How long benefits last
Up to 26 weeks of total unemployment at the full weekly rate, or the same dollar amount spread over more weeks if you work part-time.
New York Unemployment Benefits 2026
What New York unemployment insurance pays each week, how the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) works out your benefit, how long it lasts, how it is taxed, and where to apply.
New York unemployment at a glance
| Maximum weekly benefit | $869 |
|---|---|
| Minimum weekly benefit | $140 |
| Maximum duration | Up to 26 weeks |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| Federal income tax | Taxable |
| New York income tax | Taxable |
The maximum has applied since October 6, 2025; NYSDOL had not raised it as of October 2026.
How the weekly benefit is calculated
Your weekly benefit rate is 1/26 of your highest-quarter earnings in the base period. If that quarter was $3,575 or less, the rate is 1/25 of it instead, with a minimum of $140 for claims effective after January 5, 2026.
The unemployment benefits calculator applies New York's rules to your own wages: choose New York in it.
Waiting week
The first week of unemployment after you file is a waiting week for which no benefits are paid. You still have to claim it.
Is New York unemployment taxable?
State: New York taxes unemployment compensation: under longstanding state law it is subject to tax, so you report the full amount on your New York return.
Federal: Unemployment compensation is taxable on your federal return: the IRS says you generally must include in income all unemployment compensation you receive. Your state sends Form 1099-G showing what it paid, and you can choose to have federal income tax withheld by filing Form W-4V.
Federal tax is withheld only if you ask for it, so a year of benefits can leave a tax bill: the quarterly estimated tax calculator shows what to set aside.
How to apply
File your claim with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL). The notice it sends you with your weekly benefit amount is the official figure for your claim.
File a claim with NYSDOL →Frequently asked questions
How much does New York unemployment pay per week?
New York pays between $140 and $869 a week. The maximum has applied since October 6, 2025; NYSDOL had not raised it as of October 2026. Your weekly benefit rate is 1/26 of your highest-quarter earnings in the base period. If that quarter was $3,575 or less, the rate is 1/25 of it instead, with a minimum of $140 for claims effective after January 5, 2026.
How long can you collect unemployment in New York?
Up to 26 weeks of total unemployment at the full weekly rate, or the same dollar amount spread over more weeks if you work part-time.
Does New York have a waiting week for unemployment?
The first week of unemployment after you file is a waiting week for which no benefits are paid. You still have to claim it.
Is unemployment taxable in New York?
New York taxes unemployment compensation: under longstanding state law it is subject to tax, so you report the full amount on your New York return. Unemployment compensation is taxable on your federal return: the IRS says you generally must include in income all unemployment compensation you receive. Your state sends Form 1099-G showing what it paid, and you can choose to have federal income tax withheld by filing Form W-4V.
How do I apply for unemployment in New York?
Apply with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), the agency that decides your claim and pays benefits. Its notice of your benefit amount is the official figure.
Unemployment benefits in other states
California Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Texas Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Florida Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Pennsylvania Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Illinois Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Ohio Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Georgia Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
North Carolina Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Michigan Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
New Jersey Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Washington Unemployment Benefits
Weekly amount, weeks, waiting week and tax.
Sources
Related Calculators
Unemployment Benefits Calculator
Estimate weekly UI benefits for CA, TX, NY, FL, OH — plus a PA reference
Severance Tax Calculator
Supplemental wage withholding, FICA, state tax on separation pay
Quarterly Estimated Tax
Four installments (4/15, 6/15, 9/15, 1/15), safe harbor 90%/100%
State Income Tax
All 50-state brackets, credits, deductions for your filing status