New Jersey Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your New Jersey weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. New Jersey pays up to $905 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your New Jersey weekly unemployment benefit from your wages. The state agency makes the actual decision based on your full wage record and why your job ended. File your claim with New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL), Division of Unemployment Insurance to get your real amount.
More exact? Enter your highest-paid quarter
Most states base your benefit on your highest-earning quarter of the base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Enter it for a closer estimate; leave blank to use your annual income.
Estimated Weekly Benefit
$600/week
≈ 60% of your weekly wage · New Jersey · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$15,600
Up to 26 weeks per benefit year (365 days from the initial claim date).
This is an estimate, not a determination. The state agency calculates your actual benefit from your full base-period wage record, and eligibility also depends on why your job ended and your ongoing work search.
Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in the "base period" (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), replaced at roughly 60% up to New Jersey's $905 maximum. Eligibility also depends on earning enough in the base period and on why your job ended (generally you must be out of work through no fault of your own). This is an estimate, not legal advice or a determination, and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
How New Jersey Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBA = 60% of the claimant's average weekly wage during the base year, clamped to the state maximum. Dependency benefits add to that for claimants whose WBA is below the maximum.
The result is capped at New Jersey's $905 maximum and floored at its $145 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Up to 26 weeks per benefit year (365 days from the initial claim date).
Dependents: 7% of the WBA for the first dependent plus 4% for each of the next two dependents (max 3 dependents = +15%), available only if the claimant's spouse/partner is not also collecting UI; the WBA plus dependency benefits cannot exceed the state maximum ($905 in 2026).
Source: New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL), Division of Unemployment Insurance.
Who Qualifies in New Jersey
To draw benefits you generally must have earned enough during the base period (Standard base year: first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. Alternate base years available (most recent 4 quarters, or other recent quarters) if the claimant does not qualify under the regular base year.), be unemployed through no fault of your own (laid off, not fired for misconduct and generally not quitting without good cause), and be able, available, and actively looking for work. 20+ base weeks earning at least $310/week, OR total base-year earnings of at least $15,500 (2026 figures). New Jersey has no waiting week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in New Jersey?
New Jersey pays roughly 60% of your average weekly wage, from a $145 minimum up to a $905 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in New Jersey?
Up to 26 weeks. Up to 26 weeks per benefit year (365 days from the initial claim date).
How is my New Jersey weekly benefit calculated?
WBA = 60% of the claimant's average weekly wage during the base year, clamped to the state maximum. Dependency benefits add to that for claimants whose WBA is below the maximum.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in New Jersey?
$905 per week in 2026, or up to $905 with the dependent allowance. The maximum is set by the state and usually updated each year.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a free estimate based on New Jersey's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL), Division of Unemployment Insurance from your complete wage record and the reason your job ended. It is not legal advice and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice, a benefit determination, or a guarantee of eligibility. Unemployment formulas and maximums change (often annually); figures are current as of 2026-06-02. Only New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL), Division of Unemployment Insurance can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.