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 capacity 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/Adjournment: A postponement occurs when a hearing or proceeding is rescheduled for a later date. This can happen for various reasons, such as insufficient time to gather testimony or the absence of a critical witness. Postponement requests are reviewed 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 appellate 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 earnings.
Appeal(s): Claimants or employers have the right to appeal UI decisions with which they disagree to a higher authority. Appeals must be filed within a specified timeframe after receiving the decision notices.
Appellant: The party (plaintiff or employer) that requests a review of a decision by a higher authority is called the appellant.
Appeals Court: 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 work immediately to remain eligible for UI benefits. This includes having access to transportation and childcare if needed.
Average weekly wage: The total wage 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 the weekly amounts of UI benefits.
Back pay: Payments provided by an employer voluntarily or as a result of the settlement of a labor dispute may cover weeks of unemployment. However, if a claimant receives back pay for the same period in which they received UI benefits, repayment may be required.
Base period/base year: The time period used to determine a claimant's eligibility for UI benefits and to calculate benefit amounts is known as the base period. It is determined using the claim date.
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 preceding calendar year.
End of Benefit Year: UI claims remain valid for one year from the filing date unless benefits are exhausted sooner. Claims are automatically reviewed at the end of the benefit year to assess eligibility for a new claim.
Board of Review: This is the highest level of review for benefit disputes within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Appeals may be filed with the New Jersey Superior Court, 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.