Where to sign in and what you need
New Jersey's unemployment system uses a single online portal called MyUnemployment, run by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. You sign in at myunemployment.nj.gov using your Social Security number and a password you create when you first register.
Before you can sign in, you must have already filed an initial claim—either online, by phone, or in person at a One-Stop Career Center. The system will not let you create a MyUnemployment account until the Department of Labor has a record of your claim. If you filed a claim but cannot sign in, it may mean the claim is still being processed, which typically takes three to five business days.
You will need two things to sign in: your Social Security number and the password you set up during registration. If you have forgotten your password, the sign-in page has a "Forgot Password" link that will walk you through resetting it using your email address.
Key Takeaways
- Sign in at myunemployment.nj.gov using your Social Security number and password; you cannot create an account until your initial claim has been filed and processed.
- The system takes three to five business days to set up after you file a claim, so if you filed recently and cannot sign in yet, wait and try again.
- Once signed in, you can view your claim status, upload required documents, report weekly earnings, and see payment history.
- If you filed by phone or in person and do not have a password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page to create one.
What you can do once you are signed in
MyUnemployment is where you manage your entire claim after filing. The dashboard shows your current claim status—whether it is pending, approved, or flagged for review—and displays the weekly benefit amount the Department of Labor has calculated for you.
Each week you receive benefits, you must report your work and earnings through the system. New Jersey requires this weekly certification, and you typically have a window of a few days each week to complete it. The system will prompt you when a certification is due, and you can do it from any device with internet access.
If the Department of Labor asks you to submit documents—such as proof of identity, wage records, or separation paperwork from your employer—you can upload them directly through MyUnemployment rather than mailing them in. This speeds up the review process.
Common sign-in problems and how to fix them
If you see a message that your account does not exist, your initial claim may not have been processed yet. Wait three to five business days after filing and try again. If more than a week has passed, call the Department of Labor at 1-888-235-6710 to confirm your claim was received.
If you receive an error message saying your Social Security number or password is incorrect, double-check that you are typing them exactly as you entered them during registration. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is not on. If you are still locked out after three incorrect attempts, the system will temporarily block further login tries. Wait 15 minutes and try again, or use the "Forgot Password" link to reset it.
If you filed your claim by phone with a representative and were never given a password, use the "Forgot Password" link. Enter your email address, and the system will send you a link to create a new password. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder or try again with a different email address if you have one on file.
Two-factor authentication and account security
New Jersey does not currently require two-factor authentication to sign in to MyUnemployment, though the system may ask you to verify your identity the first time you log in from a new device or location. You will receive a code by email or text message and must enter it to proceed.
Do not share your MyUnemployment password with anyone, including Department of Labor staff. Legitimate state employees will never ask for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the Department of Labor and asks for your login details, hang up or close the message and report it to the Department of Labor directly.
Signing in on a phone or tablet
MyUnemployment works on phones and tablets through a web browser—there is no official mobile app. Open your browser, go to myunemployment.nj.gov, and sign in the same way you would on a computer. The site is designed to work on smaller screens, though some users find it easier to manage documents and certifications on a larger device.
If the mobile site is slow or unresponsive, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then sign in again. If problems persist, try a different browser or wait a few hours, as the system sometimes experiences temporary slowdowns during peak times.
What to do if you cannot sign in and need help right away
If you cannot access your account and your weekly certification is due soon, call the Department of Labor's customer service line at 1-888-235-6710. Have your Social Security number ready. Representatives can tell you whether your account is active, reset your password over the phone, or help you complete your weekly certification by phone if the online system is not working.
The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the morning, so calling in the afternoon or later in the week may be faster. You can also visit a One-Stop Career Center in person if you need when ready help; staff there can information with account access and answer questions about your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to be able to sign in after I file a claim?
The Department of Labor typically processes claims within three to five business days. You will not be able to sign in until your claim has been entered into the system. If you filed on a Friday, do not expect access until the following Wednesday or Thursday.
Can I sign in if I filed my claim by phone?
Yes. When you file by phone, a representative will ask for an email address. Use that email and the "Forgot Password" link to create a password and sign in. If you do not remember the email you gave, call 1-888-235-6710 and ask the representative to help you reset it.
What if I never received a confirmation that my claim was filed?
Call the Department of Labor at 1-888-235-6710 to confirm your claim is in the system. Have your Social Security number ready. If the claim was filed, you should be able to sign in within a few business days. If it was not filed, the representative can help you file over the phone.
Is MyUnemployment safe to use on public Wi-Fi?
It is safer to sign in from a private network, but if you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure you are on the real myunemployment.nj.gov website—check the address bar carefully. Do not sign in on a public computer if you can avoid it, since your password may be stored or visible to others.
Can I change my password after I sign in?
Yes. Once you are logged in, look for an account settings or profile section where you can change your password. Changing it regularly is a good security practice, especially if you share a device with others.