Unemployment and Disability Insurance Benefit Rates Increase for 2026
Effective January 1, 2026, New Jersey has implemented increases to both taxable wage bases and maximum weekly benefit amounts across several workforce protection programs, including Unemployment Insurance (UI), Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI), Family Leave Insurance (FLI), and Workers’ Compensation.
The unemployment insurance taxable wage base increased to $44,800, up from $43,300 in 2025. Additionally, the Temporary Disability Insurance and Family Leave Insurance taxable wage base rose to $171,100, an increase from $165,400.
As a result of these adjustments, the maximum weekly benefit amounts for 2026 are now:
- Unemployment Insurance: $905
- Temporary Disability Insurance & Family Leave Insurance: $1,119
- Workers’ Compensation: $1,199
Employers are advised to update payroll systems, withholding calculations, and benefits administration processes to ensure compliance with the new rates. These changes are designed to reflect wage growth and maintain adequate income support for workers facing unemployment, medical leave, or work-related injuries.
You can learn more at the New Jersey Department of Labor.
| Maximum Benefits Rates and Eligibility Criteria | ||
| 2025 | 2026 | |
| Maximum Unemployment Insurance (UI) Weekly Benefit Amount | $875 | $905 |
| Maximum Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and Family Leave Insurance (FLI) Weekly Benefit Amount | $1,081 | $1,119 |
| Maximum Workers’ Compensation Weekly Benefit Amount | $1,159 | $1,199 |
| Taxable Wage Base (UI – workers, employers; TDI – employers) | $43,300 | $44,800 |
| Taxable Wage Base (TDI/FLI – workers only) | $165,400 | $171,100 |
| Base Week Amount | $303 | $310 |
| Alternative Earnings Amount | $15,200 | $15,500 |
| UI Government Entities Contribution Rate | 0.6% | 0.5% |