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Overpayments & Refunds
If you receive any unemployment benefits to which you are not entitled, you will be required to repay those benefits, otherwise known as “overpayments.” A determination notice will be sent to you explaining the reason for your overpayment. Also, a notice will be sent to you stating the amount you were overpaid.
If you receive an overpayment notice, there are a few options:
- Make a payment(s) using our online system. (Credit cards and e-checks are accepted; some fees may apply. One-time and recurring payments are also available.) You can also contact the Benefit Payment Control Office at 609-376-5945 to set up a payment plan, or mail a check to: Bureau of Benefit Payment Control, Refund Processing Section, PO Box 951, Trenton NJ 08625-0951.
- Appeal your determination by following the instructions on the bottom of the notice of overpayment (Form B189 - instructions are also here). Appeals are time-sensitive.
- Request to waive overpayment. Waiver requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
NJ may waive overpayments if the overpayment was due to no fault of your own. That means you did not misrepresent or withhold any facts in order to obtain benefits.
To request a waiver:
- Request an overpayment waiver when you log in to your account to check your claim status.
- You will receive an email within 7 days with a link to the application after you make your request.
- Fill out the application form and submit your answers.
You will receive a determination by email. If you don't agree with the determination, you can appeal by following the instructions in that email.
When you receive your overpayment determination, it will tell you how your overpayment has been classified.
There are two types of overpayment classifications: fraud and non-fraud.
- Fraud: Fraudulent overpayments are subject to fines and interest. If your overpayment is currently classified as fraud, it cannot be reclassified as an agency error.
This type of overpayment is subject to collections by any means necessary (including interception of tax refunds and offsetting future unemployment benefits).
NOTICE BPC189A; BPC-189.2; BPC-189.2FP
Example: You returned to work but continued to certify for benefits and did not report your wages. - Non-fraud: Non-fraudulent overpayments are subject to interest if a Certificate of Debt has been filed.
This type of overpayment is subject to collections by any means necessary (including interception of tax refunds and offsetting future unemployment benefits).
NOTICE BPC189; BPC-189.3
Example: You accidentally certified for benefits for an incorrect week.
