New York Unemployment Calculator
Estimate your New York weekly unemployment benefit, duration, and total payout. New York pays up to $869 a week for up to 26 weeks. This is an estimate, not a determination.
An estimate, not a determination.
This estimates your New York weekly unemployment benefit from your wages. The state agency makes the actual decision based on your full wage record and why your job ended. File your claim with New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to get your real amount.
More exact? Enter your highest-paid quarter
Most states base your benefit on your highest-earning quarter of the base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Enter it for a closer estimate; leave blank to use your annual income.
Estimated Weekly Benefit
$500/week
≈ 50% of your weekly wage · New York · estimate only
Max Duration
26 weeks
Max Total Benefit
$13,000
Up to 26 weeks of regular benefits per benefit year.
New York has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
This is an estimate, not a determination. The state agency calculates your actual benefit from your full base-period wage record, and eligibility also depends on why your job ended and your ongoing work search.
Your weekly benefit is based on your wages in the "base period" (usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters), replaced at roughly 50% up to New York's $869 maximum. Eligibility also depends on earning enough in the base period and on why your job ended (generally you must be out of work through no fault of your own). This is an estimate, not legal advice or a determination, and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
How New York Calculates Your Weekly Benefit
WBA = 1/26 of the wages in the highest base-period quarter; if the high-quarter wages are $3,575 or less, WBA = 1/25 of the high quarter. Clamped to a min of $140 and a max of $869 (effective Jan 5, 2026).
The result is capped at New York's $869 maximum and floored at its $140 minimum (2026). You can collect for up to 26 weeks. Up to 26 weeks of regular benefits per benefit year.
Source: New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).
Who Qualifies in New York
To draw benefits you generally must have earned enough during the base period (Standard: first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters. Alternate base period (most recent 4 completed quarters) available; claimant may request the basis period that yields the higher benefit in some cases.), be unemployed through no fault of your own (laid off, not fired for misconduct and generally not quitting without good cause), and be able, available, and actively looking for work. Must have been paid wages in at least 2 calendar quarters of the base period, with high-quarter wages meeting a minimum threshold and total base-period wages of at least 1.5x the high-quarter wages. New York also has a one-week unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is unemployment in New York?
New York pays roughly 50% of your average weekly wage, from a $140 minimum up to a $869 maximum per week (2026). Use the calculator above to estimate your amount from your wages.
How many weeks of unemployment can I get in New York?
Up to 26 weeks. Up to 26 weeks of regular benefits per benefit year.
How is my New York weekly benefit calculated?
WBA = 1/26 of the wages in the highest base-period quarter; if the high-quarter wages are $3,575 or less, WBA = 1/25 of the high quarter. Clamped to a min of $140 and a max of $869 (effective Jan 5, 2026).
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in New York?
$869 per week in 2026. The maximum is set by the state and usually updated each year.
Is this calculator official?
No. It is a free estimate based on New York's published 2026 formula and caps. Your actual benefit is determined by New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) from your complete wage record and the reason your job ended. It is not legal advice and RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice, a benefit determination, or a guarantee of eligibility. Unemployment formulas and maximums change (often annually); figures are current as of 2026-06-02. Only New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) can determine your actual benefit and eligibility. RecordingLaw.com is not a government agency.