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Victims/Survivors of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence does not just occur in the home but may impact you at work, too. An abuser may try and contact you at work, or on the way to or from work. They may keep you from going to work on time, or try and contact your co-workers, causing safety concerns at work or impacting your job performance.
Normally, if you quit your job for personal reasons, you are disqualified from receiving unemployment benefits. But the law protects victims/survivors of domestic violence. If you had to quit your job, or were fired, because of domestic or sexual violence you may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. Learn more below.
Yes, if you provide proof of the domestic violence and you meet other unemployment eligibility criteria, such as sufficient earnings, you should be eligible for benefits. You can use any one of the below documents to establish proof of domestic violence:
- A restraining order or other documentation of equitable relief issued by a court;
- A police record documenting the domestic violence;
- Proof that the perpetrator has been convicted of one or more offenses under the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice;
- Medical documentation of the domestic violence;
- Certification from a certified Domestic Violence Specialist or the director of a designated domestic violence agency;
- Other documentation or certification of the domestic violence provided by a social worker, member of the clergy, shelter worker or other professional who has assisted the individual in dealing with the domestic violence.
A Certified Domestic Violence Specialist is someone who has met the requirements established by the New Jersey Association of Domestic Violence Professionals. Learn more about resources available to help victims of domestic violence.
A Designated Domestic Violence Agency is a countywide organization with a primary purpose to assist victims of domestic violence and which is under contract to provide services as defined by the Division of Youth and Family Services. Learn more about resources available to help victims of domestic violence.
The Division of Unemployment uses the definition of domestic violence under the New Jersey Domestic Violence Act of 1991, P.L. 1991, c. 261.
