The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Reviews and Complaints

June 5, 2021 received email that stated I have been approved for unemployment and just certify online. Which I did and received an error message and to call the unemployment claim center. Trouble get thru this number [protected]). And when I get thru they call back. June 5th rec'd call back said that everything was good. June 7th tried got error message again. June 8 rec'd call back and the hung up when I answered. June 13th spoke to a person then put on hold to check something was disconnected and never re-contacted me. June 15th rec'd call back as some as they said whom they were they hung up again. Tried to certify my benefits and keep getting same error message.

Im in a severe place where i am about to loose everything i have. I also have a disabled 15 year old that solely depends on me. To have to been calling nj unemployment every day all day for over two months and being told a bunch of nonsense is unacceptable. Im on the verge of being homelss by the end of this month, and i have had workers tell me over the phone to keep the faith and pray. The audacity! because you guys are not the ones experiencing finacial lost. Your still getting paid, so the responses that are giving is a disgrace. I hve never in my life experience such unprofessionalism, this is completely and utterly disgusting. Having nj unemployment workers leave you on hold and never come back to the phone or just simply disconnect because they dont care. From my experience they all have the attitudes like its not my problem im just doing my job. Im living in fear and anxiety and depression because i have no resources to provide for my son and i . Im ver very very very very very very disgusted at the treatment from nj unemployment dept. No one should have to wait over a month to recieve benefits to provide for their family. I have called over and over and over again, to trenton, i have even emailed the commisioner of njdol and no response, just disgraceful . I feel as no one cares until its there loved one or family or even themselves going through hard times. Everyday i am left with a response of pleaese be patient miss. How in the hell am i supposed to patient while living in fear everyday of how i am going to survivve with no resources. How ? what time of training is being giving to these workers of njdol. No one, i mean no one has tried to help me with this situation. My next move is to contact a news station to expsoe njdol to the public of how they treat people suffing right now of finacial lost.

Hi, Below is my information. I have called and emailed the unemployment office many times and can't reach anyone. I've been waiting over a year for unemployment insurance. Below is a log in from today. My claim status as shown "Filed" for over a year now and no one picks up the phone or answers emails..

My Unemployment Insurance Claim Status
Account information shown below has been updated as of yesterday. Please allow 24 hours for the system to reflect any updates to the status of your claim.
Claim Status: Filed
Date of Claim: 05/10/2020
Type of Benefit Payment You Are Currently Receiving: Unemployment Insurance (maximum 26 weeks of benefits)
Your Claim Balance Remaining: $0
Weekly Benefit Rate: $0
Next Payable Week:
Last Week Paid:
Last Paid Amount: $0

Date: Friday, June 4, 2021
To: Gurbir S. Grewal, New Jersey Attorney General
From: Dr. Chester James Betts Jr. Claimant ID#: 275157
Re: Formal Request for Investigation into Possible N.J. & U.S. Unemployment Violations

Good afternoon, my name is Dr. Betts, and I am sending this correspondence as my request to have a formal investigation conducted as to what is causing the "Non-Stop Continuous. N.J.DOL Bureau Weekly Benefits Certification Processing Issues" I experience each and every single week, 52-weeks straight, over the immediate past 365-days/1-year that I certify, without fail, and without an answer as to why for my New Jersey Unemployment Benefits and Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Benefits alike.

Every single Tuesday, of every week, of every month, I certify for my weekly benefits, and every time I get the same error message. Is there anyone that can once and for all fix this please. It is extremely frustrating to stop-and-start this process of emailing, faxing, and calling the Governor's Office, every single week, for the exact same reasons.

Each time that this has happened, I have had to wait between 2 to 4 months for someone to assist me, correct things on their end, and get me back on track, only to start this whole process all over again. It has been over a month and a half now, and I have not received my back N.J. payments or my back U.S. payments, and no one can tell me why this is constantly happening to me.

