What is the current rate of unemployment - NYS Department of Labor weekly benefit amount confusion
I'm trying to figure out what is the current rate of unemployment benefits in NY right now? I filed my claim last month but I'm getting conflicting information about my weekly benefit amount. My account shows $420 per week but my friend who filed around the same time is getting $380. We both worked similar jobs in retail before getting laid off. Is there a standard rate or does it depend on your previous wages? I can't find clear info on the NYS Department of Labor website about how they calculate this.
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Chloe Delgado
The weekly benefit amount isn't a flat rate - it's calculated based on your earnings history from your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 quarters before you filed). NYS Department of Labor looks at your highest quarter earnings and divides by 26 to get your weekly rate, but there's a minimum of $104 and maximum of $504 for 2025. Your $420 sounds reasonable if you had higher wages than your friend.
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Liam O'Reilly
•That makes sense! I was making about $18/hour and worked full time while my friend was part-time. Thanks for explaining how NYS Department of Labor calculates it.
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Ava Harris
yeah the rate depends on what you made before, not some standard amount. i got $340/week when i was on unemployment last year
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Jacob Lee
If you're having trouble getting through to NYS Department of Labor to verify your calculation, I had success using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.
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Emily Thompson
•Interesting, never heard of that before. Did they actually help you get through to someone at NYS Department of Labor?
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Jacob Lee
•Yes! I was able to speak with an actual NYS Department of Labor representative within a few hours instead of waiting weeks for a callback that never came.
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Sophie Hernandez
The whole system is so confusing!! I've been trying to understand my benefit calculation for weeks and every time I call NYS Department of Labor I get different answers. One agent told me my rate was final, another said it could change during my review. I'm so stressed about whether I'm getting the right amount or if I'll have to pay something back later.
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Chloe Delgado
•Your weekly benefit rate shouldn't change unless there's an error in the original calculation or you have additional wages reported from your base period. If you're concerned, request a detailed benefit calculation from NYS Department of Labor.
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Daniela Rossi
Just to add - you can also check your monetary determination letter that NYS Department of Labor sent when your claim was approved. It breaks down exactly how they calculated your weekly amount based on your wage history. Should be in your online account under documents.
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