NJ Department of Labor Offers Assistance to Federal Workers Affected by Layoffs

State Expands Unemployment Resources, Job Training, and Career Support for Impacted Employees

In response to a significant rise in layoffs of federal government employees, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is expanding its support services for affected workers. The department is offering unemployment benefits assistance, job upskilling opportunities, and career counseling to federal employees in New Jersey who have recently lost their jobs.

According to the most recent Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New Jersey’s labor force includes approximately 50,000 federal employees. While exact layoff figures have not been disclosed, NJDOL has reported a notable increase in unemployment claims from federal workers, including the highest single-day total of federal employee claims since the terminations began.

“Here in New Jersey, we value our public servants and aim to empower them with the skills and resources needed to best serve the people of our nation,” said Governor Murphy. “As federal employees around the country navigate rapid changes and uncertainty, I am proud that we are providing accessible unemployment and career assistance to help our workers get back on the path to success.”

Federal employees may be eligible for Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits if:

• Their official duty station was located in New Jersey, or
• They are a New Jersey resident whose official duty station was outside the United States.

More information on eligibility and application procedures can be found at: MyUnemployment.nj.gov/federal.

"As a former federal employee who had to file for unemployment, I know how difficult this period of unexpected transition must be for workers who have dedicated their careers to public service,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. "Our department stands ready to help valued civil service employees who call New Jersey home receive the unemployment benefits they have earned and career support services they need to find the meaningful work they deserve." 

Enhanced Online Unemployment Application System

To streamline benefit applications for laid-off federal employees, NJDOL has introduced a newly upgraded Unemployment Insurance (UI) application portal in collaboration with the New Jersey Office of Innovation, New Jersey Office of Information Technology, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Digital Service.

Key features of the new claimant portal include:

• Application tracking, including claim status, remaining benefit balance, and next steps.
• Guidance on required forms, including how to obtain and submit the SF-8 and SF-50 forms (which are provided by federal employers upon separation).
• Pre-submission review to ensure federal claimants enter accurate employer information.
• Real-time claim status updates for federal employees upon returning to the portal.

Job Training and Career Assistance for Federal Workers

Beyond unemployment benefits, NJDOL is also providing job training and career resources to support laid-off federal workers in finding new employment opportunities.

• My Career NJ: A bilingual online hub offering personalized career recommendations, training programs, and thousands of upskilling courses to help workers transition to new careers.
• In-Person Career Support: New Jersey One-Stop Career Centers provide employment counseling, resume assistance, and job search guidance.

Federal employees affected by layoffs are encouraged to apply for unemployment benefits, explore training opportunities, and seek career assistance through NJDOL's services. The state remains committed to helping impacted workers navigate job loss and secure long-term employment stability.