How much unemployment will I get if I make $700 a week in New York?

That's helpful but I'm still confused about the quarters. If I've only been working 8 months, does that mean I won't qualify for the full amount?

Exactly right - you need wages in at least two quarters of your base period to qualify, and the more quarters with wages, the higher your potential benefit. With only 8 months of work, you might get a lower weekly amount than someone who worked the full base period.

It's not quite half your weekly pay - that's a common misconception. The NYS Department of Labor uses a more complex calculation based on your quarterly earnings during the base period, not your current weekly wages.

Thanks for the suggestion! How much did that service cost? I'm trying to save money since I might be out of work soon.

They focus on getting you connected quickly rather than costing a lot. Definitely worth it when you need real answers about your specific situation and can't get through the regular way.

I agree it's frustrating but there are good reasons why it's complicated. Everyone's work history is different and they have to verify everything to prevent fraud. Still annoying though when you just want a quick estimate.

That estimate sounds about right from what I've seen with friends who filed recently. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do get laid off, file your claim right away even if you're not sure about the exact amount. There's usually a waiting week before benefits start, so the sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving payments. Also make sure to keep good records of your work history and pay stubs - it'll make the process smoother.

Great advice Carmen! I'd also suggest checking if your employer offers any severance or if there's advance notice of layoffs - that could affect your filing timeline. And AstroAlpha, don't forget that you might be eligible for extended benefits or other programs depending on the reason for your layoff. The NYS DOL website has a section on different types of unemployment programs that might be worth checking out.

Just want to add that if you're worried about a potential layoff, you might also want to look into what documentation you'll need when you file. Having your last few pay stubs, your Social Security card, and any separation paperwork ready can speed up the process. Also, if your employer gives you any advance notice, use that time to gather everything rather than scrambling after you're already unemployed. The stress of being laid off is bad enough without having to hunt down paperwork!

This is really helpful information everyone! I'm also dealing with potential job instability and had no idea about the base period calculation. @AstroAlpha, another thing you might want to consider is setting up your NY.gov account now if you haven't already - I've heard it can take a while to verify your identity online, and having that ready ahead of time could save you stress later. Also, does anyone know if there are any job search requirements you have to meet while collecting benefits? I want to make sure I understand all the obligations before I potentially need to file.

@Yara Khoury Yes, there are job search requirements! In NY you generally need to make at least 3 work search contacts per week and keep records of your job search activities. You ll'need to log into the NY.gov system weekly to certify that you re'actively looking for work. The good news is that online applications, networking events, and even some job training programs can count toward your search requirements. They re'pretty flexible about what counts as a valid work search activity, but you do need to document everything. Setting up that NY.gov account early is definitely smart advice!

This thread has been super informative! I'm actually in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly, so I wanted to add a few things that might help @AstroAlpha and others. First, if you do get laid off, make sure to ask your employer for a written separation notice - it's not required in NY but it can help speed up your claim processing. Also, if your layoff is due to lack of work (not misconduct), you should qualify for benefits as long as you meet the wage requirements. One more tip: if your employer contests your claim, don't panic - it's pretty routine and doesn't mean you won't get benefits. Just respond to any requests for information promptly and honestly. The whole process can take 2-4 weeks to get your first payment, so definitely file as soon as possible after separation.