All of these phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone numbers are offered as a
courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone queue, you will
not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different number,
you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.

Q. I am going to be laid off next week; can I file my unemployment claim now so my claim is ready?

A. No. If you are employed full time, you cannot file a claim for unemployment insurance benefits. Such a
claim would be invalid. You cannot file a UI claim until you become unemployed or your hours are reduced.

26 Unemployment Insurance
Q. Will my pension or Social Security benefits affect my claim?

A. Social Security retirement benefits do not affect your unemployment insurance benefits.

If you are eligible to receive a pension from an employer listed on your UI claim, the benefits may be
reduced. The term "pension" includes benefits paid in a lump sum, such as 401K, as well as pensions that
are paid on a monthly basis. If you have applied for, received or expect to receive a pension or retirement
pay, we will schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.

Q. Should I wait until my severance pay ends to file a claim?

A. No. You should file your claim immediately, as soon as you stop working full time. If you file your initial
claim by telephone, the agent will determine whether your severance pay affects your unemployment
insurance benefits. If you file your claim online, and it appears that your severance pay may affect your UI
benefits, we will schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.

Q. Do I have to accept a job that pays less than I used to earn?

A. While you are collecting unemployment insurance benefits, you are expected to accept suitable work
when it is offered or you could lose your benefits for 4 weeks. Suitable work depends on your work history,
salary, skills, commuting distance, etc. The longer you remain unemployed, the more willing you must be to
expand your work search. You may be required to travel a greater distance, accept a different type of job or
accept a lower starting pay rate in order to remain eligible for benefits. If you refuse a job offer, your claim
will go to a claims examiner to determine whether you are still eligible to receive benefits.

Q. Can I collect on my original claim if I start a new job and it does not work out?

A. If you leave a new job, we will schedule you for an interview with a claims examiner to review the reason
for your job separation. Based on the information you provide, the examiner will decide whether you are
still eligible to receive benefits.

Q. I was disqualified and couldn’t receive unemployment insurance benefits during that time. What
should I do when my disqualification period is over?

A. When your disqualification period is over call your Reemployment Call Center.

Q. Will I continue to collect unemployment insurance benefits if I attend a training program?

A. If a One-Stop Career Center counselor approves your training before you register for school, you may be
eligible for a work-search waiver and up to 26 weeks of additional benefits during training (ABT). If you are
Your Rights & Responsibilities 27
thinking about going to school, you must contact your One-Stop Career Center and arrange to meet with a
counselor to discuss the training before enrolling. If you self-enrolled in training and the training meets the
requirements to be considered “approved training,” you may be able to collect additional benefits during
training.

Q. What should I do if I return to work full time?

A. If you returned to work full time during the week(s) you are claiming, you must let us know when you
certify for benefits for those weeks. Whether you do this online or by phone, you will have to answer
questions about your return to full-time work. You’ll be asked for the date you went back to work, your
gross wages earned (before deductions), and the number of hours you worked. If you certify your benefits
online, you will also need to provide the employer’s name, address and phone number.

Q. How many claims may I file in a year?

A. You may file 1 claim in a 365-day period (benefit year), starting from the first date of your claim.

Q. When can I file another claim for UI benefits?

A. UI claims must be based on different work experiences. You cannot go from one claim to another claim
without working in between. So if you received benefits on one claim, you must have worked since the
start date of that claim. You may requalify for unemployment insurance benefits if:

1. the benefit year of the first claim has ended

2. you worked in covered employment for at least 4 weeks since you filed your first claim, and
3. you earned at least 6 times the previous claim’s weekly benefit rate.

Q. I was a corporate officer — can I file for unemployment insurance benefits?

A. A person who is a corporate officer, or who has more than a 5% equitable or debt interest in a
corporation, will not be considered unemployed from that corporation. Claims filed in this situation are
invalid.

If your corporation permanently ceases operations and has filed for formal dissolution in accordance with
the New Jersey Business Corporation Act, N.J.S.A. 14A:1-1 et seq., you must provide proof with one of the
following:

 a signed statement from the corporation verifying the termination of corporate officer status
 proof that an application for dissolution of the corporation has been filed with the N.J. Department
of Treasury

28 Unemployment Insurance
  a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the N.J. Secretary of State indicating that the corporation has
been dissolved
 a deed of assignment of assets for the benefit of creditors, or
 a copy of a petition to bankruptcy court under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

If your corporate officer/owner status is terminated, you could be considered unemployed and you may be
eligible for a valid unemployment claim.

