Which pays more unemployment or short-term disability benefits in NY?

You can't get unemployment benefits if you're unable to work due to injury. NYS Department of Labor requires you to be able and available for work to qualify for UI benefits. Short-term disability through New York State Disability Benefits would be your option, but the weekly benefit amount is capped at $170 per week. If you're already getting workers comp, that might actually pay more than disability benefits.

i was on disability last year and it was only like $170 a week max which is nothing compared to what unemployment pays. my unemployment was around $320 a week

The previous responses are mostly correct. NYS unemployment benefits are calculated at roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, with a maximum of $504 per week in 2025. Based on your $52,000 salary, you'd likely get around $500 weekly if you qualified. However, you cannot receive unemployment while unable to work due to injury. New York State Disability Benefits max out at $170 per week regardless of your previous income. Workers compensation typically pays 2/3 of your average weekly wage, so that might actually be your best option financially.

I had such a hard time getting through to NYS Department of Labor when I needed to sort out my claim status. If you do end up needing to contact them about unemployment eligibility once you're cleared to work, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Honestly the whole system is messed up. I was out of work for 3 months last year and unemployment barely covered my rent let alone food and utilities. And now they make it impossible to even talk to someone when you have questions. At least with workers comp you're dealing with an insurance company that has to follow rules.

Just wanted to say hang in there! I was in a similar spot after a workplace injury and it's really stressful trying to figure out all the different benefit options. The good news is workers comp should cover your medical expenses too which unemployment definitely wouldn't do.

I went through something similar after a back injury two years ago. One thing to keep in mind is that workers comp benefits aren't taxable, while unemployment benefits are. So even though your workers comp might be around $670/week (2/3 of your wages), you keep all of it. If you were getting unemployment at $500/week, you'd owe taxes on that. Also, workers comp will continue as long as you're unable to work, while unemployment has time limits. Definitely stick with workers comp for now, and once your doctor clears you for light duty, then you can explore other options if your employer can't accommodate you.

I work in workers comp administration and wanted to add a few more details that might help. In NY, workers comp pays 2/3 of your average weekly wage with no cap (unlike disability benefits), and as others mentioned, it's tax-free. The weekly amount is calculated based on your wages from the year before your injury. Since you're making $52k, that should work out to around $667 per week tax-free, which is significantly better than the $170 max from state disability. Also, workers comp will pay for all your medical treatment related to the injury, including physical therapy when you're ready. Once your doctor releases you to light duty, your employer is required to offer you suitable work if available, or your benefits continue. Don't switch to anything else right now - you're actually in the best financial position possible given your situation.