Official Site of The State of New Jersey

The State of NJ site may contain optional links, information, services and/or content from other websites operated by third parties that are provided as a convenience, such as Google™ Translate. Google™ Translate is an online service for which the user pays nothing to obtain a purported language translation. The user is on notice that neither the State of NJ site nor its operators review any of the services, information and/or content from anything that may be linked to the State of NJ site for any reason. -Read Full Disclaimer close

Division of Unemployment Insurance

Benefit Year End

Is your benefit year ending soon?

Federal law requires a review of unemployment claims after one year for benefits to continue. It’s not a glitch, so do not open a new claim.

New Jersey claimants currently receiving benefits do not have to take any action. Attempting to file a new claim after receiving your last week of benefits on your old claim will delay benefits. Here's how it works.

STEP 1: WE REVIEW YOUR CLAIM

Your unemployment claim remains valid for one year from the date it is filed, unless you exhaust benefits sooner. Federal law requires a review for new wages after one year.

Please be aware some claims cannot be automatically processed and will require manual review from a claims examiner. Check your claim status online and look for communication via email, text message, or mail.

STEP 2:

IF YOU EARNED SUFFICIENT WAGES

If you earned at least $220/week for 20 or more weeks, or $11,000 total, during the base year, which is the first four of the prior five quarters before you filed your claim, a new claim will be filed on your behalf.

IF YOU DID NOT EARN SUFFICIENT WAGES

If you did not work during the base year, or your earnings did not meet the threshold, you will continue collecting benefits on your existing claim (as long as federal or state extended benefits remain available).

Please note, if a claimant did not earn sufficient wages and is receiving regular unemployment benefits (not federal or state extended benefits) when they reach their benefit year end, those regular benefits would end, and they would be transitioned to federal extended benefits.

STEP 3: BENEFITS CONTINUE

Continue to certify for weekly benefits according to the latest schedule.

DID YOUR BENEFIT YEAR END PRIOR TO MARCH 2021?

If you reached the end of your benefit year prior to March 2021, a review of your claim has been completed or is under way. When the review is complete, you will receive confirmation that your weekly certification for benefits was successful. Check your claim status and look for communication via email, text message, or mail.

STOPPED RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND NEED THEM AGAIN?

If you (1) stopped collecting unemployment benefits in the past year because you returned to full time employment or became ineligible for another reason, (2) it has been a year since you first applied, and (3) you are now eligible for unemployment benefits again, you should file a new unemployment claim. File a new claim here.

Download a printable version of this information