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If you're having trouble explaining this to people or need to contact the NYS Department of Labor for any reason, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually get through to agents when the phone lines are constantly busy. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about your claim details.
This whole system is confusing AF honestly. Like why cant they just make it simple and consistent across all states??
The key thing to remember is that unemployment insurance follows your work location, not your residence. Since your employer has been paying unemployment insurance taxes to New York State, that's where your benefits would come from if needed. Keep your pay stubs showing the NY tax withholdings as they'll be helpful documentation if you ever need to file a claim with NYS Department of Labor.
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY PEOPLE!! They make the rules so complicated on purpose. I know people who worked for YEARS and still got denied for ridiculous reasons. Don't give up though - you can appeal their decision.
Wait I'm confused - what's the difference between regular unemployment and standby unemployment? I thought there was only one type??
Zara Shah
the amount varies a lot. my friend gets like $450 but i only get $280 even though we made similar money. depends on when you worked and how much you made in specific quarters i think
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Omar Farouk
To clarify the base period calculation - NYS Department of Labor uses your highest quarter earnings to determine your weekly benefit rate, which is roughly 1/26th of that amount. There's also a minimum ($124/week) and maximum ($504/week for 2025). If you worked multiple jobs, they'll combine all your covered wages from different employers during your base period.
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Freya Andersen
•ok that makes more sense. so if my highest quarter was like $15,000 i'd get around $575 per week? but you said max is $504 so i'd get the max?
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Omar Farouk
•Exactly right - if your calculation comes out higher than $504, you'd receive the maximum amount. The formula helps ensure higher earners get more support while capping it at a reasonable level.
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