What is the maximum unemployment benefit in New Jersey?

$905 a week as of July 1, 2026; the minimum is $186.

How many weeks of unemployment can you get in New Jersey?

Up to 26 weeks (20-26 weeks depending on base-period wages).

Does New Jersey have a waiting week for unemployment?

No. There is no unpaid waiting week.

How do I file for unemployment in New Jersey?

File an initial claim with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance at https://www.nj.gov/labor/myunemployment/before/about/howtoapply/applyonline.shtml.

New Jersey unemployment benefits

In New Jersey, unemployment benefits last up to 26 weeks and pay up to $905 a week (as of July 1, 2026). There is no unpaid waiting week, and you file with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance.

By Justin KullaLast updated October 6, 2026

Last verified October 6, 2026 against official sources.

File a claim with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance →

New Jersey benefits at a glance

New Jersey unemployment insurance facts, with sources
Maximum weekly benefit	$905source, July 1, 2026
Minimum weekly benefit	$186source, July 1, 2026
Maximum weeks of benefits	26 weeks (20-26 weeks depending on base-period wages)source, July 1, 2026
Weeks depend on the state unemployment rate	Nosource, July 1, 2026
Unpaid waiting week	Nosource, January 1, 2023
Severance pay	New Jersey DOL says severance payments based on years of service do not extend employment and are not counted as wages when calculating benefits. Salary continuation does extend employment, and an agent decides whether a given severance payment affects benefits.source, October 6, 2026
Pay in lieu of notice	All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.source, January 1, 2023
Work-search requirement	Claimants must complete at least 3 work search activities per week. Registering with employment services, using reemployment services, attending a job-seeking workshop, or taking part in job search activities may count.source, January 1, 2023
Extended benefits	Not available nowsource, October 4, 2026
How to file	the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance source, October 6, 2026

Weekly amounts exclude dependents’ allowances. Severance, pay in lieu of notice and work-search entries dated January 1, 2023 come from the Department of Labor’s latest Comparison of State UI Laws, which reflects state law on that date; confirm them with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance.

Severance and unemployment in New Jersey

Severance pay: New Jersey DOL says severance payments based on years of service do not extend employment and are not counted as wages when calculating benefits. Salary continuation does extend employment, and an agent decides whether a given severance payment affects benefits.

Pay in lieu of notice (including WARN Act pay): All benefits are denied for the week the payment is received.

File as soon as you are out of work even if you received severance. The agency decides how payments affect your claim, and most states pay only from the week you file.

Local workforce boards in New Jersey

Public workforce boards run American Job Centers, which offer free help with job search, training and benefits.

If you’re a laid-off professional

Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Significant Provisions of State Unemployment Insurance Laws and Comparison of State Unemployment Insurance Laws, the DOL Extended Benefits trigger notice, and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Unemployment Insurance. Where official sources disagree or a figure could not be confirmed, this page says to check with the agency rather than estimate. Rules change; the agency’s decision on your claim is what counts. See our editorial standards.