How much do you get for dependents on unemployment benefits in NY?
I just got approved for unemployment after being laid off from my warehouse job last month. I have two kids under 16 and I'm wondering if NYS Department of Labor gives you extra money for dependents like some other benefits do? I can't find clear info anywhere on the my.ny.gov site about dependent allowances. Does anyone know if NY pays additional amounts for kids when you're collecting unemployment? My weekly benefit amount seems pretty low for supporting a family.
11 comments
Join the conversation
Ruby Knight
Unfortunately, New York State does not provide dependent allowances or additional payments for children on regular unemployment insurance. Your weekly benefit amount is calculated solely based on your past earnings history, not your family size. The maximum weekly benefit in NY for 2025 is $504, but most people get less depending on what they earned in their base period.
0 coins
Nina Chan
AuthorThat's disappointing but thanks for the clear answer. I was hoping there might be some extra help since daycare costs are so high.
0 coins
Diego Castillo
yeah NY unemployment doesn't care how many kids you have, kind of unfair if you ask me. some states do give dependent benefits but not here
0 coins
Logan Stewart
While NYS Department of Labor doesn't provide dependent allowances, you should definitely look into other programs that can help with kids - SNAP benefits, WIC if your children are young enough, and reduced-price school meals. Also make sure you're claiming the Child Tax Credit when you file your taxes next year, that can be substantial.
0 coins
Nina Chan
AuthorGood point about the other programs. I already get SNAP but didn't think about the school meal program. Thanks!
0 coins
Mikayla Brown
Wait I thought there was something about dependents? Maybe I'm thinking of disability benefits... this whole system is so confusing with all the different programs
0 coins
Ruby Knight
You might be thinking of Social Security Disability or workers' compensation, which can include dependent benefits. But regular unemployment insurance in NY is just based on your work history and earnings.
0 coins
Sean Matthews
I had trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about this same question last year. If you need to call them about your benefit calculation or have other questions, I ended up using this 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. Made it so much easier than sitting on hold for hours.
0 coins
Nina Chan
AuthorInteresting, I've been trying to call them about a few things but can never get through. Might check that out.
0 coins
Ali Anderson
The whole unemployment system needs an overhaul. Other states manage to help families with dependents but NY just leaves you hanging. Typical bureaucracy.
0 coins
Sienna Gomez
I went through this same situation when I was laid off from my retail job. NY really doesn't provide any extra for dependents, which was a shock coming from another state. One thing that helped me was contacting 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they connected me with local food banks and utility assistance programs that I didn't know existed. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs. It's not unemployment benefits, but every bit helps when you're trying to make ends meet with kids.
0 coins