How much is unemployment benefits in NYS Department of Labor - confused about payment amounts
I'm totally confused about how much unemployment benefits I'm supposed to get from NYS Department of Labor. I filed my claim last week but I can't figure out what my weekly benefit amount will be. The website just says 'pending' but doesn't give me any numbers. I worked at a restaurant for 8 months making about $18 an hour before I got laid off. Does anyone know how they calculate the payment amounts? I really need to know so I can budget for my bills.
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Louisa Ramirez
NYS Department of Labor calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period. For 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $504. They take your highest quarter earnings, divide by 26, then you get half of that amount. So if your highest quarter was $6,000, you'd get about $115 per week. You should see your benefit amount once your claim is fully processed.
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Marilyn Dixon
•Thank you! That helps me understand the calculation. Do you know how long it usually takes for them to process and show the actual dollar amount?
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TommyKapitz
mine took like 2 weeks to show the amount but i think it depends on if they need to verify your work history or not
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Angel Campbell
The benefit calculator on the NYS Department of Labor website can give you an estimate if you have your wage information. But honestly, calling them directly is your best bet to get exact numbers. I know the phone lines are always busy though - I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my own claim issues. Someone mentioned a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to NYS Department of Labor agents faster. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth trying if you need answers quickly.
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Payton Black
•Is that service legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor but I don't want to get scammed.
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Angel Campbell
•I used it last month when I couldn't get through about my adjudication issue. It's not a scam - they just help you navigate the phone system to reach an actual person. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.
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Harold Oh
Just wait it out, the system will update eventually. I wouldn't stress too much about the exact amount until your claim is approved anyway.
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