Unemployed NJ Workers Get Benefits At Last In Coronavirus Crisis

TRENTON, NJ — After an onslaught of unemployment claims bogged down its computer systems, officials with the state Department of Labor say the first batch of $600 supplemental unemployment payments have gone out to residents, weeks after many lost their jobs in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.

More than 258,000 New Jersey residents were expected to see the $600 payments in their bank accounts this week, Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said. For 166,000 others, claims have been processed to determine their eligibility.

State officials said any unemployment claims that have been in process are being backdated, so anyone who has had trouble getting through will not lose a week of benefits. The department upgraded computer technology, added personnel and increased its call centers to provide additional inquiry lines.

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"I feel it in the pit of my stomach for every worker’s claim we haven’t gotten to yet," Asaro-Angelo said. "We are paying benefits to nearly 300,000 New Jerseyans, but that is of little consequence if your claim isn’t one of them."

Unemployment claims have flooded the labor department's systems: 576,904 New Jerseyans applied for unemployment in the three weeks starting March 15, the highest number in the state's history. There was a nearly 1,600 percent increase in claims in the first week after Gov. Phil Murphy issued an emergency order March 21 for residents to stay at home during the outbreak of the coronavirus.

There are more than 71,000 cases of the coronavirus in New Jersey as of Wednesday, and more than 3,100 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Issues with the state's computer system, which drew widespread attention because it was using the 40-year-old computer language COBOL, and issues with its telephone system, which had left callers with dead air or a dial tone, have been addressed.

"This (dead air on calls) is no longer happening," the department said. "Additionally, more callers are able to provide their information over the phone."

Hundreds of laptops have been delivered and configured and hundreds more were scheduled to arrive this week to allow more claims agents and support staff to work from home. That will speed up processing time for claims requiring agent review, and allow more staff to triage customer questions, the department said.

There also is an automated pin reset function now, which eliminates a common reason for calls.

The Appeal Tribunal has been set up to conduct virtual appeal hearings, alleviating delays for customers who were denied unemployment benefits and are appealing the decision.

A document explaining the benefits process for independent contractors and freelancers has been posted on the state's website.

"Our entire staff empathizes with your frustration and uncertainty," Asaro-Angelo said. "That’s why we have been working around the clock to find solutions to common problems weighing on the system."

It’s important to note that workers cannot choose to collect unemployment benefits if employment is available. A worker who voluntarily quits a job is ineligible for unemployment.
For more information on benefits eligibility, customers are urged to visit nj.gov/labor or MyUnemployment.nj.gov.