What Is the Maximum Time You Can Claim Unemployment in New Jersey?

When you lose your job in New Jersey, you can file an unemployment benefit claim through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. While looking for work, you may receive a percentage of your pay for a certain number of weeks. After regular unemployment benefits run out, you may apply for an extension.

Time Frame

The maximum number of weeks you can collect regular unemployment benefits in New Jersey without an extension is 26 weeks. After this point, you’ll need to either file for an extension or apply for a new claim. As benefits are extended, the amount of money you receive is reduced.

Types

There are four tiers of Emergency Unemployment Compensation available to New Jersey employees who have lost their jobs and need an extension of their unemployment benefits. For the first tier, you receive up to 20 weeks or 80 percent of your maximum benefit amount from your original unemployment claim, whichever amount is less. When you qualify for Tier 2, you receive up to 14 weeks or 54 percent of your original unemployment benefit amount, whichever is less. For Tier 3, you can receive up to 13 weeks or 50 percent of your original unemployment claim, whichever is the least amount. With Tier 4, you can be eligible for up to six weeks or 24 percent of your unemployment maximum benefit amount, whichever is the lessor of the two.

Amount

As of 2011, the maximum number of weeks to receive benefits in New Jersey is 99 weeks with extensions. If your benefits are exhausted at this point, you may speak to your case manager about your eligibility for filing a new claim. For instance, you could file a new claim if you took a new job and it did not work out, and your case manager decides you have a valid reason for leaving the position. If you are denied benefits, you have the option to file an appeal to have your case reviewed.

Considerations

Throughout the receipt of unemployment benefits, you must fulfill the requirements set forth by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. You must be available for work during any week you make a claim for benefits and be actively looking for employment. Let your case manager know a list of dates and places where you have applied for work.

References

• Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Frequently Asked Questions
• Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Unemployment Benefit Extensions
• "New Jersey On-Line"; Unemployment Benefits Extended 13 Weeks; Elizabeth Fitzgerald; June 30, 2008
• Department of Labor and Workforce Development: Figuring Out Your Benefit Amount How Much Can You Collect?