Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits are crucial for eligible claimants. However, once a person is deemed eligible, it is important to ensure that he or she remains eligible while unemployed. Here is a brief guide on how to remain eligible for unemployment insurance benefits:
- Attend all scheduled appointments
After applying for UI, the applicant will receive a document in the mail with step-by-step instructions on how to certify benefits. Titled 'Unemployment Insurance Instructions and Appointment Notice', this document provides a list of required appointments for applicants. Be sure to save this document and mark all appointment dates on your calendar and make a note of whether they are in person or by phone. Also, make sure the New Jersey Department of Labor has your current phone number so they can contact you. Taking into account possible delays, it is advisable that people remain available up to 2 hours after their scheduled appointment. Remember: Missing an appointment may affect your eligibility for benefits.
- Be able to work
During each week in which the applicant applies for unemployment insurance, they must be able to mentally and physically reenter the workforce. People who cannot work due to physical or mental reasons may lose eligibility for UI. They should explore NJ Temporary Disability Insurance as an alternative.
- Be available to work
While receiving UI, the person must have no reason to be unable to attend work at any given time. For example, the applicant must have transportation available and must not be the sole caregiver for dependents. Be sure to find public or personal transportation that can be used to get to a potential job opportunity and someone who can realistically help care for dependents.
- Actively look for work
To maintain UI benefits, applicants must contact at least one employer weekly, unless exempt by a 'Work Search Exemption.' Be sure to record any contacts made with employers as evidence of your efforts to find job opportunities.
- Do not reject a suitable job offer
In this case, the right job is used to refer to job opportunities that match the previous workplace, type of profession, and salary. The longer a person is unemployed, the broader their search for suitable work should be.
- Claim UI benefits in a timely manner
UI benefits are paid for a 7-day week that begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday. The Sunday on which a person files their first claim is known as the “claim date.” The first certification of benefits generally occurs on Wednesday 17 days, or approximately 2 and a half weeks, after the claim date. Once this process is underway, one must collect their benefits every week online, or every 2 weeks by phone.
By following these six steps, one will not only be able to maintain their eligibility for UI benefits, but will also acquire some valuable habits that will only increase their chances of acquiring a job.
Source: Unemployment Insurance-Your Rights & Responsibilities (nj.gov)