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Victoria Brown

What pays the most unemployment benefits in NYS - maximum weekly amounts?

I'm trying to figure out what the highest unemployment payment you can get in New York State right now. My friend said she's getting like $504 a week but I thought the max was lower than that. I made about $75k last year before I got laid off from my marketing job and I'm wondering if I'll qualify for the maximum amount. Does anyone know what pays the most unemployment benefits through NYS Department of Labor? Also wondering if there are any other programs that might pay more than regular UI.

The maximum weekly benefit rate in New York for 2025 is $504 per week for regular unemployment insurance. This is based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period. To qualify for the max, you typically need to have earned around $52,000+ in your highest earning quarter. Since you made $75k last year, you might qualify for close to the maximum depending on how your earnings were distributed throughout the year.

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Thanks! That's helpful. Do you know if there are any other benefits that stack on top of the $504 or is that pretty much it for regular unemployment?

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Your friend is probably getting the max then. I was making about $65k and I get $487 per week. The NYS Department of Labor calculates it based on your earnings history in their system. Just make sure you're filing your weekly claims on time because missing even one can mess up your payments.

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Wait, can you lose benefits for missing one weekly claim? I thought you could just file late and explain why.

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You can sometimes file late but it's risky and can delay everything. Better to just file on time every week.

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JaylinCharles

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i think there might be other programs that pay more but regular UI is capped at $504. maybe if you have dependents or something? not sure about the details though

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I've been trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks about my benefit calculation because I think it's wrong. The phone system is absolutely impossible - either busy signals or I get disconnected after waiting forever. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?

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Lucas Schmidt

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I had the same problem until someone told me about this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to NYS Department of Labor agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. I used it last month to resolve a similar issue with my benefit amount.

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Freya Collins

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The $504 maximum is for regular unemployment but there are some special circumstances that might affect your total benefits. Like if you're on standby status or have certain types of part-time work, the calculations can be different. But yeah, $504 is the standard max for most people on regular UI.

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Just wanted to confirm that $504 is indeed the current maximum weekly benefit rate for regular unemployment in NY. I'm getting $498 per week myself after being laid off from a tech job where I was making around $70k. The calculation is based on your highest quarter of earnings during your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed). One thing to note is that you also get a dependent allowance if you have dependents - it's about $25 per dependent per week, which can add to your total benefit amount. So technically you could get more than $504 total if you qualify for dependent benefits.

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Cole Roush

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Thanks for clarifying about the dependent allowance! I didn't know about that extra $25 per dependent. That's really helpful information. Do you know if there are any other additional benefits or programs that might supplement the regular UI payments? I'm a single parent with two kids so every little bit helps.

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Luca Ferrari

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As a single parent, you might also want to look into SNAP benefits (food stamps) and WIC if your kids are young enough. These don't directly add to your unemployment payments but can help stretch your budget. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance or utility assistance programs. Some areas also have childcare assistance programs that could help while you're job searching. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with local resources in your area.

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@Cole Roush As a single parent, you should definitely look into the dependent allowance that Sophie mentioned - with two kids that could be an extra $50 per week on top of your regular UI benefits. You might also want to check if you qualify for SNAP food (assistance or) WIC if your kids are young enough, since unemployment can make you eligible for programs you might not have qualified for while working. The NYS Department of Labor website has a section on additional resources for unemployed workers that might list other support programs. Also, some counties have emergency assistance programs for families, so it s'worth checking with your local social services office.

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Zoe Stavros

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As a single parent, you might also qualify for SNAP (food stamps) and WIC if you have young children, plus there's the Child Tax Credit which can be substantial. Some counties also have emergency rental assistance programs. I'd recommend checking with 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local resources for families. Also, if you're looking for work, some workforce development programs offer additional support payments while you're in training. Hope this helps!

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As a single parent, you might also want to look into SNAP (food stamps) and TANF if your unemployment benefits aren't enough to cover basic needs. Some people also qualify for emergency rental assistance programs through the state. Additionally, if you're interested in retraining while unemployed, there are sometimes workforce development programs that provide additional financial support on top of UI. You should check with your local DSS office or 211 (dial 2-1-1) for information about what other assistance programs might be available in your area.

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As a single parent, you should definitely look into SNAP (food stamps) and WIC if your kids are young enough - those can help stretch your budget while you're on unemployment. Also check if you qualify for any utility assistance programs through HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). Some counties also have emergency rental assistance if you're struggling with housing costs. The dependent allowance for UI is automatic if you claimed dependents when you filed, so that should already be included in your benefit calculation. You might also want to look into local food banks and community resources - many don't have income restrictions and can provide additional support during unemployment.

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Ethan Brown

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For single parents, you might also want to look into SNAP benefits (food stamps) and possibly TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) which can help supplement your income while you're on unemployment. Also check if your kids qualify for free school meals - unemployment income usually makes you eligible. The dependent allowance on UI is automatic if you claim dependents when you file, but these other programs require separate applications. Your local social services office can help you apply for multiple programs at once.

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Lucas Parker

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@Cole Roush Yes, there are a few other programs that might help! As a single parent, you should definitely look into SNAP food (assistance and) potentially TANF Temporary (Assistance for Needy Families which) can provide cash assistance on top of unemployment. Also check if you qualify for emergency rental assistance programs - many are still available in NY. The dependent allowance for your two kids would add $50/week to your UI benefits $25 (each ,)so make sure you claimed them when you filed. You might also be eligible for utility assistance programs and childcare vouchers while you re'job searching. I d'recommend calling 211 dial (2-1-1 -) they can connect you with local resources and programs you might not know about.

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Luca Russo

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For single parents, you should definitely look into SNAP benefits (food stamps) and possibly TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) to supplement your unemployment. Also check if you qualify for emergency rental assistance or utility assistance programs through your county's Department of Social Services. Some food banks and local organizations also have programs specifically for families dealing with job loss. The dependent allowance on unemployment is automatic if you claimed dependents when you filed, but these other programs require separate applications. Hope this helps!

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As a single parent with two kids, you should definitely apply for the dependent allowance - that would add $50/week to your unemployment benefits ($25 per child). Beyond that, you might want to look into SNAP (food stamps) and HEAP (energy assistance) programs which can help with groceries and utility bills while you're unemployed. Also check if you qualify for emergency rental assistance or childcare assistance programs in your county. These don't add to your UI payment directly but they can really help stretch your budget. The NY.gov website has a benefits screening tool that can help you find what you're eligible for.

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