The state of New Jersey has been hit quite hard by the current economic downtown and state unemployment levels have been rising. The unemployment rate in NJ is now 9.7% (up from 9.3% prior to August) which is coincidentally the same as the national average. New Jersey has lost 155,700 jobs since December 2007, when the jobless rate was 4.5 percent.
As a result of these high unemployment rates New Jersey state has qualified for unemployment benefit extensions which were introduced as part of the 2009 stimulus package.
Unemployment benefits currently available in New Jersey
At the moment there are a total of 79 weeks of unemployment available:
- Initial unemployment benefits (UB – 26 weeks) – These are the regular unemployment benefits which are available regardless of the economy.
- Emergency unemployment benefits Tier I (EUC Tier I – 20 weeks)
- Emergency unemployment benefits Tier II (EUC Tier II – 13 weeks)
- Emergency benefits will be paid by the same method as the regular benefits (direct deposit or check).
- Extended benefits (EB – 20 weeks)
- 13 weeks from bill H3548 – Note that this has not passed yet.
The past year has not been very good for a lot of American workers. Because of the 2008 financial crisis and recession – millions of Americans have lost their jobs. The current national unemployment rate is 9.7% as of Sept 4. While many workers will find new jobs within the time period of existing employment benefits – many more will run out of benefits before finding a new job.
On September 22, the House passed legislation called Bill H3548 which will allow any states with a total unemployment rate (TUR) of 8.5% or higher to be eligible for federal funding which will allow 13 more weeks of extended unemployment benefits for those people who have exhausted all the current benefits. If this bill is passed then New Jersey would qualify for another 13 weeks of extended benefits.
294 replies on “New Jersey Unemployment Benefit Extension Information”
M,
As far as I can understand from The NJ Labor website we are suppose to automatically be put to Tier 4 which is an additional 6 weeks. I do assume or hope we get some kind of notification.
I received 26 weeks of unemployment, and 10 of those weeks I was considered disabled during unemployment. As of December 26, 2009, I exhausted my benefits and was denied an extension. Tomorrow, I have a hearing for an appeal, any advise from any one regarding anything? I would truly appreciate it.
Thank you
I have recieved 26 weeks then 13 weeks which has now ended am I
going to get another extension since I still can not find a job does
anyone have an answer me me
thank you
Does anyone know how we should go about collecting the extra 6weeks of unemployment? When I called this past Thur. the computer advised that this was my last payment. What should I do? Thanks in advance
Don’t worry linda it will be automatically filled for you .no need to call
Nafeas,
Thanks so much, I feel better already.
I am confused and I am never able to get through on the UI customer service lines. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if I would possibly qualify for another extension? I originally started recieving my benefits in May 2009-Nov2009, I was then approved for my first extension from Dec 2009, and I have about another 6 weeks worth of benefits left from that extension… This entire situation is stressful and I feel weary (sp?), I would really appreciate it if someone could explain to me.. 🙂 Thank you!
Yes n you will get another extention it will be filed for you…don’t call on the phone the only way to fix your problem is to go to your local office .but don’t worry
Dear N
I understand your weariness. As far as getting in touch w UI, you may want to try calling @ 6:57 and keep trying until they turn the phones on @ 7. You will be on hold for a while but that seems to be the time to get in touch with a human. All other times of the day the line remains busy. Don’t give up and good luck!
Don’t forget that another thing that worked (for me) was sending them a letter via USPS. I was shocked after all the time I had spent trying to get a “real person” that within a few days one actually called me. And better yet, she resolved the situation over the phone and released a bunch of back checks. I’m praying for all of you who feel like mushrooms kept in the dark about where you stand with UI. < Jim
Please ! Let me know the details of tier 4 unemployment in New Jersey. THANK YOU VERY MUCH
Jim-I just wanted to THANK YOU!!! I followed your lead and sent them a certified letter,a week later they sent me the checks that I hadn’t received since November. I got 5 checks at once,and then another by itself. They also sent the FAC check as well for the months owed. THANK YOU!! I was at my wits end! 🙂
Has anyone heard about the additional 6 weeks extension in New Jersey since we just completed the 14 weeks at the end of Feb. We were entitled to 20 weeks in total . Since UE is still very high is the maximum you can collect including all tiers 99 weeks ? If someone knows please let me know !
Thank you,
Ernie
Has anyone heard of another extension? There was a small piece in the newspaper, now the Rep. are getting into the act.
Someone please help – I was laid off on November 3rd ’09 – worked in NJ and live in NY – I am still recieving my 26 weeks of the regular unemployment benefits which will end early May ’10 – It sounds like Im not going to be elible for any extensions – Please if anyone can help me and let me know if I am eligle without having a nervous breakdown I will be so grateful.
Susan
Not sure if my comment went through – so real brief – started my unemployment in Nov ’09 – still recieving and will end early May. I worked in NJ and live in NY – Will I be able to recieve any extensions, from what I’ve been reading it doenst seem like it. I am so scared at this poing – any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Susan, you should be fine. After your first 26 weeks expires, there’s Tier 2, for another 13-20 weeks, then Tier 3 or an Obama EUB extension. You should be fine for almost the remainder of the year, if not more. Don’t listen to the doomsayers that say we’re all going to be homeless in a week because some senator is screwing our lives up over missiles or health care.
