Official Site of The State of New Jersey

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2021

TRENTON – Approximately 80,000 New Jersey workers receiving extended unemployment Insurance (UI) are due to exhaust these state benefits in coming weeks, as they reach the 13-week maximum.

Claimants who exhaust extended benefits will have received up to 88 weeks of unemployment – a maximum of 26 weeks of regular state unemployment, up to 49 weeks of Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) that ended Sept. 4, followed by up to 13 weeks of state Extended Benefits. No further unemployment assistance is available to these claimants until new earnings and work history requirements are met, according to the law.

State extended benefits were triggered in July 2020 due to the state’s unemployment rate.

“We have distributed $37 billion in benefits to help more than 1.5 million claimants through the darkest days of the pandemic,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Our team now stands ready to help these workers reenter the workforce by finding meaningful, dignified, sustained employment.”   

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has assisted job seekers virtually and by telephone throughout the pandemic and is currently offering in-person services by appointment at One-Stop Career Centers located across the state. Career services may be found at careerservices.nj.gov for help with job search, resume writing, interviewing skills, education and training, and other specialized career services.     

Additionally, free training courses provided by Metrix Learning are offered in a variety of high-demand industry sectors, including information technology, business analysis, customer service, project management, and digital literacy. Courses range from basic work readiness for new workers to tailored training for high-level professionals and management, with topics such as Customer Service, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Quick Books, Analytical Skills, Data Management/Reporting, Time Management, Leadership Skills, Health & Safety, and First Aid, among many others.     

Unemployment insurance claim assistance is available online at myunemployment.nj.gov.   

Many state and community programs and resources are available to those who need additional support. For information on assistance in the areas of family, food, child care, health, substance use disorder, rent, housing, utilities, and specialized services for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and survivors of domestic or sexual violence, please visit myunemployment.nj.gov/morehelp.     

Another helpful resource is NJ 211, a statewide information and referral service for a wide variety of health and human services. Search the online resource database, or dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 for live assistance.

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