You must be unemployed through no fault of your own, and you must have earned sufficient wages in your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before the start date of your claim, or alternatively the last 4 quarters for some). Also, you must be able and available for full-time work.

You can apply online, or over the phone at 1-888-795-6672.

The amount will be 60% of the average weekly wage you were paid during your base period, up to the maximum amount payable. For an estimate use the Labor and Workforce Department’s Benefits Estimator.

The length of time that you will receive benefits is also based on how much you made during the base period, but not more than 26 weeks.

Claimants who file for unemployment benefits may be directed to register for work with the One-Stop Career Center. You will not be directed to register if you are scheduled to return to work within 8 weeks or normally obtain work through a union hiring hall. You must keep all scheduled appointments, and you must continue to file weekly. Also, you must continue to be able and available for full-time work. You must actively seek employment, while keeping a record of your work search activities using the Work Search Record. To be actively seeking work, you must contact three employers each week you file for benefits. Finally, you must accept suitable work.

You must appeal within 7 days of the delivery, or within 10 days of the mailing, of the decision for denial. You may appeal by mail or by fax to the address shown on the determination. Also, you must keep filing your weekly claims regularly because you will only be paid for weeks you filed if you win your appeal.

Visit the State of New Jersey Website

Read the Claimant Handbook