How much is unemployment benefit amount in NY - confused about weekly payment calculations
I'm trying to figure out how much unemployment I should be getting weekly but I'm totally confused by all the calculations on the NYS Department of Labor website. I made about $52,000 last year working full time at a warehouse job. When I look at my benefit determination letter it shows my weekly benefit rate but I don't understand how they calculated it. Is there a simple way to figure out what my weekly unemployment amount should be? Also do they take taxes out automatically or do I need to request that?
9 comments
Join the conversation
Abigail bergen
NYS unemployment benefits are calculated using your highest earning quarter from your base period, which is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed. They take 1/26th of your highest quarter earnings to get your weekly benefit rate. The maximum weekly benefit in NY is $504 as of 2022. You can elect to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims.
0 coins
Kirsuktow DarkBlade
•Thank you! So if my highest quarter was around $14,000 that would be about $538 weekly but capped at $504? And yes I definitely want taxes taken out.
0 coins
Ahooker-Equator
yeah the calculation is confusing af. i just looked at my determination letter and went with whatever number they gave me lol. but make sure you're certifying every week or you won't get paid
0 coins
Anderson Prospero
•You should definitely understand your benefit calculation though - if there's an error in your wage history it could affect your weekly amount. Check your monetary determination carefully and appeal if the wages look wrong.
0 coins
Tyrone Hill
I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor to ask about my benefit amount calculation. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent who explained everything. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration!
0 coins
Toot-n-Mighty
•How does that work exactly? I've been trying to reach someone for weeks about my benefit amount.
0 coins
Tyrone Hill
•They basically handle the calling process for you and get you connected to a live agent. Much easier than sitting on hold for hours.
0 coins
Lena Kowalski
The whole NYS unemployment system is a joke. They make these calculations so complicated on purpose. I've been fighting with them for months over my benefit amount and they keep giving me the runaround. NOBODY at NYS Department of Labor can explain anything clearly!!
0 coins
DeShawn Washington
•I feel you on the frustration but the calculation formula is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it. The problem is they don't explain it well on their website.
0 coins