Increase to Unemployment Benefits (UIB)

New York State has increased its maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit (UIB) from $504 to $869.

This change is possible because New York paid off its $7 billion federal loan to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund through the 2025 state budget. As a result, benefits can increase, and employers will no longer have to pay the Interest Assessment Surcharge. Minimum UI benefits will remain the same. See NYS Governor’s press release https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-and-labor-leaders-announce-maximum-weekly-benefit-increase-unemployed-workers.

The Department of Labor states that “over a quarter of customers (27%) will receive the new maximum, and over a quarter of additional customers (28%) will see their weekly payments increase” (https://dol.ny.gov/mbr).

Unemployment insurance claimants will see an increase starting with payments issued the week of October 13, and increases are expected for many claimants even if they are not currently receiving the highest rate.

The weekly benefit payment amount is determined by how much a worker earned during a specific base period. New Yorkers can use this tool to estimate their weekly Unemployment Insurance benefit amount.