Understanding the terminology associated with New Jersey's unemployment insurance (UI) system is crucial for claimants seeking benefits and employers managing unemployment claims. This glossary serves as a comprehensive resource to clarify common terms and concepts encountered throughout the user interface process.
Able (to work): This term refers to a claimant's physical and mental ability to engage in employment. Those who are unable to work due to illness, injury, or other health conditions may not be eligible for UI benefits until they are deemed able to return to work.
Active job search: Applicants must actively seek employment to remain eligible for UI benefits. This includes regularly contacting potential employers through various means, such as phone calls, emails, or in-person visits. Documentation of job search efforts may be required.
Postponement/Postponement: A continuance occurs when a hearing or proceeding is rescheduled for a later date. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as insufficient time to gather testimony or the absence of a critical witness. Postponement requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Affirmed: When a review body confirms a decision made in a lower-level determination, it is said to be affirmed. This means that the appeal body agrees with the decision and no changes are made.
Alternative Base Year Periods: In cases where a claimant's income during the regular base year is insufficient, an alternative time period may be used to calculate UI benefits. This ensures fair consideration of all available profits.
Appeal(s): Claimants or employers have the right to appeal UI decisions they disagree with to a higher authority. Appeals must be filed within a specific time frame after receiving decision notices.
Appellant: The party (plaintiff or employer) requesting review of a decision by a higher authority is called the appellant.
Court of Appeal: This body resolves disputes related to eligibility for UI benefits. Hearings are held to gather evidence and testimony before a decision is made on the appeal.
Available to work): Applicants must be ready and able to start working immediately to remain eligible for UI benefits. This includes having access to transportation and childcare if necessary.
Average weekly salary: The total wages earned by a claimant during the base period, divided by the number of base weeks worked, determines the average weekly wage. This figure is used to calculate weekly UI benefit amounts.
Retroactive payment: Payments provided by an employer voluntarily or as a result of the resolution of a labor dispute can cover weeks of unemployment. However, if a claimant receives back pay for the same period in which he or she received UI benefits, reimbursement may be required.
Base period/base year: The period of time used to determine a claimant's eligibility for UI benefits and calculate benefit amounts is known as the base period. It is determined using the date of the claim.
Base week: A base week is used to calculate the amount of UI benefits to which a claimant may be entitled. It is equal to 20 times the state minimum hourly wage on October 1 of the previous calendar year.
End of profit year: UI claims remain valid for one year from the date filed, unless benefits are exhausted sooner. Claims are automatically reviewed at the end of the benefit year to evaluate eligibility for a new claim.
Review Board: This is the highest level of review for benefit disputes within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Appeals may be made to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, if a decision is not satisfactory.
This glossary provides valuable information about the terminology and processes involved in New Jersey's unemployment insurance system, helping claimants and employers navigate the complexities with confidence. Stay tuned for this series of posts on the website that aims to cover all the letters of the alphabet to provide a complete guide on the topic.