I have friends, family, and professional colleagues that collect their N.J. & U.S. unemployment benefits after this pandemic began, and have never, not ever, not once, ever experienced even so much as a hiccup with any of their weekly certifications. So then, why me? Why each and every single week, every month, for over the past year? While it may be possible for this to happen, what is the probability of it happening? Could it be a mechanical error? If so, who is responsible for fixing it, and who is accountable for insuring it is fixed? Could it be due to a man-made situation error? If so, who is responsible for monitoring my account, making sure it works properly every week, and who is accountable for ensuring that whoever is responsible for making sure my account is functioning properly on the N.J. side ensures that it is? I was born and raised in Plainfield, N.J, I have worked in business & industry in N.J., I taught college in N.J., and know many people throughout the state of N.J..

Is it possible that it is not a mechanical error, but rather a man-made situation caused by someone that is somehow associated with me? This suggestion not out of line with the fact that stranger things have happened, that were probably thought to be reaching at first, and proved to have some basis in truth. In any event, something smells fishy about this whole thing, and I am requesting that the matter be formally investigated to get to the bottom it all once and for all, so that I can put this all behind me, as I continue to work towards get back to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding my situation, please contact me immediately by cellphone at [protected], by personal email at [protected]@gmail.com.

Ever respectful,

Dr. Betts,

Enclosure: Various. Supporting Documents for June 4, 2021 N.J.UI / PUEC Weekly Certification
(Faxed & Sent to all that I c.c., and sent to all by Certified & Registered Mail via U.S. Postal Service).
c.c.
Honorable Phil Murphy, Governor of New Jersey
Rob Asaro-Angelo, Director of Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Labor
Customer Service Office Manager, Division of Unemployment Insurance

Hello,
I have not worked since March 10, 2021. Truthfully, I'm not sure if I qualify for unemployment but I can't go online to get information because of an error message. I was advised that "the system" has my status as receiving temporary disability. The last date of my temporary disability was March 2019. I was advised to contact Temporary Disability to close the account; however, when I contacted Disability, I was told that the account was closed and call the Department of Labor. I have spoken to over 10 representatives and nothing has been resolved. THIS IS UNEXCEPTABLE! No tax payer should have to wait months for funds that he/she has paid into for over 30 years. I am on a virtual call back list for a "specialist" to call me. I person did call me 2 weeks ago and advised me that this issue would be resolved and to check my email. I have received nothing. Thank God I have other means of support... like a husband. But this is ridiculous!
Lisa Williams [protected] cell

Temporary Disability claim since 01/22/21-02/22/21
Claimant # [protected]
Michael S. Perkins
213 Keller St
[protected]-4097
[protected]@aol.com
Dear Sir or Madam .Please be advised on May 18.2021 I filed a complain that I have not received any Benefits for 4 weeks I was out of work with Covid. I have not heard back from you. I have made telephone calls which you can't get through send letter in the mail Fax # doesn't work .I had an appointment interview call on 4/19/21 .I answered all questions and they were to check with my employer for investigate information I was to receive a call back on 4/21/21 3pm no return phone call no benefits still I have problems when I go online keeps coming up error .When I do get someone on the phone .They keep tell me I have to verify information .I've done that 5 times still error message. Please tell me how I can collect my Benefits Thank You

I've been furlough from my job as of March 13, 2020. I was called back to work for 1 day on 04/17/2021 and when I reported my earnings to the department of labor my claim was escalated. It's been 5 weeks and I have not received any benefits. Every time I certify for benefits it says claim not payable, please help I am a single mother of 4. when I finally get through with a representative all they tell me to keep certifying

I applied for unemployment benefits to NJ Dept of Labor in the first week of March 2021.
On April 30th I got an email stating "We are pleased to inform you we have completed an automated review of your New Jersey Unemployment Insurance claim. You no longer need to speak with an agent.  The status of your claim has changed. Please go online and check the status of your unemployment insurance claim here. " When I go online to check, I get
"We do not have a claim on file. Please confirm that the information that you entered is correct. If you would like to file a claim, please go to myunemployment.nj.gov". I sent letter twice. I have tried online and over the phone.

