Unemployment benefit re-certifications will be more of a challenge for many this week, due to Shvuos.

With Shabbos being the make-up date – an issue for many since the onset, this week poses an additional challenge, as New Jersey residents with Social Security Numbers that end with digits 8333 to 9999 can only certify on Friday, which is Shvuos.

However, residents who miss their re-certification slots can certify the following week for both weeks, though it would delay their benefits. [Their unemployment payments would only be released after they certify, so they would have to wait an extra week for this week’s payments.]

Alternatively, residents can certify over the phone on certain days. The number for phone certifications is 732.761.2020 option 3.

If you claim by phone, you will claim benefits every two weeks. Mondays are reserved for people whose Social Security Number end with an odd number. Tuesdays are reserved for people whose Social Security Number ends with an even number. If you miss your assigned day, you may call on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. The hours to claim benefits by phone are weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.