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, you must meet all the requirements of this Law, and become totally unable to work. You must also be under the care of a legally licensed physician, dentist, podiatrist, optometrist, chiropractor, or practicing psychologist or advanced practice nurse.

In order to have a valid Disability During Unemployment claim, you 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.

If you have an unemployment claim and become disabled during the benefit year, you may be paid disability benefits against that claim. If you do not have an unemployment claim, the filing of a Disability During Unemployment claim will start a benefit year for you.