Neal Caffrey

Calculators

New York

New York Unemployment Calculator: WBA, Eligibility & Duration

New York Unemployment Calculator

Your base period is determined by the date your claim begins.

Your Estimated Benefits

Base Period Used
Estimated Weekly Benefit
Estimated Maximum Benefit Amount
Estimated Duration
This is an estimate. Your actual benefits are determined by the NYS Department of Labor after you file a claim. Benefit rates are subject to change.

What Is the New York Unemployment Calculator?

The New York Unemployment Calculator is an online tool that helps workers estimate their potential unemployment benefits before filing a claim with the New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL).

It takes into account:

  • Your claim start date (the date you file).
  • Your wages in the last four quarters (one year of work history).
  • New York’s eligibility rules, like minimum wage thresholds and maximum benefit caps.

The calculator doesn’t replace the official application process. Instead, it gives you a realistic preview of what you might receive if approved.

How Does the Calculator Work?

Here’s a breakdown of what happens when you use the tool:

  1. Choose your claim start date.
    • The tool uses this date to figure out your base period.
    • The base period is the timeframe the state uses to calculate your benefits.
  2. Enter your wages for each quarter.
    • You’ll input earnings for four quarters (three-month periods).
    • For example: January–March, April–June, July–September, October–December.
  3. Check eligibility.
    • To qualify, you must:
      • Have earned at least $3,576 in your highest-paid quarter.
      • Have wages in at least two quarters.
      • Have total wages equal to at least 1.5 times your highest quarter.
  4. Calculate your estimate.
    • The calculator estimates your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA).
    • It also shows your total maximum benefits and duration (up to 26 weeks).

Key Numbers to Know

  • Maximum Weekly Benefit: $504
  • Minimum Weekly Benefit: $143
  • Maximum Duration: 26 weeks

If your calculated weekly benefit is higher than $504, it will be capped at $504. If your wages are very low, you may qualify only for the minimum.

Example: Using the Calculator

Let’s say you earned:

  • Quarter 1: $8,000
  • Quarter 2: $8,500
  • Quarter 3: $8,200
  • Quarter 4: $8,800

The calculator would:

  • Identify your highest quarter ($8,800).
  • Divide it by 26 to estimate your weekly benefit.
  • Adjust to New York’s minimum and maximum benefit rules.
  • Show your total possible payout (weekly benefit × up to 26 weeks).

In this case, you’d likely qualify for the maximum weekly benefit of $504 for 26 weeks, totaling $13,104.

Why Use the Calculator?

  • Quick answers: No need to wait for official paperwork to know where you stand.
  • Better planning: Helps you budget while searching for new work.
  • Clarity: Cuts through the confusion of unemployment eligibility rules.

Important Disclaimer

The New York Unemployment Calculator is an estimate only. Your actual benefits are determined by the New York State Department of Labor after you file your claim. Rules can also change, so always confirm your eligibility and payment details with the official NYS DOL website.