Nobody wants to be unemployed or go on disability — at least in theory. But if you do, you’ll get a little more in January, according to a release from the N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
Here’s a look at how all three will rise in 2025:
- Unemployment: To $875 (from $854);
- Temporary disability/family leave: To $1,081 (from $1,055);
- Permanent partial disability: To $1,159 (from $1,131).
And in case you’re wondering, minimum wage will rise 36 cents on Jan. 1, up to $15.49.
Here’s the catch: To qualify for unemployment Insurance, temporary disability insurance, or family leave insurance benefits in 2025, an applicant must earn at least $303 per week (up from $283 in 2024) for 20 base weeks, or alternatively, in those situations where the individual has not established 20 base weeks in the base year period, earn at least $15,200 up from $14,200 in 2024).
The maximum benefit rates and the taxable wage base are recalculated each year based on the statewide average weekly wage in the second preceding calendar year, in accordance with the laws governing these programs.
The benefit rates and taxable wage base for 2025 reflect the $1,545.60 average weekly wage for 2023, which rose by 2.5 percent from $1,507.76 in 2022. The taxable wage base for workers covered under the Unemployment Compensation Law, which is the level of wages that are subject to contributions under that law, increases to $43,300 in 2025 from $42,300 in 2024.
The taxable wage base for workers covered under the Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave Insurance programs increases to $165,400 in 2025 from $161,400 in 2024.
