The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is focused on making it easier for workers in the Garden State to access unemployment benefits and continue supporting their families when they need it. To do so, they have created an in-person appointment service, where an unemployment insurance representative will review your case with you and discuss any issues that may be delaying access to the benefits that, under the law, you are entitled to.

The representative will help you and, if possible, resolve your claim on the same day of the visit; however, patience is requested as there are some cases that do not have an immediate resolution. If necessary, the case will be reviewed by a specialist in Trenton and further information, registration or documentation will be required. After your visit, your claim will be given priority. Be sure to follow the instructions and in the following days check your email and the status of your application. 

To request an in-person appointment with the Unemployment Service and speak with a representative, you can do so through the online scheduler by following these steps: 

1. Costumed myunemployent.nj.gov and press “check claim status” 
2. Please log in to access the status of your claim. 
3. Select “Schedule Appointment Online” to access the online scheduler. 
4. Select “UI In Person (30 Minutes)”. You will be shown office location options with the next available appointments at each location so you can select the one that works best for you. 

On the other hand, if you have appealed a decision, the hearing date may take some time. Due to the pandemic, there are a high number of claims. Additionally, if the reason for the hearing is related to your employment, your employer will also be notified of the hearing and will have the right to participate. At the appeal hearing, you have the right to represent yourself or you may be represented by someone else or a lawyer you hire. While you wait, remember to continue certifying your weekly benefits.