New Jersey Unemployment Benefits Estimator 2026

New Jersey Unemployment Benefits Estimator (2026)

Applies NJDOL's computation rules (N.J.S.A. 43:21-3; NJDOL benefit-rate announcement, effective Jan. 1, 2026) to the wages you enter. Estimates only — NJDOL determines actual amounts after you file.

Your average weekly wage during the base year ($) Gross wages (before tax) averaged over the weeks you worked in your base year — the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. If unsure, divide your total base-year gross wages by the number of weeks you worked. Dependents (spouse/civil union partner or unmarried child under 19, or under 22 if a full-time student) New Jersey pays a dependency benefit only if your weekly benefit rate is below the $905 maximum. You must apply within 6 weeks of your claim date to receive it.

Weeks worked in base year (up to 26) Used to estimate your maximum benefit amount.

Estimated weekly benefit rate

60% of average weekly wage	$0
Dependency benefit	$0
2026 maximum (statutory cap)	$905
Estimated maximum benefit amount	—

Benefit amounts can change every January. Get a free email alert when New Jersey updates its rates — sourced from .gov only.

Number of weeks you earned at least $310 (a "base week") in the base year The base year is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. Total gross wages earned in the base year ($) Used for the alternative $15,500 total-wage test if you have fewer than 20 base weeks.

This checks only the monetary test (N.J.S.A. 43:21-4(e)). You must also be unemployed through no fault of your own and able, available, and actively seeking work — NJDOL assesses these after you file.

How this tool works. The estimator applies New Jersey's statutory formula — weekly benefit rate (WBR) equals 60% of your average weekly wage during the base year, capped at the 2026 maximum of $905 (N.J.S.A. 43:21-3(b); NJDOL benefit-rate announcement, Dec. 29, 2025). If your WBR is below the maximum and you have dependents, a dependency benefit of 7% of WBR for the first dependent plus 4% each for up to two more is added, capped so the combined total never exceeds $905 (NJDOL — Dependency Benefits, form BC-181). The eligibility check applies the 2026 monetary thresholds: 20 base weeks of at least $310 each, or total base-year wages of at least $15,500 (N.J.S.A. 43:21-4(e); NJDOL 2026 benefit-rate announcement).

Limitations. This is a calculation, not a determination. Non-monetary requirements — separation reason, ability and availability for work, active work search — are assessed by NJDOL after you file. New Jersey has no waiting week, so this tool does not model one. It does not cover partial benefits while working (see the Partial Benefit Rate section on the full page) or federal extensions.

Sources: NJDOL — New Benefit Rates for 2026 (Dec. 29, 2025); NJDOL — How We Calculate Benefits; NJDOL — Dependency Benefits; N.J.S.A. 43:21-3, 43:21-4. Rules last verified: July 5, 2026.

This tool provides estimates for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. RemoteLaws is not a law firm. © 2026 RemoteLaws.