Many Americans are struggling to be able to put food on the table because grocery prices have increased for a variety of reasons. At a time when many people in this country are unemployed or on workers’ compensation, a little extra financial help can really make life more tolerable.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development made an announcement at the end of 2021 that it would be increasing its maximum benefits for unemployment, short-term disability, family leave and workers’ compensation for 2022 and beyond.
What are the differences in benefits from 2021 to 2022?
In 2021, the maximum unemployment benefit in New Jersey was $731. In 2022, it has gone up to $804. For short-term disability and family leave, it went from $903 per week in 2021 to $993 in 2022. For workers’ compensation, the benefits increased from $969 to $1,065. However, on the downside, the amount that will be deducted in taxes has also increased between 2021 and 2022.
For a person in New Jersey to qualify for benefits from unemployment, short-term disability, or family leave, the worker must have earned a minimum of $240/week for at least 20 weeks (or must have earned at least $12,000).
Seeking the counsel of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer
If you have had an accident and have been injured or have become ill from something at work, you will probably be needing solid advice from a lawyer who has a great deal of knowledge and experience in New Jersey workers’ compensation laws.
Most likely, if you are not able to work because something has harmed you, you will need to seek compensation so that you can live a comfortable life now and in the future. Whether you need to collect workers’ compensation temporarily or on a more permanent basis, the right advice may help your case a great deal.
The application process can be complex and confusing
It is not uncommon that after you have applied for workers’ compensation, your claim is rejected the first time around. If that happens to you, you can appeal the decision and an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you to appeal and to navigate the process.
It is essential that you apply exactly as you are supposed to apply and that you protect your rights at the same time. You are entitled to receive the benefits that you need to live comfortably. The right legal advice can help you to accomplish that.