Regardless of how shady our government can be, they are not going to allow a homeless crisis to add to the recession if they can help it. Some people like to just run around screaming the sky is falling, when it’s not really as bad as they make it out to be.
I just saw Obama signed ANOTHER extension, so, you can relax awhile before any major panic is necessary, Susan.
Jackface – You have no idea how grateful I am that you responded and how at ease I feel from what you said – I will check out the link you sent and again thank you so much – God bless you – Susan 🙂
Please, someone make me less confused! My tier II benefits will end the 3rd week of June. Will I receiver tier III if I’m not employed by then? Also, with Obama signing the month extension, will benefits be paid out completing the tier III or do all monies stop July 31st?
Jane –
I’m so glad to hear that I was able to help. It’s a blessing to know that we can all help each other. Keep it up! BTW, my benefits were just exhausted again so we’ll see what Tier X does? Will keep you posted.
< Jim
Thank you for information. I started receiving Tier IV in NJ. By the way…I found that when I call unemployment to answer a question, I through quicker on the day I usually have to call in for my check. I start at 6:57 and keep hitting redial. Any word of Tier 5 yet? Good luck to everyone.
P. S. I keep applying for all types of positions and hardly even get a call back for interviews. I was told that being an older age has alot to due with it. Has anyone else heard or experienced that?
Matt:
I don’t list anything past 15 years, for job experience, and I do not have the years I graduated high school and college. This way at least I have a chance of getting an interview. Also, I gave in and dyed my hair to cover the gray and use eye cream that helps with the wrinkles. It sounds crazy but even my brother who is 55, is doing the same. Everyone I know who is in my age bracket and unemployed has yet to get a job. It is downright scary.
Matt & Mary I can so relate. I’m 60 but don’t look a day pass 50 (good genes) & have received positive telephone intake interviews (based on the resume I’ve sent them) which have lead to face-to-face interviews. All seems to go well until they review my application (where your date of birth is placed) & it’s almost like a haze goes over the interviewer’s face. One actually said to me, ” You were born in what year”?
I have the experience they want but apparently not the age. No age discrimination? Yeah, right.
Thank you so much for your input everyone. Now at least I feel that I am not alone in feeling that age does matter. It’s sad because I am very dedicated to any employer (old school etiquette that was learned years ago). I’m am now feeling that I have an “outdated” stamp on all my years of experience. This is going to force everyone to go into early social security…. coupled with the fact that we’re not even going to be able to find a part time job to supplement needed extra money to survive “along” with the social securty. We can’t find one now, but hopefully we can find one soon. Good luck and God Bless to all.
Anyone hear of a Tier 5??
So let me get this straight, they spent 140 billion today on a extension and none of it will help the long term unemployed who will be running out of benefits this month?, were talking millions going to run out by March 27th .
They’re less jobs now then there was in Nov,09 when they passed the 4th tier.
My tier III just ran out in NJ. How do I find out about tier IV benefits?
I have dropped applications, resumes and cover letters all over the place. I have an MBA, but am overqualified with not enough experience. In other words, I’m too young.
If anyone can give me some information on tier IV benefits I’d appreciate it. Do I just have to call in on my regularly scheduled day (or file online that day)?
FYI – unemployed since OCT 2008.
For the people running out of benefits early next month(April) will the new extension Obama just signed help us?
Sorry to say…but no, it won’t help us one bit. Read below:
First, the facts. The jobs bill doesn’t “extend” coverage. What it does is extend some of the deadlines so that people who were laid off later in 2009 and into 2010 can still qualify for the extra unemployment benefits provided in last year’s stimulus bill.
But once someone has moved through the various tiers of coverage (which is combined with a Federal/State Extended Benefits program), you’re out of luck. At best, after 99 weeks your unemployment coverage is over and this bill doesn’t address that.
Which makes the various Republican talking points about creating an additional permanent welfare state even more ludicrous. Even if that were the case, it’s a welfare state that only last 99 weeks. Which isn’t much of a financial crutch.
All of this might be a surprise to cable news network viewers, who hear the phrase “extended unemployment” thrown around in the same haphazard way as other favorite political phrases like “death panels.”
The news coverage gives the impression that this bill gives the long-term unemployed even more money, and that is simply not the case.
The tragedy is that it’s a definition that is easily included in a typical sound-bite length news story. It’s a simple matter to add the phrase, “while the bill extends the deadlines for the unemployment to receive extensions, it doesn’t tack on additional weeks of coverage for those who have already exhausted their benefits.” See, I can do it and I’m not even in the cable news business.
To be fair, the print side of the news business has only been marginally more successful in correctly defining the situation. I’ve read perhaps 50 print stories on the jobs bill in the last 24 hours and perhaps only 3 or 4 have correctly defined the problem.
