NJ unemployment office closes for coronavirus, urges residents to file claims remotely

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SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — Probably the last thing you want to hear after you’ve lost your job is “the unemployment office is closed.” But, that’s the case — at least in-person until the end of the month — across the Garden State.

As the economy takes a dive, New Jersey is preparing for an onslaught of unemployment claims. The offices are closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, but staffers are working and residents can still file for unemployment.

Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said filing remotely is actually the better method.

“To help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and, more importantly, as a way to speed service delivery. By far the fastest method for folks is to file for unemployment online,” he added.

People can also file via the phone. In South Jersey, call 856-507-2340. 

Most people usually go the online or phone route, but in-person visits have increased dramatically recently — up four to five times the regular Monday volume. Ceasing in-person operations, at least in the short-term, protect workers and the public.

Asaro-Angelo also urges employers to keep workers on the payroll as long as possible during the pandemic.

“Just like we have to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak, we need to flatten the curve of this economic fallout. We urge all employers to just, if at all possible, continue to pay your workers whether or not they’re able to work at this point in time,” he said.