NJ employee separation reporting is now mandatory for every New Jersey employer, and the clock is already running. The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) has switched on its online portal, so you must now report each departure electronically. As a result, your offboarding process needs an update right away.
Why NJ employee separation reporting changed
This obligation follows amendments to the New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law (UCL), which took effect on July 31, 2023. Previously, the reporting tool was not available. Now, however, the Employer Response Portal is fully live and ready to receive your submissions. Therefore, every employer should act promptly to stay compliant.
How to submit information through the portal
First, you submit separation details electronically through the Employer Response Portal. The rule covers all separations — layoffs, terminations, resignations, and retirements. In addition, you must report within seven days of the separation. This deadline applies whether or not the employee plans to file for unemployment benefits.
What information employers must report
The portal asks for specific details, so gather them before each departure. Specifically, you must provide the separation date and last day worked, the reason for separation, and wage and scheduling information. You also supply employer and supervisor contact information. Finally, you attach supporting documentation where it applies — for example, the policy an employee violated in a termination.
Do employers still need the BC-10 form?
Yes. You must still give every departing employee a completed BC-10 form, no matter the reason for leaving. However, you no longer send a copy to the NJDOL directly. Instead, that information flows through the portal. Importantly, you should print and keep a copy of the BC-10 along with proof of your portal submission for each worker.
Next steps for NJ employee separation reporting
To get ready for NJ employee separation reporting, follow these steps:
- Create an Employer Access account if you don’t already have one.
- Log in to the Employer Response Portal using those same credentials.
- Watch for NJDOL emails about claims, then enter the separation details.
- If a third-party administrator handles payroll, register for Employer Access first, then grant them access rights.
- Report each separation through the portal as it happens.
- Provide the departing employee with a completed BC-10 form.
- Retain the BC-10 and proof of your portal submission.
In short, the rules are clear, and the clock starts at seven days. If you’d like help reviewing your offboarding workflow, reach out to Marzano HR Consulting today. You can also read the official NJDOL guidance.