Nearly 156,000 New Jerseyans filed for unemployment benefits last week as businesses shut down and laid off workers because of coronavirus.

It was a staggering 1,546% increase over the same week in 2019.

Across the country, workers filed unemployment claims in record numbers — more than twice the number expected by economists. Nationally, 3.28 million people filed for benefits for the week ending March 22.

The numbers may be understated, experts said, because some part-time workers and those in the gig economy did not qualify for benefits (though that seems to be changing under the coronavirus stimulus bill).

The N.J. Department of Labor is working overtime to help citizens who are filing for unemployment benefits in the wake of coronavirus.

While many applicants’ experiences have gone smoothly, NJ Advance Media has heard from others who have faced challenges during the application process as coronavirus has left so many out of work.

The Department of Labor (DOL) says it hears you.

“We understand these are uncertain, anxious and frustrating times,” said Thomas Wright, a spokesman for the agency. “As you can imagine, this pandemic is totally unprecedented for us, too. We — and many other states — have been putting stresses on our systems that were previously unknown.”

Wright said while DOL has experienced intermittent slowdowns and outages, its information technology department has added capacity to its system. It said it has staff working continuously to make sure every applicant gets every benefit they deserve.

“Rest assured, our dedicated workforce is still on the job, processing a record number of claims every single day,” he said.

DOL offered the following tips if you’re facing trouble during the application process.

I’M HAVING TROUBLE FILING

Wright said applicants should file online if possible for the fastest, most efficient service. Visit DOL’s website nj.gov/labor and read about the agency’s programs and benefits to determine which is right for you.

“Filing for the wrong program could delay your much-needed benefits,” he said.

He also recommended you check out this chart on the DOL website to make sure you apply for the right program.

WHAT IF I CAN’T REACH A REPRESENTATIVE?

If customers cannot file online or reach a representative right away, they should not worry, Wright said.

“Claims are being backdated so customers will not lose a week of benefits,” he said. “Due to the high volume of claims being filed, there may be a delay in processing the backdate, but they will be paid for each week from when they file going forward until we are able to process the backdate request.”

IS THERE AN OPTIMAL TIME TO FILE?

If you’re having trouble getting through, it could be because you’re trying during a busier time.

DOL suggested you try applying during off hours, such as first thing in the morning or later in the evening. After 10 p.m. or before 7 a.m. is when traffic is lightest, Wright said.

HOW DOES THE TIMING OF MY FILING WORK?

All claims are dated the Sunday of the week in which they are filed, so there is no rush to file immediately, DOL said.

“As long as they file by Saturday midnight, they will receive credit back to the previous Sunday,” Wright said. “If their last day of work is a Friday, and they worked the full week, they should wait until the following week to file.”

He explained further: If your last day of work is on a Friday or Saturday, you do not want to file until after that Sunday. Otherwise, you may inadvertently file for a week when you actually worked.

IT SAYS I NEED TO RESET MY PIN

DOL said some filers have had issues with resetting their PIN numbers in the online filing system.

“The best option for a PIN reset is to use the Contact Us form on our website and choose `PIN Reset’ from the drop down menu,” Wright said.

DOL said it has staff dedicated to working on this type of request, and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

I FILED A CLAIM BUT DIDN’T RECEIVE AN EMAIL

After the claim is entered, filers will receive instructions on how and when to claim benefits.

If you don’t get an email, it’s time to phone in to a call center.

DOL also offered this guidance to understand the certification process.

WILL BENEFITS BE EXTENDED?

DOL said some filers have reached out with concerns about extended benefits.

The Senate has already passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which includes extended unemployment benefits. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the bill on Friday.

The legislation adds $600 to weekly benefits for an additional 13 weeks above and beyond the regular New Jersey benefits.

Wright prior to Thursday’s new unemployment data, New Jersey — and every other state — did not hit any of the triggers prescribed by federal and state law to enact the extended benefits. That’s because our economy has been strong.

“This is determined by a certain set of economic measures, which may change with the rapidly evolving economic climate,” Wright said.

But with today’s new data, the state is expected to qualify.

WHAT HAPPENS THEN?

If New Jersey does qualify for the extended benefits, DOL said applicants may not need to do anything new. The agency will post additional information on its website as it becomes available.

“Please do not call our unemployment hotline with questions about extended benefits,” DOL said. “Your cooperation helps us keep our phone lines open for your fellow New Jerseyans who need to file new claims. Thank you for your understanding and patience.”

WHAT ABOUT FREELANCERS OR GIG WORKERS?

DOL said it is encouraging everyone to apply because it looks at each application on a case by case basis.

“In some cases, independent contractors may even receive some assistance from the federal government as business operators, but there is still much to be determined in this ever-changing crisis,” Wright said.

WHAT IF I’M ALREADY RECEIVING BENEFITS?

If you’re already getting unemployment unrelated to coronavirus, it’s expected that you’ll still qualify for the larger amount. That’s because while you may have been out of work already, coronavirus will make it a lot harder to find a new job.

Also note that DOL has temporarily suspended the work search requirements for benefit claims related to temporary layoffs for up to 8 weeks.

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