Extensions
Q. Are there any state or federal benefit extensions at this time?

A. No, there are no extension programs now.

Overpayment/Refund
Q. Why is my federal income tax refund being withheld?

A. If your IRS refund was withheld, it may be because at some point in time you improperly collected
unemployment insurance benefits. Federal income tax refunds may be used to offset a delinquent debt.

Every month, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development sends statements to
people who have an outstanding debt. The statements contain a warning that we submit unpaid debts to
the IRS for offset against future federal income tax refund(s). Only delinquent debts are sent to the IRS for
collection by withholding tax refunds.

Interest, penalties, and other charges may be assessed on the balance you currently owe. You can get more
detailed information online here. [nj.gov/labor/UI-overpaid]

Q. Why do I have a refund on my claim? Does "refund" mean I owe money?

A. Yes. A refund indicates that you have received benefits to which you were not entitled. (See question
above for more information.) The refund amount is the amount you were overpaid. You must return those
benefits. If we paid benefits to you in error, we will mail you a notice stating the amount you were overpaid
and why you are not entitled to the benefits. Each month we mail notices to people who have been
overpaid. If your new claim shows that you have an outstanding refund amount, that amount will be
deducted from your claim. You have the right to appeal the determination by following the instructions on
the bottom of the notice.

Q. If I owe a refund, can I make an electronic payment?

A. Yes. You can make a secure electronic payment here. [https://www1.state.nj.us/TYTR_LBR_Claims/jsp/Login.jsp]

The E-payment service accepts both credit card and e-check payments.
Your Rights & Responsibilities 29
Q. How do I avoid collection action against me?

A. You can avoid collection action either by repaying the debt in full or by establishing and maintaining a
monthly installment agreement. We mail a monthly statement (form BPC-404) to anyone who owes us
money. The statement shows the amount you must pay each month. It also allows you to commit to repay
a certain amount each month at our e-payment site here. [https://www1.state.nj.us/TYTR_LBR_Claims/jsp/Login.jsp]
This is considered a formal monthly installment agreement.

Certifying for benefits (benefit payment)

Q. What should I do if I forget to certify my claim on the assigned day?

A. You may certify for your benefits online any day of the week during the following hours:

Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

If you certify by phone, you should call on the Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of that same week. Hours of
operation for phone benefit claims are 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday (including holidays).

Q. How long after I certify for my benefits will I get a payment to my direct deposit account?

A. If you choose to have your UI benefit payments deposited directly into your bank account, the money
will usually be available in your account within 48 hours after you certify for your benefits.

Q. How long after I certify for my benefits will I get a payment to my pre-paid debit card?

A. If you did not choose direct deposit, you will receive benefits through a pre-paid debit card. The funds
will usually be posted to your pre-paid debit card within 48 hours after you certify for your benefits. Get
more information about pre-paid debit benefits here. [nj.gov/labor/UI-debitcard]

Your unemployment insurance claim account

Q. How can I find out the balance of my unemployment insurance claim and the tax amount that was
withheld this year until now?

A. After you certify for your weekly benefits online, you will see a confirmation screen. This screen shows
the gross and net amount of your payment, any amount deducted for refunds or garnishments, tax
withheld on your payment, and tax withheld this year to date. It also shows the remaining balance on your
claim.

30 Unemployment Insurance
You can view your claim status anytime here, [nj.gov/labor/ui] where you can get information about your claim
including your UI benefit balance and withholding information. Your claim status is not available on the
telephone system.

Taxes
Q. Will I be mailed a yearly income tax statement?

A. No. You may get your 1099-G income tax statement online by logging in using your user name and
password here [nj.gov/labor/ui]. On your dashboard select “Print 1099-G.” You don’t need to send a copy of
Form 1099-G with your income tax return, as we have already reported the information to the Internal
Revenue Service.

Q. What if I cannot access the self-service system to obtain my Form 1099-G?

A. You may request a copy from your Reemployment Call Center. It may take 10 business days to receive a
copy of your Form 1099-G.

Q. What if the amounts on Form 1099-G are not correct?

A. Contact your Reemployment Call Center and inform the agent that the amounts on the 1099-G are
incorrect. The agent will review the facts and data with you to resolve the matter.

