What is the most you can collect from unemployment in New York?
I'm trying to figure out how much I might be eligible for if I lose my job next month. I've been making around $75,000 annually at my current position for the past 3 years. Does anyone know what the maximum weekly benefit amount is in New York right now? I've looked at the NYS Department of Labor website but it's confusing with all the calculations. Also wondering if there's a cap on total benefits you can collect over the year?
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Matthew Sanchez
The maximum weekly benefit rate in New York for 2025 is $504 per week. Your actual amount depends on your earnings history though - they calculate it based on your highest quarter earnings in your base period. You can collect for up to 26 weeks typically, so maximum total would be around $13,104 if you get the full amount for the full duration.
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Admin_Masters
•Thanks! So with my salary I should qualify for close to the maximum then? How do they determine the base period exactly?
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Ella Thompson
yeah i think its like 50% of your average weekly wage or something but capped at that $504 number. been on unemployment twice and never got the full amount tho
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JacksonHarris
The calculation is actually more complex than just 50%. NYS Department of Labor uses your highest quarter of earnings in the base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file). They divide that by 26 to get your weekly benefit rate, but it can't exceed the maximum. With $75k annually, you're likely looking at close to the maximum assuming consistent earnings. You'll also need to meet the job search requirements to keep receiving benefits.
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Admin_Masters
•Good to know about the job search requirements. How many job contacts do you need to make per week?
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JacksonHarris
•You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. Can be applications, interviews, networking events, etc. NYS Department of Labor can audit your search activities.
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Jeremiah Brown
I tried calling NYS Department of Labor to get clarification on my benefit amount but couldn't get through after waiting on hold for over an hour. Their phone system is impossible! Has anyone found a better way to reach them?
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Royal_GM_Mark
•I had the same problem trying to reach NYS Department of Labor about my claim status. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to unemployment agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call and actually got me connected to someone who could answer my questions about benefit calculations.
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Amelia Cartwright
Just want to add that you also have to factor in taxes. The unemployment benefits are taxable income so you might want to have them withhold federal taxes or set aside money for when you file. Learned that the hard way last year!
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