New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Guide

If you have a New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card (New Jersey Bank of America Debit Card) and have questions about your card, you’ve come to the right place.

In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about your New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card, including what to do if you have not received a card, lost card replacement, how to log in online to check your balance, how to speak to a live person at customer service, and much more.

This post will cover:

What is the New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card?
Benefits of New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card
How the Unemployment Debit Card Works
Activate your Unemployment Debit Card
New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Login
How Do I check my New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Balance?
Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service Phone Number
New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card FAQs

What is the New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card?

The New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card is used by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (LWD) to pay unemployment benefits.

It is a Visa Card issued by Bank of America.

If you are approved for Unemployment Insurance benefits in New Jersey, your benefit payments are applied to this debit card issued to you through the Bank of America.

You do not need to have a bank account to get and use the Debit Card.

Purchases and withdrawals are limited to the balance on your card.

You can then use the Debit Card to make purchases or withdrawals until the funds are exhausted.

The Debit Card is valid for three (3) years.

Benefits of New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card

There are several benefits to receiving your New Jersey Unemployment benefits via the Bank of America issued debit card, versus via a check in the mail.

Here are the key benefits of the New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card and why it is a great alternative to paper checks:

Benefits of the card include:

Get your money sooner.
Use it everywhere VISA is accepted (in stores, online, and by phone).
Withdraw cash at ATMs, banks, and stores with cashback options.
Transfer funds to the financial institution of your choice at no additional cost.
Be notified when a deposit is made to your card, or when you have a low balance.
Receive fraud protection from a Zero Liability Policy.

How the New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Works

Here’s how the cards will work:

Once you are approved for New Jersey Unemployment benefits and begin to receive your payments on the Debit Card, Bank of America will create a card in your name.

After your first unemployment insurance payment is authorized, Bank of America will mail the debit card to you via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

You should receive the card within 7-10 days.

Whenever you are due to receive your New Jersey Unemployment benefit payment, funds will be sent by Electronic Funds Transfer to your Debit Card.

It is important to note that the New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card is NOT a credit card.

Therefore if you try to use your card for purchases that exceed your balance, your transaction may be declined.

How do I know if my new Unemployment debit card was mailed to me?

If you do not already have a debit card for unemployment insurance, you will receive one within 7 to 10 days of filing a claim.

The card will not be forwarded by the post office.

If you have moved, you need to call the LWD and change your address to have a new card mailed to your new address.

How to Activate the New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card

If you have received the New Jersey Unemployment Insurance debit card in the mail, here’s how to activate your card:

Option 1: Activate your card Online.

You can activate your debit card online on the Bank of America New Jersey Unemployment Benefit debit card website.

Click here to be taken there.

Once there, click on “Activate My Card” as shown in the image below.

Next, you will be asked to enter your debit card number, as shown in the image below.

Once you have entered your debit card number, click “Continue” and follow the instructions to activate your card.

For security reasons you will need:

the 16-digit number that appears on the face of the card
the 3-digit card security number that appears on the back of the card
the last four digits of your social security number.

During the activation process, you will be asked to create a personal identification number (PIN).

The PIN can be used to make ATM withdrawals and PIN purchases

Once the card is activated, you will be given the account balance and may begin using it immediately.

Option 2: Activate your card by Phone

You can activate online or by calling 1-866-213-4074 toll-free.

Once activated, you may use your card.

New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Login

If you are trying to log in to your debit card, here’s a step-by-step process on how to do so.

Once you are logged in, you can check your card balance, view pending deposits or transactions, or file get information to file a complaint.

New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Login Guide

To login to the Bank of America online portal, follow the instructions below.

Step 1 – Visit Bank of America Debit Card Website

The first step to logging into your debit card online account is to visit the Bank of America website. Click here to be taken there.

Once on the site, click “Sign In” as shown below.

Step 2 – Enter Your Username

Next, you will be asked to enter your username as shown below.

This is the username you created when you first set up your account online.