Online Help

Answers to frequently asked questions about

nj.gov/labor/UnemploymentQs
unemployment insurance benefits
Calculate your weekly benefits nj.gov/labor/UIbenefit-calculator
Claim weekly unemployment insurance
nj.gov/labor/ui
benefits
Your appeal rights nj.gov/labor/UI-appeals

Search for a job careerconnections.nj.gov

careerconnections.nj.gov (click on
Job fairs in your area “View the job fairs calendar” at the
bottom of the homepage)
Pay back overpaid benefits nj.gov/labor/UI-overpaid

Report unemployment insurance fraud nj.gov/labor/ReportFraud

Your Rights & Responsibilities 31

 Work Search Record

List all the employers and labor unions you contact each week while claiming unemployment insurance benefits. This
template may help you keep a record of your work search contacts. The Division of Unemployment Insurance may ask you
to provide proof of your search for work at any time you are claiming benefits. You must contact different employers each
week. When you run out of space on this sheet, continue your list on separate sheets of paper.

Date of Employer name, Method Name of Position Was Result of contact

contact address, phone number of contact person applied for application
contacted taken?

32 Unemployment Insurance
 Important contact information

Unemployment Insurance
The easiest, quickest way to file your unemployment insurance claim is to file online. [nj.gov/labor/ui]
File your claim as soon as you become unemployed — but not before.

File online: nj.gov/labor/ui

File by phone (Reemployment Call Centers/Customer Service):

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 — You must call from a phone with an
out-of-state area code

IMPORTANT: All of these phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone numbers are offered as a
courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone queue, you will
not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different number,
you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.

Can’t find an answer to your question on our website? To get help with your claim, call your nearest
Reemployment Call Center — for Customer Service (phone numbers listed above).

Mailing address
Unemployment Insurance – Customer Service Office
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
P.O. Box 058
Trenton, NJ 08625-0058

Bank of America (prepaid debit cards)

If you have questions about your debit card, please call Bank of America directly at 1-866-213-4074.

Help us serve you better!

Please take the time to let us know how we can do our jobs better by completing a short,
anonymous online survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/UIWebsiteSurveyMay2014.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 33

 Local Phone Numbers
to certify for weekly UI benefits and for UI claim information

IMPORTANT: All of these phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone numbers are offered as a
courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone queue, you will
not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different number,
you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.

to certify for for claim

Location weekly benefits information
Camden 856-614-3801 856-614-3833
East Orange 973-680-3518 973-748-4800
Elizabeth 908-820-3969 908-820-3150
Hackensack 201-996-8021 201-996-8940
Jersey City 201-217-4602 201-795-8707
Neptune 732-775-5131 732-775-7970
New Brunswick 732-937-4525 732-937-6260
Newark 973-648-7601 973-648-2429
Newton 973-383-4432 973-383-7653
Passaic 973-458-6724 973-916-2630
Paterson 973-977-4307 973-977-4300
Perth Amboy 732-937-4525 732-937-6260
Phillipsburg 908-859-5467 908-859-3320
Plainfield 908-412-7779 908-412-7951
Pleasantville 609-441-7581 609-441-3300
Randolph 973-328-6490 973-361-9055
Somerville 908-704-3366 908-704-3006
Thorofare 856-853-4177 856-384-3754
Toms River 732-286-6460 732-286-5639
Trenton 609-292-6800 609-292-0695
Out-of-State claims 1-888-795-6672 1-888-795-6672
You must call from a
phone with an out-of-
state area code
34 Unemployment Insurance
 One-Stop Career Center locations
Atlantic Hudson Ocean
2 South Main Street, First Floor, Suite 1 438 Summit Avenue, Floor 1 * 1027 Hooper Avenue, Building 6
Pleasantville, NJ 08232-2728 Jersey City, NJ 07306-3175 Toms River, NJ 08753-8392
(609) 813-3900 (201) 795-8800/(201) 795-8840 (732) 286-5616