While this might seem like a minor journalism problem, whether or not the bill includes additional weeks of benefits for the several million people who have exhausted (or will soon exhaust) their unemployment benefits is a huge issue. Every news site I’ve visited today has comment after comment from worried and confused people attempting to find out what the jobs bill does and does not include. It’s a simple question, but many of the journalists covering the issue seem more interested in covering the political wranglings than the meat of the story.
You are right on the mark Stephanie!
Thanks Stephanie for the information
Lynda – You’re welcome for the info.
Lee – Wish I were wrong. 🙁
I guess all we can hope for is an additional 13 weeks to go through if they pass another bill. Fingers are crossed!
i would like to know are we still going to receive the$ 50.00 stimulis check, I heard gov. christi was removing it.
NEXT WEEK I WILL RECEVIE MY LAST UNEMPLOYMENT CHECK
(END OF 26 WEEKS). PLEASE LET ME KOWN WILL GET EXTENSION OR NOT.
THANK YOU
RATAN
Ratan,
Since it is 26 weeks, I assume it is your original claim. You have at least 3 or 4 more tier extensions to go through. They automatically file for you. You will get notice don’t worry.
Gosh it is SO HARD to get in touch with NJ Claim reps. I will try calling in the early morning because lately even when I do get in tough with real ppl they hang up on me 2/3 of the time. I spent three hours on the phone this afternoon and was connected twice to talk to someone, only for them to tell me they were looking up my info, put me on hold and then get disconnected unexpectedly on BOTH CALLS. I even gave them my home phone and asked them to call back the second time if we were disconnected, but they didnt call back at all.
Gosh it is SO HARD to get in touch with NJ Claim reps. I will try calling in the early morning because lately even when I do get in touch with real ppl they hang up on me. I spent three hours on the phone this afternoon and was connected twice to talk to someone, only for them to tell me they were looking up my info, put me on hold and then get disconnected unexpectedly on BOTH CALLS. I even gave them my home phone and asked them to call back the second time if we were disconnected, but they didnt call back at all.
Help I need clarity!!! I am claiming benefits in Tier I and its due to end the first week in May. I was reading on the website for NJ DOL and it said in order to qualify for Tier II you must have exhausted your Tier I benefits by week ending April 3. Does this mean I will no longer receive any more benefits after my Tier I ends? Also I am an interstate claimer (I live in Georgia). I would truly appreciate it if some can give a clear answer with this. Thanks and have a blessed day!!!
Recieved my last Tier IV check today. Is their a Tier V? Please, does anyone know anything about Tier V?
Has anyone else received their last check for Tier 4 today? I’m really beside myself with worry about if there is another extension. Bills are steeping high now and going to be out of my control at this point.
God Bless you All………… 🙂
Every time I call NJ unemployment I always have to call back. When I finally get to hold for an hour I get disconnected. I put the phone on speaker while I sit on the computer and apply for jobs. You will hear the hold music for about 35 minutes and then a period where it is dead air. I use to work in a call center. I believe these representatives are picking up the calls and putting themselves on mute and then transferring the call back into the calls that are waiting. Shame on them!. This just happened to me as I am typing this, unbelievable! One hour wasted listening to horrible hold music.
Hi Liz –
Yes, it’s pretty ridiculous and very frustrating! I posted awhile back that the ONLY thing that worked for me was writing a letter. To my surprise someone from UI actually called me within a few days and resolved all my issues. In my opinion they should get rid of their phone line and all the folks that are supposed to be supporting it.
I wish you the best and hope my suggestion works for you.
God Bless –
< Jim
Matt – Would your last name begin with H? < Jim
No, Jim. Not H.
Is anyone here tonight regarding the bill passed by congress to extend the unemployment extension. Is tier V included?
LIZ MY DEAR YOU ARENT THE ONLY ONE THAT IS THIER METHOD TO BLAMING US FOR NOT DOING SOMETHING ON TIME, U CALL AN CALL AN CALL AN ITS BUSY OR U HOLD FOR EVER AN GET HUNG UP ON CAUSE I HEAR THEM PICK UP AN HANG UP
I just called in my last check. Still unemployed. Don’t know what to do. Does anyone know if there is another extension. Did they pass another? are they still negotiating if they are going to pass another? does anybody know what is going on? I cant believe this is happening to me. I don’t know what to do. To all the people going through the same thing. my heart goes out to you.
The amendment does two things:
1) It extends the filing deadline for people who have exhausted tiers 1-3 of their UI benefits and need to apply for subsequent tiers until June 2nd. The underlying bill would have only extended it until May 5th.
2) It would allow the more 400,000 people who have exhausted their benefits since the filing deadline expired on April 5th to receive back payments.
The amendment and the underlying bill DO NOT create additional weeks of unemployment insurance benefits. There are currently four tiers of extended UI benefits, and if you are eligible for all of them (people in states with higher jobless rates are eligible), you can get a total of 99 weeks of benefits. This bill would NOT create a Tier V and the 99-week limit would not change. If you want Congress to create a Tier V, you should check out this petition at Change.org.
By signing this petition, maybe we can make a change for the long-term unemployed!!!!!
John – Read above. I explained everything. Also, if you’d like to keep tabs on bills and amendments being passed or not, go to http://www.opencongress.org. Very helpful and more up-to-date than any other site.