Unemployment Benefits in New Jersey
State-specific overview · Employment Law
New Jersey requires $8,000 in total wages with at least $1,000 in one quarter during the base period.
How New Jersey treats Unemployment Benefits
New Jersey has one of the higher wage thresholds in the nation, reflecting its higher cost of living and wage levels. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. Workers can receive up to 26 weeks of benefits, with the weekly benefit amount calculated as 60% of average weekly wages subject to state minimum and maximum amounts. New Jersey also allows partial unemployment benefits for workers whose hours have been reduced, and the state funds benefits through both employer and employee contributions.
The general definition of Unemployment Benefits
Temporary income payments to workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Unemployment benefits are payments provided by the government to workers who have lost their jobs involuntarily and meet certain eligibility requirements. These benefits are funded by taxes that employers pay into a state unemployment insurance fund. To qualify, a worker typically must have been employed for a minimum period, have lost the job without quitting, and not have been fired for misconduct. Benefits are usually a percentage of the worker's prior wages and last for a limited time, often 26 weeks. Workers must actively search for new employment to continue receiving benefits.
Read the full Unemployment Benefits entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.