After a layoff
Laid off in New Jersey: the first two weeks
Overview
A layoff starts several clocks at once: unemployment, health coverage, your 401(k). Here's what to do first, from the State's and federal agencies' own pages.
File for unemployment now
New Jersey says to file as soon as you're unemployed, but not before, and claims can't be backdated. Apply online, then certify every week. Have your Social Security number, ID, bank details and the name, dates and reason for leaving for every employer in the last 18 months. (NJ Labor, claim timing)
Check your final paycheck
Your employer can wait until the next regular payday to pay you, whether you quit or were let go. (NJ Wage and Hour)
Choose health coverage before the deadline
COBRA (employers with 20+ employees) gives you 60 days to elect. Smaller employers' insured plans may offer New Jersey continuation instead. Losing job coverage also lets you enroll on Get Covered New Jersey within 60 days. (U.S. Labor, NJ DOBI, Get Covered NJ)
Don't rush your 401(k)
A direct rollover avoids tax. Cashing out is taxed and may cost an extra 10% before 59½, unless you left the job in or after the year you turned 55. (IRS)
Read severance before you sign
You can ask for time. In a large layoff (employers with 100+ employees laying off 50+ at or reporting to one site), New Jersey requires 90 days' notice and one week of severance pay per year worked. (NJ law)
Budget for three months
List what you must pay, what you can pause, and call lenders before you miss a payment.
Thinking about working for yourself?
Plenty of people turn a layoff into freelance work or a business. Our starting a business in NJ guide covers the filings, and gig worker taxes covers setting money aside.
Printable kit
Laid Off in New Jersey Kit
A first-two-weeks checklist, an unemployment claim log, a health coverage comparison, a 401(k) and budget worksheet, and a job search log.
General information, checked November 2026. Not legal advice. MCC Solutions is not a law firm.
Questions
When should I file for unemployment in NJ?
As soon as you're unemployed, but not before. New Jersey doesn't backdate claims, so filing late can cost you weeks of benefits.
When will I get my final paycheck in New Jersey?
By the next regular payday for that pay period, whether you quit or were let go.
Should I take COBRA or Get Covered NJ?
Compare the monthly cost. COBRA keeps your same plan at the full price plus up to 2%. Get Covered NJ plans are priced on your income and may cost less. You have 60 days for either.
Do I get severance in New Jersey?
Only if your employer offers it or in a covered mass layoff: employers with 100+ employees laying off 50+ at one site owe one week of pay per year worked.