Date of on start of incident due to covid 01/22/21- 02/22/2021
Claimant ID # [protected]
Michael S. Perkins
213 Keller St Bayville NJ 08721
[protected]-4097
[protected]@aol.com
Dear Sir or Madam
I am writing this letter because I have not received my benefits for the 4 weeks of covid I was out of work.
I made a claim received telephone appointments .The appointment was kept 4/19/2021 all questions answered. I was advised by the interviewer she would check with facts out with my employer .If there were any discrepancies she would call me back at 3 pm 4/21/2021.She stated if I did not receive a call then my claim would proceed I would receive benefits. To this date I have not received a phone call or benefits .You can't send a Fax it never goes through or call the phone # always say can't take your call .Call tomorrow.
I am frustrated cause I can't get anyone to talk .I also have problems when I go online to claim my benefits. Yesterday May 17, 2021. I went online to claim my benefits at the appropriate time Monday 8 pm- 8:30 .When I went to submit error box appeared .informed me site was not available .I have to call 1 of 3 # . On May 18, 2021 8:30 am .All phones say can't take your call .Call tomorrow .I work for a living I can't hang around all day for no response. Please advise me what I should do, I am only claiming 4 weeks benefits when I was out of work for covid

So I was able to finally get through last week to your unemployment benefits line. When I got through the rep did not know why I was not receiving any benefit. She just instructed me to wait?

I was working in bagel store for many years, and when the pandemic started we tried so hard to hard to stay open but unfortunately the place closed until we see what will happen, i filed for my UI because i dont have any other income, i think i filled in late February 2020 and get approval in 3/22/2020, on February 6 of this year 2021 my claim went from like 2 or 3k balance left in it to 0,
And every time I tried to certify for weekly benefits i keep getting error that my unemployment year ended and i need to open new claim, and i cant open new claim until march 22 /2021, i waited out from feb to march to try to open new claim but the system says i cant because i have claim already open, i called them like 100 times until somone finally answered and they said dont open new claim we are processing those claim because of the 1 year system glitch and we are required by fed law to review case by case so it might take some time, i said ok like whats the maximum time this will be done, she said it might take up to 8 weeks and someone will contact you, and now its over 8 weeks and no body answer the phone and i cant open new claim because this one still open but for some reason i cant certify or take the extra $300 from the federal boost program, now im lost i dont know what to do, i cant contact them and i cant even go there office, please i need help

I was working for a restaurant which closed 3/1/20 and re-opened 10/1/20. I claimed unemployment up until it reopened and I worked until January 2021. Since then the restaurant closed again and I have been unable to claim since then. I was told my claim is in escalation and I should wait up to 8 weeks for my dates to change from claiming for the week of October 2020 to January 2021. It has been 8 weeks and there is no change and I cannot claim. I am a single father and have had no income for over 2 months. I desperately need help. WHO CAN I CONTACT?

After 29 years I just gor let go from my job. I have never been on unemployment before.I am living in ny but worked in NJ. I cannot get through to someone to file my claim. I desperately need money. I call everyday and I cant get through to a person. It just hangs up on me after being on hold for a long time. My bills cannot wait, I need the money now. Please help!

Confiramation number njs20016574988 - where is my money ? lost job week of 10/4/20 and filed that week. New job started 11/2/20. Joseph george lahita [protected] cell - every time i call in for weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks and weeks i can not connect to a human. You require 350 ch so there you have it.

I have been trying to file a claim for unemployment with nj unemployement since 1/24/21. Each time I try to submit the application online I get a message that my identity can not be authenticated.
I tried to contact the office and each time the same message is played do to high call volume we can answer your call.
Since lexisnexis is used to verify the identity of all applicants, I called them and they said I was verified that nj unemployment is blocking people from applying.

