The bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation laws to enhance eligibility and benefits for claimants. Key changes include the inclusion of disabled, unmarried adult children of claimants as dependents for benefit calculations, and the removal of disqualifications for full-time students who are actively seeking work. The bill also establishes that individuals participating in department-approved training programs are eligible for benefits, shifting this from an exception to a standard eligibility criterion. Additionally, it allows claimants to receive electronic notifications regarding their benefit claims and provides a mechanism for them to access their benefit payment status and history online.

Significant deletions include the removal of previous requirements that disqualified individuals from receiving extended benefits unless they earned a specific amount post-disqualification. Instead, the bill now requires individuals to complete the disqualification period to qualify for extended benefits. It also modifies repayment obligations for overpayments, allowing for waivers under certain conditions, and updates the calculation of average weekly wages for determining benefit amounts. The provisions of the bill are set to take effect immediately, with certain sections retroactive to July 31, 2023, effectively nullifying previous provisions enacted in 2022.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43:21-24.19