What is the highest amount you can get from NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits?
I'm trying to figure out the maximum weekly benefit amount for unemployment in New York. My friend said she's getting like $504 a week but I thought the max was lower? I just got laid off from my tech job where I was making $95k and want to know what to expect when I file my claim. Does anyone know what the actual highest amount is for 2025? Also does it matter which county you're in or is it the same statewide?
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Aisha Mohammed
The maximum weekly benefit rate in New York for 2025 is $504. This is based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period. To get the max, you need to have earned at least $13,104 in your highest quarter. The amount is the same statewide - doesn't matter if you're in NYC or upstate. Your benefit rate is calculated as 1/26th of your highest quarter wages, up to that $504 maximum.
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Luca Ricci
•Thanks! So with my salary I should qualify for the max then. Do I need any special documentation when I file or just my regular employment info?
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Ethan Campbell
yea 504 is right but good luck actually getting through to file your claim lol. the nys department of labor website crashes all the time and calling them is impossible
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Yuki Watanabe
I've been dealing with NYS Department of Labor for months and here's what you need to know - even if you qualify for $504, you might not get it right away if your claim goes into adjudication. I had to verify my identity twice and provide additional wage documentation. Make sure you have your last employer's info, social security card, and any 1099s or W2s ready. Also keep detailed records of your job search because they require you to log 3 work search activities per week.
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Carmen Sanchez
•This is so helpful - I didn't know about the job search requirement. What counts as a work search activity?
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Yuki Watanabe
•Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, even informational interviews count. You log them in the NYS Department of Labor job search system. Just make sure you keep records because they can audit you.
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Andre Dupont
I was having such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor to check on my claim status - kept getting busy signals and disconnected. Someone here recommended trying claimyr.com and honestly it was a game changer. They have this service where they'll call for you and get you connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration trying to get through myself.
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Zoe Papadakis
•never heard of that before but might be worth trying if the regular number keeps failing
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ThunderBolt7
Just remember the $504 is before taxes. They'll take out federal and state taxes unless you opt out, so your actual deposit will be less. Also if you have any other income like freelance work you have to report it and it reduces your weekly benefit. The NYS Department of Labor is pretty strict about this stuff so don't mess around with unreported income.
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