New Jersey

New Jersey Layoff Resources

If you have been laid off in New Jersey, start here for unemployment, health coverage, basic-needs assistance, workforce services, and help with possible workplace problems.

Eligibility varies by program, so use the official links below for current rules and applications.

Unemployment Benefits and Filing

New Jersey Unemployment Insurance may provide temporary income if you lost work through no fault of your own. Certify for benefits for each week you remain unemployed or working reduced hours and want benefits. Report all work and earnings and complete the work-search requirements shown in your claim unless exempt.

Layoff-Notice and Severance Protections

New Jersey’s WARN law is broader than federal WARN. Covered employers with 100 or more employees generally must provide 90 days’ notice before certain terminations or transfers of operations or mass layoffs affecting at least 50 employees at or reporting to an establishment. The law also generally requires one week of severance pay for each full year of employment, with additional severance when required notice is short. Definitions, aggregation rules, exceptions, and court decisions can affect coverage.

Health-Insurance Coverage

New Jersey operates its own ACA marketplace. Losing job-based insurance generally creates a special enrollment opportunity through Get Covered New Jersey. Compare marketplace coverage, NJ FamilyCare, and COBRA before choosing.

Food, Cash, Childcare, Utility, and Local Assistance

MyNJHelps is the main starting point for SNAP and cash assistance. NJ FamilyCare and childcare assistance use their own systems, and Home Energy Assistance may help with utility costs. For local food, rent, housing, transportation, and emergency help, use NJ 211.

Workforce and Reemployment Services

New Jersey One-Stop Career Centers provide no-cost job-search and training services, including résumé help, career guidance, veteran services, computer access, and information about training assistance.

Workplace Problems and Legal Help

New Jersey Wage and Hour Compliance handles certain unpaid-wage and state wage-law complaints. Employment-discrimination complaints under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination generally must be filed with the Division on Civil Rights within 180 days; court deadlines differ.

Civil legal help

Last Reviewed: August 2026