This bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to enhance eligibility criteria and benefit calculations for claimants. Notable changes include the expansion of the definition of dependents to include disabled, unmarried adult children of claimants and the removal of disqualifications for full-time students who are actively seeking work. The bill also establishes that individuals attending approved training programs will be eligible for benefits, shifting this from an exception to a standard eligibility criterion. Additionally, it updates the calculation of the average weekly wage to include wages from all base year employers, rather than just the most recent employer, and modifies the handling of overpayments to ensure claimants are not penalized for errors not caused by them.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for electronic notifications regarding benefit claims and allows for waivers in specific circumstances related to overpayments. It eliminates the requirement that claimants disqualified for misconduct must earn a certain amount before being eligible for extended benefits, allowing them to qualify after completing the regular disqualification period. The amendments aim to modernize the unemployment compensation framework, ensuring it aligns with current labor market conditions and provides clearer guidelines and protections for individuals seeking unemployment benefits. The provisions are set to take effect immediately, with certain sections retroactively applicable to July 31, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:21-24.19