* 530 48th Street, Floor 7 * 1959 Route 9

Bergen
Union City, NJ 07087 Toms River, NJ 08755
60 State Street, Floor 1
(201) 369-5205 (732) 286-6446 ext. 261
Hackensack, NJ 07601-5427
(201) 329-9600
Passaic
Hunterdon
Burlington 25 Howe Avenue
* 6 Gauntt Place, Bldg. 2 (lower level)
Passaic, NJ 07055-4007
* 795 Woodlane Road, Floor 2 Flemington, NJ 08822
(973) 916-2648
P.O. Box 6100 (908) 782-2371
Westampton, NJ 08060 200 Memorial Drive, Floor 1
(609) 518-3900 Mercer Paterson, NJ 07505
26 Yard Avenue, Floor 1 (973) 742-9226
Camden P.O. Box 954
2600 Mount Ephraim Avenue, Suite 102 Trenton, NJ 08625-0954 Salem
Camden, NJ 08104-3290 (609) 292-0620 * 174 East Broadway, Floor 2
(856) 614-3151 Salem, NJ 08079
Middlesex (856) 935-7007
Cape May
* 550 Jersey Avenue
* 3810 New Jersey Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1392 Somerset
Wildwood, NJ 08260-0210 (732) 937-6200 75 Veterans Memorial Drive, Suite 102
(609) 729-0997 Somerville, NJ 08876-2950
161 New Brunswick Avenue (908) 704-3000
Cumberland Suite 300, Floor 3
* Center for Workforce & Economic Perth Amboy, NJ 08861-4193 Sussex
Development (732) 293-5016 Sussex County Mall
Cumberland County College Route 206 North
3322 College Drive Monmouth Newton, NJ 07860-1818
Vineland, NJ 08362 (973) 383-2775
* 17 Christopher Way
(856) 696-6600
Eatontown, NJ 07724
(732) 683-8850 Union
Essex 921 Elizabeth Avenue
50 South Clinton Street, Floor 2 60 Taylor Avenue Elizabeth, NJ 07201-2306
East Orange, NJ 07018-3120 Neptune, NJ 07753-4844 (908) 965-3929
(973) 395-3255 (732) 775-1566 * 200 West Second Street, Floor 2
990 Broad Street Plainfield, NJ 07060
Newark, NJ 07102
Morris (908) 412-7980
(973) 648-3370 * 13 Emery Avenue
Randolph, NJ 07860 Warren
Gloucester (862) 397-5600 *445 Marshall Street
* 215 Crown Point Road, Suite 200 Phillipsburg, NJ 08865
* 1 Medical Drive
Thorofare, NJ 08086 (908) 454-8335
Parsippany, NJ 07963-0900
(856) 384-3700
(862) 397-5600 NOTE: This list is subject to change.
For the current list of offices with UI staff,
* locations marked with an asterisk
see interactive map on
DO NOT have unemployment staff available to
careerconnections.nj.gov.
answer questions about unemployment claims.
Your Rights & Responsibilities 35
36 Unemployment Insurance
Your Rights & Responsibilities 37
 Glossary
of important unemployment insurance terms

alternate base period — A period of time that may be used to determine the unemployment benefit amount
you may be entitled to, if you do not qualify using the regular base period. New Jersey has 2 possible alternate
base periods. Alternate base period #1 includes wages earned in the 4 most recently completed quarters before
your date of claim. Alternate base period #2 is the 3 most recently completed quarters between your date of
claim, plus the weeks in the current filing quarter up to your date of claim.
Appeal Tribunal — The Appeal Tribunal decides initial disputes about eligibility for unemployment (and some
temporary disability) insurance benefits. If, after you file a claim for UI benefits, you or your employer disagrees
with the determination of your eligibility for benefits, you and your employer have the right to file an appeal to
the Appeal Tribunal.
average weekly wage —The total wages earned in your base period, divided by the number of base weeks you
worked.
base period — A period of time used to determine if you qualify for UI benefits and to calculate your benefit
amount. A regular base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the week you file an
initial claim. Alternate base periods may be used if a person claiming unemployment insurance benefits does not
qualify using the regular base period. Also called a “base year.”
base week — A week in which you earn a minimum amount. For claims filed in 2019, a base week is one in
which you earn at least $172. Base weeks are used to calculate the unemployment insurance benefit you are
entitled to.
base year — The first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the week you file an initial claim. Also
called a “base period” or “regular base period.”
benefit amount, maximum — The maximum weekly benefit amount for unemployment insurance for claims
filed in 2019 is $696.
benefit rate, weekly — The unemployment insurance benefit rate you are eligible for: 60% of your average
weekly wage, up to the maximum amount of $696 in 2019.
careerconnections.nj.gov — The website of New Jersey Career Connections, featuring interactive tools including
pathways for career navigation. Other resources on the website include a directory of training programs,
information on careers, and guidance on a wide variety of topics including networking, searching for
employment, and preparing for interviews.
certifying for benefits — The weekly or biweekly process of letting us know that you are still unemployed and
are actively seeking work, and continue to meet all other requirements for claiming unemployment insurance
benefits. You may certify for benefits online or by phone.

