Where to log in and what you need

New Jersey's unemployment system is called NJ-UCMS (New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Management System). You log in through the state's official portal at nj.gov/labor, not through a third-party site or app. The login page is labeled "Unemployment Services" and sits on the main Department of Labor website.

To log in, you will need either your Social Security number and a password you created when you first filed, or a username if you set one up. If you have never logged in before, you will create login credentials during that first visit. Have your Social Security number ready before you start.

The system works on a standard username-and-password model. If you filed a claim by phone or in person years ago and never created an online account, you will need to set one up now to check your claim status or file weekly certifications online.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in through nj.gov/labor under "Unemployment Services," not through any other website or mobile app.
  • You will need your Social Security number and the password you created when you first filed your claim.
  • If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • Once logged in, you can file weekly certifications, check your claim status, and view payment history.
  • If you cannot reset your password or access your account, call the NJ Department of Labor at 609-292-7000 during business hours.

Step-by-step login process

Go to nj.gov/labor and look for the "Unemployment Services" section on the homepage. Click the link that says "File a Claim" or "Manage Your Claim." This will take you to the NJ-UCMS login page.

Enter your Social Security number in the first field. In the second field, enter the password you created when you filed your original claim. If you are logging in for the first time, you will be prompted to create a password at this step. Make it at least 8 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — the system will tell you if it does not meet the requirements.

Click "Log In." If your credentials are correct, you will see your claim dashboard. This page shows your claim status, weekly certification due dates, and payment information. Bookmark this page or save the direct link so you do not have to search for it each time.

If you forgot your password or username

On the NJ-UCMS login page, click "Forgot Password" or "Forgot Username." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number. The system will send a password reset link to the email address on file with your claim.

Check your email inbox and spam folder for a message from the New Jersey Department of Labor. The reset link is usually valid for 24 hours. Click the link and follow the prompts to create a new password. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, try the reset again or contact the Department of Labor directly.

If you do not remember the email address you used when you filed, or if you no longer have access to that email account, you will need to call the NJ Department of Labor at 609-292-7000. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. Staff can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.

What to do after you log in

Once you are logged in, your first task is usually to file your weekly certification if one is due. This is a short form confirming you are still unemployed and meet the program's requirements. New Jersey requires you to certify each week to keep receiving payments. The system will show you when your certification is due — typically on a specific day each week.

You can also view your claim status, which tells you whether your claim is active, pending review, or closed. If your claim is under review, this page will show what documents or information the Department of Labor is waiting for. Check this regularly, especially in the first few weeks after you file.

The login page also lets you view your payment history and benefit year information. This shows how much you have been paid, when payments were sent, and how much of your benefit amount remains. If a payment is missing or looks wrong, this is where you will see the discrepancy first.

Common login problems and how to fix them

Error message: "Invalid username or password." This usually means you typed your Social Security number or password incorrectly. Try again, paying close attention to numbers that look like letters (0 vs. O, 1 vs. l). If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot Password" link to reset.

Error message: "Account locked." If you enter the wrong password too many times in a row, the system locks your account temporarily for security. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If the account remains locked, call 609-292-7000.

The website is slow or will not load. NJ-UCMS can experience heavy traffic, especially early in the week when many people file certifications. Try logging in during off-peak hours — late evening or early morning — or use a different web browser. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again.

You see a message that your claim does not exist. This can happen if you filed very recently and the system has not yet created your online account, or if your claim was denied. Check your email for any letters from the Department of Labor. If you filed more than a week ago and still cannot log in, call 609-292-7000 to confirm your claim was processed.

Staying find while logged in

Never share your password with anyone, including Department of Labor staff. The state will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the Department of Labor and asks for your password, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.

Log out of your account when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared or public computer. Click the "Log Out" button, usually in the top right corner of the page. Do not just close the browser window.

If you notice any activity on your account that you did not authorize — a certification you did not file, a payment sent to an account you do not recognize, or a change to your contact information — contact the Department of Labor when ready at 609-292-7000. Fraud can happen, and reporting it quickly protects your claim.

When to call instead of logging in online

If you cannot log in after trying the password reset, if your account shows an error message you do not understand, or if you need to report a change to your claim (like a new job or address), you can call the NJ Department of Labor at 609-292-7000. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time.

Wait times can be long, especially early in the week. Consider calling late in the afternoon or on Friday if possible. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and any relevant claim documents ready before you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The NJ-UCMS website is designed to work on mobile browsers. Go to nj.gov/labor on your phone's web browser and follow the same login steps. There is no official New Jersey unemployment app — only the website. Be cautious of any app claiming to be the official NJ unemployment tool.

What if I filed my claim by phone and never set up an online account?

You can create one now. Go to nj.gov/labor and click "Unemployment Services." Select the option to create a new account, enter your Social Security number, and follow the prompts. You will set your own password and username at that time.

How long does it take to reset my password?

The reset email usually arrives within a few minutes. If you do not see it after 10 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. The reset link expires after 24 hours, so act quickly once you receive it. If the email never arrives, call 609-292-7000 for help.

Can someone else log into my account for me?

No. Only you should have your password. If you need help filing a certification or checking your status and cannot do it yourself, call the Department of Labor at 609-292-7000 and explain your situation. Staff can sometimes help over the phone without needing your password.

What if my claim was denied — can I still log in?

You may still be able to log in to view the denial letter and reason. If you disagree with the decision, you can file an appeal through the same account or by calling 609-292-7000. The appeal process has strict important date, so act quickly if you want to challenge the denial.