If you entered the correct username, you will be asked for a password.

Once you enter the correct password, you will be taken to your account.

Forgot Username?

If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.

Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.

You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.

How Do I check my New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Balance?

If you are trying to check the balance on your Bank of America debit card, we can help.

Option 1: Log Into Your Account

The first option to checking the balance on your debit card is to log into your account.

Click here to be taken there.

Once there, select sign in to your account by clicking the “Sign in” link.

Next, follow the instructions to enter your Username and password

If you do not remember your Username, click on the “Need Username?” or “Forgot Username” link as shown below.

Then follow the instructions to retrieve your username.

You will need your card number and the email address on file to successfully retrieve your username.

Option 2: Check Card Balance by Phone

You can also check the balance on your cards and review all your account transaction activity by calling the Customer Service number at 1-866-213-4074.

There is no fee for online and telephone balance inquiries.
Sign up for free balance alerts (mobile text message and e-mail) by logging in to your account.

Option 3: Via an ATM

Finally, you can also check your card balance at an ATM.

There is no fee for balance inquiries made at a Bank of America in-network ATM.

To find a Bank of America in-network ATM, click here.

For inquiries made at ATMs other than Bank of America in-network ATMs, the owner of the ATM may charge a fee. Bank of America won’t charge a fee.

New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Phone Number

If you have questions about the Bank of America debit card, you can call the Bank of America Customer Service Center toll-free at the number below:

Phone (toll-free): 1.866.213.4074
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650

Call immediately if your card is lost or stolen

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is important to mention that Bank of America representatives cannot answer questions about your unemployment claims or Department of Labor & Workforce Development programs.

If you have questions about your New Jersey Unemployment benefits or application, call the Department of Labor & Workforce Development at the number below:

North New Jersey: 201-601-4100

Central New Jersey: 732-761-2020

South New Jersey: 856-507-2340

Out-of-state claims: 888-795-6672 (you must call from a phone with an out-of-state area code)

New Jersey Relay: 7-1-1

New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card FAQs

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the New Jersey Bank of America Unemployment Debit Card:

When will I receive my New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card?

Your New Jersey unemployment debit card will arrive before you find out if your application was approved.

Therefore, no funds will be available on the card when you first receive it.

Benefit payments are only issued to the debit card account if your unemployment claim is approved.

If you received a debit card for prior Unemployment Insurance benefits within the past four years, your benefits will be issued to that same debit card account.

However, if the previously issued debit card has expired or you no longer have it, call Bank of America toll-free at 866-213-4074 to request a new one.

How is my New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card Sent to me?

Your New Jersey Unemployment Debit Card is sent via regular mail in a plain, unmarked envelope.

It might even look like junk mail. Make sure you check all your mail carefully so you don’t discard it by mistake.

The envelope will contain the following information, in addition to the card itself:

deposit agreement
schedule of fees
privacy policy
user guide
ATM safety tips

Do you offer other payment options for me to receive unemployment benefits?

You have the option to receive your New Jersey unemployment benefit payments in the form of a Direct Deposit.

If you have a checking account with a bank or credit union, you can set up a direct deposit for your unemployment benefits into your account.

Can I add Money to my Unemployment Debit Card?

No. You cannot make any additional deposits to the debit card account.

Only unemployment insurance payments made by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (LWD) can be added to the card.

How do I dispute a transaction on my Debit Card?

If you have a transaction you would like to dispute on your New Jersey LWD Unemployment debit card, here’s what you have to do:

All card account disputes should be directed to the New Jersey LWD Unemployment Debit Card Customer Service at the number below.

Phone (toll-free): 1.866.213.4074
TTY (toll-free): 1.866.656.5913
Outside U.S. (collect): 423.262.1650

Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You should contact them soon as you can if you think your transaction activity or receipt is wrong.

If you are unsure about a particular or if you need more information, customer service can also help you.

