Gera Tools

New Jersey Unemployment Benefit Estimator

Estimate your weekly UI benefit under New Jersey's unemployment insurance rules.

Applies New Jersey's unemployment formula — 60% of average weekly wage capped at the state maximum weekly benefit amount — and estimates total benefit duration from base-period earnings under New Jersey UI rules.

How is the New Jersey weekly benefit calculated?

New Jersey pays 60% of your average weekly wage during the base period, up to the state maximum weekly benefit amount. If you averaged 1,000 dollars per week, your benefit would be 600 dollars, subject to the cap.

New Jersey replaces 60% of your average weekly wage when you are unemployed, up to a state maximum that resets each January. This estimator applies New Jersey’s replacement rate and weekly cap to your base-period earnings and shows both your weekly benefit and your maximum benefit duration.

How it works

New Jersey unemployment benefits are estimated in three steps:

  1. Average weekly wage. Either enter it directly, or divide your total base-period wages by the number of weeks you worked. The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters.
  2. Apply the 60% replacement rate. New Jersey pays 60% of the average weekly wage. So an average weekly wage of $1,000 produces a benefit of $600 before the cap.
  3. Apply the state maximum. The weekly benefit cannot exceed the state maximum weekly benefit amount ($854 in 2024). New Jersey provides up to 26 weeks of regular benefits.

Tips and example

For someone with an average weekly wage of $1,200: 60% is $720, which is below the $854 cap, so the weekly benefit is $720. Over the maximum 26 weeks that totals about $18,720.

For a high earner with an average weekly wage of $2,000: 60% is $1,200, but the cap limits the benefit to $854 per week. Update the maximum field each year, since New Jersey raises it annually with average wage growth. Benefits are federally taxable but not taxed by New Jersey.