38 Unemployment Insurance
claimant — An unemployed worker who has filed a claim for unemployment insurance benefits.
claims examiner — A member of our unemployment insurance staff who determines your eligibility for UI
benefits based on available information. A claims examiner will call you if you have an appointment to clarify
wage or other matters that could affect your eligibility.
commission — A sum of money paid to an employee upon completion of a task, usually selling goods or services.
A commission may be a percentage of the sales amount paid to an employee. A commission may be paid in
addition to or instead of a salary. These wages may or may not affect your UI rate.
date of claim —The Sunday at the start of the week in which you file your initial claim for unemployment
insurance benefits is your date of claim. UI benefits are paid for a 7-day week beginning on Sunday and ending
on Saturday.
dependency benefits — Additional benefits you may be eligible for, if you meet the eligibility requirements for
this benefit. Dependency benefits may increase your basic weekly benefit by 7% for your first dependent, and an
additional 4% for each of the next 2 dependents.
dependent — An unemployed spouse or civil union partner, or an unemployed, unmarried child under the age
of 19 (22 if the child is still in school).
determination — A decision about whether you are eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.
direct deposit — One of two ways you can choose to receive your UI benefit payments. With direct deposit, the
money will go directly into a bank account you authorize.
fraud — Claiming or accepting unemployment insurance benefits illegally. Fraud is a crime and will be
prosecuted. For more information about fraud, see page 6.
gross earnings — The total amount paid to a worker, before any taxes or deductions are taken out.
identity verification — Our process of checking the credentials of everyone who files an unemployment
insurance claim, and ensuring that only those who are legally eligible collect UI benefits.
initial claim — A first-time application for unemployment insurance benefits. An initial claim establishes a
benefit year.
Jersey Job Clubs — Voluntary networking and support groups for jobseekers, in locations throughout New
Jersey. Jersey Job Clubs hold networking events and workshops on topics with the goal of helping people find
employment.
monetary issues — Questions concerning earnings during your base year.
New Jersey Career Connections — A comprehensive job-search and career navigation service provided by the
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. New Jersey Career Connections is online at
careerconnections.nj.gov. Get in-person help from career coaches at One-Stop Career Centers and public
libraries throughout New Jersey.

Your Rights & Responsibilities 39

non-monetary issues — Questions that could affect your eligibility for benefits that do not have to do with wage
payment (for example, the reason you are not employed, your ability to work, etc.).
One-Stop Career Center — These centers, throughout the state, offer a wide range of free services for
jobseekers and employers alike: free career counseling, skills assessment, computer tutorials, information about
job opportunities and training options, and access to computers, phones and fax machines to use in a job search.
Professional career coaches are always on site to offer guidance. Not all One-Stop Career Centers have UI staff
available to answer questions about claims. The list of One-Stop Career Centers on page 35 shows which offices
do have unemployment staff.
online ID — A unique online ID you create to access nj.gov/labor/ui. Also known as a user ID.
partial benefits — If you have been working full time, and your hours have been reduced, you may qualify for
partial UI benefits. You will not be required to search for work but you are required to work all available hours
for your employer. If you are employed only part time, you will be required to search for full-time work.
Path to Employment — an easy-to-follow and effective process to help jobseekers reach their career goals.
Check out the Plan, Prepare, and Succeed pathways on careerconnections.nj.gov.
password — A word, number and character you create to access your account at nj.gov/labor/ui. Your password
must be at least 8 characters long and include at least one numeral, one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter,
and at least one of the following special characters: ! @ # $ %. Your password protects your personal
information; do not give your password to anyone else.
personal identification number (PIN) — A 4-digit number you create when you certify for benefits for the first
time. You must use your PIN every time you certify for benefits.
Reemployment Call Center (RCC) — A customer service center where unemployment insurance professionals
answer questions about unemployment insurance claims. There are 3 RCCs in New Jersey — one each in the
North, Central and South regions of the state. All of the RCC phone numbers go to the same place. Local phone
numbers are offered as a courtesy for callers who are charged more for long-distance calls. If you are in a phone
queue, you will not move ahead by trying one of the other phone numbers. If you hang up to call a different
number, you will forfeit your place and be moved to the end of the queue.
separation — Loss of employment for any reason.
tax withholding – Tax deducted from a payment or wages, paid to the government. In most jurisdictions,
withholding tax applies to employment income. You have the choice of having 10% of your unemployment
insurance benefits withheld.
user name — an email address you use to access your unemployment insurance claim at nj.gov/labor/ui.
work search waiver — A work search waiver excuses you from actively seeking full-time work while claiming
unemployment insurance benefits. May be granted in certain cases, such as when a person is enrolled in a pre-
approved training program, or finds jobs through union hiring halls, or is laid off temporarily with a definite
rehire date within 8 weeks from the date of initial separation.

40 Unemployment Insurance