Thurs: Open until 6pm
3-18-20 Update - Labor and Workforce Development
Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said workers should visit his agency’s website, NJ.gov/labor, before they apply for benefits to research whether they may be eligible for unemployment, temporary disability, family leave or workers’ compensation.
“Look at the chart on our website to determine which program you think you might be eligible for,” Asaro-Angelo said. “This is really important. Applying for a program you are not eligible for could set your application back weeks, delaying your much-needed income support.”
On Monday, the department suspended in-person unemployment services at One-Stop Career Centers statewide until at least March 30. People can file online at myunemployment.nj.gov or over the phone – 201-601-4100, 732-761-2020 or 856-507-2340 – if you can get through.
“Workers are urged to apply online for the fastest service,” Asaro-Angelo said. “But we ask for your patience. We’ve seen a 12-fold increase in benefit applications this week, and we’re experiencing extraordinarily high call volume.”
“Applying online is easy and will save you precious time in receiving your benefits,” he said. “But please know if you can’t get though over the phone or online, your claim will be backdated. So you won’t lose a day’s benefits that are due to you.”
In addition to unemployment benefits, workers might be entitled to paid sick leave through a state program or paid family leave.
Asaro-Angelo said New Jersey has “one of the most generous paid sick leave laws in the country” and that it covers unanticipated school closings and public health emergencies.
“Workers who test positive for COVID-19 or if they were exposed to the virus, have compromised immunity or are taking care of a family sick member are likely eligible for family leave insurance,” Asaro-Angelo said.
“New Jersey already has among the nation’s strongest and best laws as they pertain to guaranteed paid sick leave and expanded paid family leave,” Gov. Murphy said. “Both of these laws are here for precisely situations like this.”