Hello my name is Scott Rann and I live in Somerset, NJ. On October 17th, my benefits were exhausted from my unemployment claim. I was told to wait for information regarding applying for PEUC. I haven't received a notice and in 126 days, I have been able to phone through to one person, who told me they didn't have the ability to help. Please assist!

filed my unemployment on 12/20/2020, i was approved and awarded a WBA of $446.00 with a balance of over $11, 250.00 in my account.
when i log on to claim weekly benefits the site says "error" the claim ended on 12/20/2020 and that i have to file a new claim. if i file a new claim, it says "error" you have an active account, please file for weekly benefits on your designated scheduled time.
MY COMPLAINT IS THIS.
for 8 weeks i have been trying to get through to someone to correct the "glitch" that will take 2 minutes, but it is impossible to do so.
i have left message on the chat message board, the response says i will receive an email or regular mail message regarding my problem. NO MESSAGE EVER COMES. I HAVE SENT DOZENS OF EMAIL, WITH NO RESPONSE. I HAVE SAT ON THE PHONE FOR HOURS PER DAY, ONLY TO BE TOLD TO CALL TOMORROW AFTER 1.5 HOURS ON HOLD AND PUTTING IN INFO REPEATEDLY. I HAVE SENT HARD COPY LETTTERS IN THE MAIL, AND EVEN CONTACTED GOVENOR MURPHY'S OFFICE MORE THEN SEVERAL TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE FORM ANYONE AT ALL.
YOU SHOULD ALL BE A SHAMED OF YOURSELVES, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN.
MY WIFE HAS LOST HER BUSINESS DUE TO LOCKDOWNS AND CLOSURES AND NOW I GET LAID OFF BUT CAN'T EVEN GET MY OWN MONEY! THE STATE OF NJ IS JUST INHUMAIN! AT 60 YEARS OLD MY WIFE AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BORROW FROM FAMILY TO EAT OR CASH OUT OUR RETIREMENT EARLY TO LIVE. WHAT DO WE DO IN 5 YEARS WHEN WE ARE SUPPOSED TO RETIRE AND HAVE NOTHING?
I HAVE SPENT 8 WEEKS TRYING TO GET BENEFITS THAT ARE ALREADY APPROVED AND SITTING THERE, WHILE MY CARS ARE ABOUT TO GET REPOSESSED! SHAME ON YOU NJ.
I DO NOT KNOW IF YOU ARE EVEN THE OFFICE I SHOULD COMPLAIN TO HOWEVER UNEMPLOYMENT SITE DOES NOT HAVE A DIRECT COMPLAINT DEPARTMENT OR NUMBER, AND NO ONE ELSE THAT I HAVE CONTACTED HAS RESPONDED.
THANK YOU ALL THE SAME,
A VERY UNHAPPEN NJ RESIDENT
REINALDO MONDACA
[protected]
[protected]@aol.com
***-**-2419
717 RIVERVIEW DR TOTOWA NJ 07512

Unemployed since 1/19/21. I am unable to complete an unemployment claim on line. I complete the Eligibly Information section and receive the following message: Securing your unemployment benefits while protecting your identity is important to the New Jersey Department of Labor. The information you provided in this application for benefits does not allow us to authenticate your identity. Please contact us for assistance in completing an application for unemployment benefits at [protected], [protected], or [protected] between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Translation is available. Thank you for helping us to keep New Jersey workers' information secure. No one can be reached at the numbers above, at 8 AM or any time during the day. I have tried to file a claim on the phone and after waiting for a while I am told there are no agents available call back later. The process is not functioning and causes stress and anxiety not knowing when I will be able to collect unemployment benefits. I left a message for an agent to call me and did get a call back on 1/30. She was not able to help me because I did not have a claim. She said to call and try to file on phone, receive a recording no agents available, call back on the next business day. Sent two letters to Gov. Murphy, on 1/28 and 1/29.
Mariclaire Papa [protected], [protected]@comcast.net

I filed for unemployment 11/30/20 and received nothing except error messages.

I refiled 3 weeks ago and finally got through, just to read it is un-payable .

Nobody is ever avalible to talk to at unemployment or the governors office.

I need this money it is drastically changing everything.

Please reach me at,

[protected]@yahoo.com

[protected].

ASAP!

They stop my unemployment my work is close since the pandemic started I'm no able to claim my 3th extension all my co workers are and I'm not they stop my unemployment and this is my only source of income I can't eat I been eating only bread and water for the pass month