What is the Maximum Number of Hours You Can Work in New Jersey and Still Collect Unemployment?
In the state of New Jersey, the maximum number of hours you can work and still collect unemployment is determined by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). Generally, NJDOL requires that unemployment benefits are only available to those individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own and are actively looking for work. This means that if you are working part-time, you may still be eligible to receive unemployment benefits as long as you meet the other requirements.
How Many Hours Can You Work in NJ and Still Collect Unemployment?
The amount of hours you can work in New Jersey and still receive unemployment benefits is calculated on a sliding scale based on your total weekly earnings. Specifically, the NJDOL states that if you earn up to $104, your weekly benefit amount will not be reduced. However, if you earn more than $104, your weekly benefit amount will be reduced by $1 for each $2 you earn over $104.
For example, if you earn $150 per week, your weekly benefit amount will be reduced by $22. This means that if you earned $150 per week, your total weekly benefits would be reduced to $82.
Can You Work and Still Collect Unemployment in NJ?
Yes, you can work and still collect unemployment in New Jersey. However, as previously stated, the amount you can receive in unemployment benefits is based on the amount you earn each week. In addition, you must also be actively looking for work and available for work to continue receiving unemployment benefits in New Jersey.
What Are the Requirements for Working and Collecting Unemployment in NJ?
If you are working and collecting unemployment in New Jersey, there are certain requirements that you must meet. Specifically, you must:
- Be actively looking for work and available for work
- Report any work and earnings you receive on your weekly claim
- Verify that you are able and available to work each week you file a claim
- File a weekly claim for benefits
- Report all sources of income, including any vacation pay, vacation time, sick pay, bonuses, severance pay, pension, or other payments
Should I Report My Earnings if I Work Part-Time in NJ?
Yes, you should report any earnings you receive from part-time work in New Jersey. Specifically, you should report any earnings you receive from the previous week during which you worked. This means that even if you only worked a few hours during the week, you should still report your earnings.
What Are the Penalties for Not Reporting Earnings While Collecting Unemployment in NJ?
If you do not report your earnings while collecting unemployment in New Jersey, you may be subject to penalties. Specifically, you may be disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits, or you may be required to repay any benefits that were overpaid due to your failure to report your earnings.
What Other Requirements Must I Meet to Continue Collecting Unemployment in NJ?
In addition to meeting the requirements for working and collecting unemployment in New Jersey, there are other requirements that you must meet in order to continue receiving benefits. Specifically, you must:
- Be able and available for full-time work
- Register with a NJDOL-approved job search program
- Keep a detailed record of your job search activities
- Participate in any and all assessments/interviews required by NJDOL
- File a weekly claim for benefits
What Are the Benefits of Working and Collecting Unemployment in NJ?
There are several benefits to working and collecting unemployment in New Jersey. Specifically, working part-time while collecting unemployment can:
- Provide additional income while you are actively looking for full-time work
- Increase your skills and experience
- Help you remain connected to the workforce and make it easier to transition to a full-time job
- Help you build a network of contacts who may be able to provide job leads or references
What Should I Do if I Have More Questions About Working and Collecting Unemployment in NJ?
If you have more questions about working and collecting unemployment in New Jersey, contact the NJDOL. The NJDOL can provide you with more information on the requirements for working and collecting unemployment in New Jersey, as well as answer other questions you may have.
Conclusion
The maximum number of hours you can work in New Jersey and still collect unemployment benefits is determined by the NJDOL. Generally, the amount of hours you can work and still receive benefits is calculated on a sliding scale based on your total weekly earnings. In addition, you must also meet the other requirements for working and collecting unemployment in New Jersey in order to continue receiving benefits. If you have more questions about working and collecting unemployment in New Jersey, contact the NJDOL for more information.