Dependency Benefits

If your Weekly Benefit Rate is less than the maximum amount possible ($598 in 2011) you may qualify to receive Dependency Benefits. You may be entitled to receive an extra 7% of your Weekly Benefit Amount for your first dependent, and an extra 4% for each of the next two dependents. The most you can collect is an extra 15% for three dependents.

The following rules apply:

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If your spouse/civil union partner is employed during the week you establish your claim, you cannot receive Dependency Benefits.
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A dependent is defined as an unemployed spouse/civil union partner or an unemployed, unmarried child (including stepchild or legally adopted child) under the age of 19 (or 22 if the child is attending school full-time).
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 If you or your spouse/civil union partner are both unemployed, only one may claim Dependency Benefits.
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 You will be asked to provide the social security number(s) of your spouse/civil union partner and claimed dependents.
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 You will be asked to provide proof of dependency.  The Division will accept, as verification of dependency status, a copy of your most recent federal or state income tax return.  If this is unavailable or insufficient to provide current dependency status, the Division may consider a combination of the following documents:  birth, baptismal or marriage certificate(s), civil union license(s), certified divorce, dissolution, child support, annulment or adoption order(s) or any other legal documents.
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 You must provide proof within 6 weeks of the date of claim or you will be ineligible to receive Dependency Benefits for the duration of the claim.  No Dependency Benefits will be paid until proof is provided to the Division.  Click here for the form to claim Dependency Benefits.  Form is also included in new claimant mailings.
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 No one may receive more than the maximum Weekly Benefit Amount.