However, it is important to note that you must contact customer service no later than 60 days after the earlier of either the date you electronically accessed your account–if the error or problem could be viewed in your electronic history; or the date we sent the FIRST written history on which the error or problem appeared.

Furthermore, you must report the error or problem no more than 120 days after the transaction allegedly in error was credited or debited to your account.

A customer service representative will provide you with a dispute form to complete and return.

What happens to my debit card if it is mailed to the wrong address?

The card will be returned to the Bank of America debit card center.

You must contact the New Jersey customer service or go online to update your address.

Once you have updated your address with the DEW, contact the Bank of America Debit Card call center at 1.866.213.4074 to request a new card be mailed.

A replacement card will be issued to you. Please keep in mind due to mailing time it can take up to seven (7) to ten (10) days.

Can I change my Debit Card Address with Bank of America?

No. Your address cannot be changed via the Bank of America website nor by Bank of America customer service.

Please contact the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (LWD) to update your address.

How do I Transfer Funds from the Debit Card to my Personal Bank Account?

Here’s how to transfer funds from your card account to a traditional checking or savings account.

First, sign on to the website and select the “Transfer Funds” option from the Account Summary page.

Next, you will need to register a “transfer-to” account prior to performing your first transfer.

Once your “transfer to” account is authenticated (this can take up to 5 business days), your transfer will be made.

After you have transferred funds online, it can take up to 2 business days to receive your funds in your account, and the transfer cannot be canceled once entered.

If your account is a Bank of America account, the funds could be available the next business day, if not sooner.

A minimum value of $20.00 may be transferred.

Note that you can only transfer funds to a traditional checking or savings account owned by you at any U.S. financial institution

Transfers Cannot Be Reversed

Once funds are transferred to your checking or savings account, you will not be able to have the funds returned to you.

Therefore, it is important to make sure the routing number or account number you provide for your checking or savings account is correct.

What’s the Website for New Jersey LWD Unemployment Debit Card?

If you are trying to login to your New Jersey LWD Bank of America debit card, click here to be taken there.

Can I get Tracking for my Replacement Card?

There is no tracking information for the debit card mailed through the post office.

However, you can pay $10 to have your card mailed by express delivery with tracking.

You will have to contact customer service for an update on tracking information.

Are there fees associated with this debit card?

You are allowed unlimited free ATM Cash Withdrawal at any Bank of America ATM or Allpoint ATM.

When you use an ATM that is NOT a Bank of America ATM, a $0.90 fee will be deducted from your card balance.

These ATMs may charge additional surcharge fees for using the machine.

Here is the list of all the fees for the New Jersey LWD Unemployment Benefits Debit Card.

All fees	Amount	Details
Spend Money
Per purchase with PIN	$0
Per purchase with signature	$0
Get cash in the U.S.
ATM withdrawal, in-network	$0	“In Network” refers to Bank of America ATMs. Locations can be found at www.bankofamerica.com/cashpay. You will not be charged an additional fee by Bank of America.
ATM withdrawal, out-of-network	$0.90	“Out of Network” refers to all the ATMs outside of Bank of America or Allpoint ATMs. You may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a transaction.*
Bank teller cash withdrawal	$0	Available at financial institutions that accept Visa cards. Limited to available balance only.
Emergency cash transfer, domestic	$15.00	You will be charged this fee after 1 free each year for the remaining balance under $20. All emergency cash transfers must be initiated through the Bank of America Service Center.
Information
Customer service	$0
Online account information	$0
ATM balance inquiry	$0
Using your card outside the U.S.
Each international transaction	2%	Of total U.S. Dollar amount of transaction
International ATM withdrawal	$3.00	This is our fee. You may also be charged a fee by the ATM operator even if you do not complete a transaction.
Other
Online funds transfer	$0
Replacement card, domestic	$3.00	You will be charged this fee after 1 free each year.
Replacement card, express delivery	$10.00	Additional charge
Replacement card, international	$10.00	Additional charge
Inactive Account	$0
Legal process fee	$0

New Jersey Unemployment Phone Number