New York Unemployment Calculator
The maximum weekly unemployment benefit in New York is $869 for up to 26 weeks — the 6th-highest in the US. Estimate a rough weekly benefit from your prior wage below.
Rough estimate only This is a simplified approximation, not the New York formula. Your actual benefit is calculated from your base-period earnings and depends on your work history and the year. Most people receive less than the state maximum. Check with your state unemployment office for your real amount.
Note This is a rough estimate of the New York maximum and standard duration. Your actual benefit depends on your earnings history and is calculated by the state — check with your New York unemployment office. Do not treat any figure here as your guaranteed amount.
Estimated New York weekly benefit by prior salary
| Prior salary | Est. weekly | Rough total |
|---|---|---|
| $30,000/yr | $288 | $7,500 |
| $45,000/yr | $433 | $11,250 |
| $60,000/yr | $577 | $15,000 |
| $80,000/yr | $769 | $20,000 |
| $100,000/yr | $869max | $22,594 |
Estimate = ~50% of prior weekly pay, capped at the $869 New York maximum, over up to 26weeks. “max” means the cap is reached. Real amounts vary.
How to estimate unemployment benefits in New York
- 01 Enter the wage you earned before losing your job.
- 02 Pick per year or per week — the tool takes about half of your weekly pay.
- 03 Read the estimated weekly benefit, capped at the New York max of $869, and a rough total over 26 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much is unemployment in New York?
In New York the maximum weekly benefit is $869, paid for up to 26 weeks. That is the cap — most people get less. Your actual weekly benefit is calculated from your base-period earnings (roughly your recent wage history), so it depends on what you earned. Check with the New York unemployment office for your exact amount.
What is the maximum unemployment benefit in New York?
$869 per week is the New York maximum in 2026, the 6th-highest in the US. The standard maximum duration is 26 weeks. A claimant only reaches the cap with high enough prior earnings.
How is my New York unemployment benefit calculated?
New York, like all states, bases your weekly benefit on your earnings during a "base period" — typically a recent ~12-month window — not on a single flat rate. This calculator uses a rough rule of thumb (about 50% of your prior weekly pay, capped at the $869 state maximum) to give a ballpark. The real formula, minimums and any dependency allowances are set by the state, so treat the result as an estimate only.
How long do unemployment benefits last in New York?
Regular New York benefits last up to 26 weeks in a standard economy. Additional weeks may be available during federally declared extended-benefit periods, but those are not guaranteed.
Why is my New York benefit different from this estimate?
Because this tool is a simplified approximation, not the New York formula. The state uses your specific base-period wages, applies its own minimum and maximum, and updates the numbers periodically. Two people who earned the same headline salary can receive different amounts. Always verify with your state unemployment office.
Is this New York unemployment calculator free?
Yes — it is completely free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you enter is uploaded anywhere.
Unemployment in nearby Northeast states
More New York calculators
Explore other New York tax, wage and cost calculators.