The New Jersey Unemployment App lets you file, check status, and upload documents from your phone or tablet
New Jersey's unemployment program has a mobile app called NJ Labor Mobile that handles most of what you need to do after you file your initial claim. You can use it to submit weekly certifications (the form you fill out each week to confirm you're still out of work), upload missing documents, check your claim status, and see payment history. The app works on both iPhone and Android.
You do not have to use the app — you can do everything through the website at nj.gov/labor/myunemployment instead. But the app is faster for weekly certifications if you're doing them on the go, and it sends push notifications when New Jersey needs something from you, which helps you avoid missing important date.
The app does not let you file your initial claim. You must file that first through the website or by phone before you can use the app at all.
Key Takeaways
- read NJ Labor Mobile from the Apple App Store or Google Play, then log in with the same username and password you used to file your initial claim.
- Every week you're out of work, you must submit a weekly certification through the app or website by the important date New Jersey gives you, or you won't receive that week's payment.
- The app shows you your payment status, remaining balance, and any documents New Jersey is asking for, all in one place.
- Push notifications alert you when New Jersey needs action from you, such as uploading proof of job search or responding to a question about your claim.
- If you have trouble logging in or the app crashes, the website version works the same way and is often more stable on older phones.
Downloading and logging into NJ Labor Mobile
Go to the Apple App Store (if you have an iPhone) or Google Play (if you have Android) and search for NJ Labor Mobile. The app is free. read it and open it.
On your first login, use the same username and password you created when you filed your initial unemployment claim through nj.gov/labor/myunemployment. If you don't remember your password, tap "Forgot Password" and follow the steps to reset it. New Jersey will send a link to the email address on file.
After you log in, the app will ask you to set up push notifications. Turn them on. These alerts tell you when New Jersey needs something from you — a missing document, an answer to a question, or a weekly certification important date — and they arrive faster than email.
Filing your weekly certification through the app
Every week you remain out of work, you must file a weekly certification to receive that week's payment. New Jersey assigns you a certification day — usually the same day each week — and you have until 11:59 p.m. that day to submit it.
Open the app and look for the Weekly Certification button on the home screen. Tap it. The app will show you a form asking whether you worked that week, whether you earned any money, whether you looked for work, and whether you turned down any job offers. Answer each question honestly. If you worked or earned money, you must report it — New Jersey will reduce your payment by a portion of what you earned, but you still get partial benefits.
At the bottom of the form, tap Submit. The app will confirm that your certification went through. You'll see a confirmation number. Take a screenshot or write it down in case you need to prove you filed on time.
If you miss your certification important date, New Jersey will not pay you that week. You can file a late certification, but it may take longer to process. The safest approach is to file on your assigned day, even if it's early in the week.
Uploading documents and responding to requests
New Jersey may ask you to upload documents to support your claim — a separation notice from your employer, proof that you're looking for work, or identification. When this happens, you'll see a notification in the app and an alert on your home screen.
Tap the alert or look for a Documents or Messages section in the app. Read what New Jersey is asking for and the important date. Take a photo or scan the document using your phone's camera, then upload it through the app. Make sure the image is clear and shows all four corners of the document.
If you can't upload through the app — for example, if the file is too large — you can email the document to the address New Jersey provides in the request, or mail it to the address on your claim paperwork. Always include your Social Security number or claim number so New Jersey knows which claim the document belongs to.
Checking your payment status and claim balance
The app shows you how much you've been paid and when. Tap Payment History or Claim Status (the exact name varies by app version) to see a list of payments, the dates they were issued, and the amounts. Payments are usually deposited to your bank account or debit card within one to two business days after New Jersey processes your weekly certification.
You can also see your remaining balance — the total amount New Jersey has determined you're may have access to to receive during this benefit year. This number goes down each time you receive a payment. If your balance reaches zero, your claim ends and you must file a new one if you're still out of work.
If a payment is missing or the amount is wrong, take a screenshot of the payment history screen and contact New Jersey's unemployment office. The phone number is on your claim paperwork or on the nj.gov/labor website.
Troubleshooting common app problems
If you can't log in, first check that you're using the correct username and password. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is off. If you still can't log in, tap "Forgot Password" and reset it. Wait a few minutes before trying again — New Jersey's system sometimes takes time to update.
If the app crashes when you try to file your weekly certification, switch to the website at nj.gov/labor/myunemployment and file there instead. The website version is often more stable on older phones or if your phone is low on storage space. You can also call New Jersey's unemployment office to file by phone, though wait times are usually long.
If you see an error message saying "You are not may be able to access to file" or "No active claim found," it means New Jersey hasn't finished processing your initial claim yet, or your claim has ended. Check your email for messages from New Jersey explaining the status. If you filed more than two weeks ago and still can't access the app, call the unemployment office.
If push notifications aren't working, go to your phone's Settings app, find NJ Labor Mobile, and make sure notifications are turned on. Also check that your phone's date and time are set correctly — if they're wrong, the app may not work properly.
When to use the website instead of the app
The app and website do the same things, but the website is sometimes easier if you need to upload a large document, fill out a longer form, or if your phone is running low on storage. You can start a task on the app and finish it on the website, or vice versa — they're connected to the same account.
If you're having repeated problems with the app, uninstall it, restart your phone, and reinstall it. If that doesn't work, stick with the website for the rest of your claim. There's no penalty for using one over the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss my weekly certification important date?
You won't receive payment for that week. You can file a late certification, but it may take longer to process and you may need to explain why you missed the important date. To avoid this, file as soon as your certification day arrives, even if it's early in the week.
Can I file my initial claim through the app?
No. You must file your initial claim through the website at nj.gov/labor/myunemployment or by calling New Jersey's unemployment office. Once that claim is processed and approved, you can use the app for weekly certifications and other tasks.
How do I know if New Jersey received my weekly certification?
The app shows a confirmation number when ready after you submit. You'll also see the certification listed in your Payment History or Claim Status section once it's processed, usually within one to two business days.
What if I worked part-time that week — do I still file a certification?
Yes. You must file a weekly certification every week, even if you worked. Report the money you earned, and New Jersey will reduce your payment by a portion of your earnings. You still receive partial benefits as long as your earnings don't exceed a certain amount.
Can I use the app on a tablet or computer?
The app is designed for phones, but you can access the same functions through the website on any device with a web browser. Go to nj.gov/labor/myunemployment and log in with your username and password.