How much unemployment can you collect in NY - what are the maximum benefit amounts?

The maximum weekly benefit rate in NY for 2025 is $504 per week. Your actual amount depends on your wages during the base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). NYS Department of Labor calculates it as roughly half your average weekly wage, up to that maximum. You can collect for up to 26 weeks of regular UI benefits.

yeah its based on what employers reported to the state so it should be automatic when you file your claim. but sometimes there are delays if your employer was late reporting wages or if you worked in multiple states

Just went through this process last year. At $65k annually you're looking at around $480-500 per week assuming consistent employment. The NYS Department of Labor pulls your wage history automatically but you can view it once you create your my.ny.gov account. One thing to watch out for - if you have any gaps in employment or worked part-time during your base period, it can significantly lower your weekly benefit rate.

The 26 weeks can sometimes be extended during high unemployment periods but right now it's just the standard 26 weeks. Also remember you have to be actively job searching and documenting your search activities - NYS Department of Labor requires at least 3 job search activities per week that you claim benefits.

Don't forget about taxes! The unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have 10% federal taxes withheld when you file your weekly claims, or you'll owe it when you file your tax return. I learned this the hard way and ended up owing a bunch come tax time.

If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check your wage history or get questions answered about your potential benefit amount, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Was worth it for me since I couldn't get through on my own after trying for days.

One more thing to consider - if you do get laid off, file your claim immediately even if you're getting severance pay. The waiting period starts from when you file, not when the severance runs out. I made the mistake of waiting until my severance ended and lost out on a week of benefits because of the mandatory waiting week. Also, severance typically won't affect your eligibility as long as you're genuinely unemployed and available for work.