NYS Department of Labor unemployment maximum - what is the most you can get weekly?

The maximum weekly benefit amount in New York for 2025 is $504. This is based on your highest earning quarter during your base period. You also get an additional $100 per dependent child up to 5 kids, so theoretically someone could get $1004 weekly with 5 dependents. The calculation is roughly half your average weekly wage during your highest quarter, but capped at that $504 maximum.

yeah the max is around $500 something but most people dont get that much, depends on how much you made before and for how long

The $504 maximum assumes you were earning at least $1,008 per week consistently during your base period. If you earned less, your benefit will be proportionally lower. Also remember you have to actively search for work and document it - the job search requirement is 3 work search activities per week. Make sure you understand all the requirements before filing or you could face delays in getting paid.

I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and their phone system is absolutely terrible. If you need to call them about your benefit amount or anything else, good luck getting through. I probably called 200 times before giving up. Recently found out about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real person at NYS Department of Labor. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing exactly how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I had questions about my claim.

The whole system is designed to pay out as little as possible while making you jump through endless hoops. Even if you qualify for the maximum, they'll find ways to delay or reduce your payments. I've been fighting with them for weeks over some arbitrary adjudication issue that makes no sense.

Just wanted to add that the dependent allowance can really help if you have kids. I get an extra $200 per week for my two children on top of my regular benefit amount. Make sure you claim your dependents when you file - you can't add them later easily.