How much can you collect on unemployment in NY - what's the maximum weekly benefit?
I just got laid off from my retail manager job and need to file for unemployment. I was making about $52,000 a year before taxes. Does anyone know how much I can expect to get from NYS Department of Labor weekly? I've heard different numbers and want to make sure I budget correctly while I'm looking for work. Also wondering if there's a maximum amount they'll pay regardless of what you were earning.
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Sunny Wang
The maximum weekly benefit amount in NY for 2025 is $504 per week. Your actual amount depends on your earnings during your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). NYS Department of Labor calculates it as roughly 50% of your average weekly wage up to that maximum. With your salary, you'll probably get close to the maximum.
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Everett Tutum
•Thanks! So even if I was making more, $504 is the cap? That's actually better than I expected given what I was earning.
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Hugh Intensity
You can collect for up to 26 weeks in a benefit year, so potentially $13,104 total if you get the maximum weekly amount. But you have to keep filing your weekly claims and meet the job search requirements. Make sure you're actively looking for work and documenting it.
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Effie Alexander
•Don't forget you can also get the extra $25 per week if you're doing approved training programs through the state.
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Melissa Lin
i've been trying to figure out my benefit amount for weeks but my claim is stuck in adjudication. how are you supposed to plan when NYS Department of Labor won't even tell you if you're approved?? this system is so frustrating
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Lydia Santiago
•If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on your adjudication status, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Melissa Lin
•Really? I'll check that out because I've been calling for days with no luck. Thanks for the tip!
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Romeo Quest
Just remember the benefits are taxable income so don't spend it all thinking you're getting free money. I learned that the hard way last year.
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Everett Tutum
•Good point, I'll make sure to set aside some for taxes. Do they automatically withhold or do I need to request it?
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Sunny Wang
•You can request 10% federal tax withholding when you file your weekly claims. Highly recommend it to avoid a big tax bill later.
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Val Rossi
The whole system is designed to pay you as little as possible while making you jump through endless hoops. Good luck actually getting your money without fighting for it.
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