NJ Minimum Wage Increase
Effective January 1, 2015, New Jersey’s minimum wage rate will increase from $8.25 per hour to $8.38 per hour. This rate is reflective of a 1.59 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index between August 2013 and August 2014. This increase is a result of a constitutional amendment approved by NJ voters in November of 2013 which ties the minimum wage to inflation.
Benefit Rate Increases
The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development has published their proposed maximum benefit rates for Unemployment, Workers’ Compensation, Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance. While these rates are only proposed at this time, it is expected with they will take effect in January. Also note, because of the increase in the minimum wage, the wage base has also increased for Unemployment, Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance.
Proposed 2015 Rates
Unemployment –
Maximum Benefit Rate: $646
Wage Base: $32,000
Base Week: $165
Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance -
Maximum Benefit Rate: $604
Wage Base: $32,000
Base Week: $165
Workers’ Compensation -
Maximum Benefit Rate: $855