Currently, an unemployment claimant must simply report to the Division of Unemployment Insurance by telephone, Internet, or mail as directed by the Division to be eligible for unemployment benefits. On February 19, 2013, the New Jersey Department of Labor issued proposed amendments (to N.J.A.C. 12:17-4.1 and 4.3) that would require unemployment claimants to not only report to the Division, but also to register for work and participate in work search related activities as directed by the Department. If a claimant fails to register and participate in those activities, the claimant may be found ineligible for benefits. The Department is requesting comments to this proposal by April 20, 2013.

Note: This article was published in the March 2013 issue of the New Jersey eAuthority.