How You Will Receive Your Money

The New Jersey Division of Unemployment Insurance offers two convenient options to receive your UI benefits: direct deposit and prepaid debit card. You can choose your preferred method during your initial claim, and if you do not select direct deposit, benefits will be automatically provided via a prepaid debit card.

Direct deposit

Direct deposit is an easy way to receive your benefits directly into your bank account. Most banks accept this option, but it is essential that you check with your bank to see if there are specific requirements for the account number. You can set this up during your online application for UI benefits or later through your account by selecting the “Update Direct Deposit” option.

If you previously elected direct deposit during your online claim submission, you do not need to register again unless you want to update your bank account details. To make changes, log into your account and select “Update Direct Deposit” within the “Manage My Claim” section of your dashboard. Funds are typically transferred to your bank account within two business days after certification for benefits, excluding holidays and weekends.

Your direct deposit remains in effect as long as your claim is active and only changes if you choose another payment method or if your claim becomes inactive for 28 days or more without certifying for benefits. In such cases, you must re-enter your direct deposit information. Updates cannot be done over the phone.

Prepaid Debit Card

If you do not choose direct deposit, you will receive your UI benefits on a prepaid debit card, which will arrive approximately ten days after application approval. Comes in an unmarked envelope from Omaha, NE. Benefit payments are deposited into your debit card account only when your claim is approved.

The prepaid debit card is valid for three years, so it's important to keep it even if you go back to work or end your claim year. Reopening a claim or filing a new claim within four years will result in benefits paid to the same debit card account. If your debit card is lost, stolen, or damaged, contact My Banking Direct at 888-292-0059 immediately. You are entitled to one free replacement per calendar year; additional replacements are $10 each.

Change of Payment Methods

If you wish to switch from direct deposit to a debit card, complete the “Authorization for Payment of Benefits by Direct Deposit or Debit Card” form and email it to checkmaster@dol.nj.gov. Payments will continue to your current account until the change is processed, which may take up to four weeks. If direct deposits fail due to incorrect banking information, you will temporarily receive a Money Network/My Banking Direct prepaid debit card in the mail for benefit payments until updated direct deposit information is sent.

On the other hand, if you initially chose the debit card and now want to switch to direct deposit, you can make this change through your control panel. However, please note that the payment method change will take effect on the Tuesday following the request. Changes are processed weekly on Monday nights, covering all changes made in the previous seven days.