Benefits payable under an approved private plan by an employer as a self-insurer shall have the same preference against the assets of the employer as are now or may hereafter be allowed by law for a claim for unpaid wages for labor, and benefits under the State plan and for any disability during unemployment as provided by section 43:21-4(f) or under an approved private plan shall not be assignable or subject to levy, execution, attachment or other process for satisfaction of debts.
N.J.S. § 43:21-53