Claims filed under this program are governed by both the Unemployment Compensation and Disability Benefits Laws.  However, it is essential to remember that they are primarily unemployment insurance claims, established under Section 4(f) of the Unemployment Compensation Law.  To be eligible for benefits, the claimant must meet all the requirements of this Law, and become totally unable to work.  The claimant must also be under the care of a legally licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, chiropractor, psychologist, certified nurse midwife, or advanced practice nurse.

In order to have a valid Disability During Unemployment claim, the claimant must have been paid a minimum amount of wages while in a job covered by New Jersey's disability insurance program during the base period of the claim.  Employment with local governments that have not elected disability coverage for their workers is not covered for disability benefits nor is out-of-state employment, even though it is covered for unemployment insurance.