NY Just Approved a Huge Unemployment Increase — $869 Max Weekly Benefit Begins October 2025
By Steve Levine
Updated: October 10, 2025
What Changed
For the first time in six years, New York is boosting unemployment checks. Starting October 13, 2025, the maximum payout will rise from $504 to $869 per week. That’s a jump of more than $300 — and it could mean hundreds of extra dollars in struggling households’ pockets every single week.Who Will See Bigger Checks
Not everyone automatically gets $869. New York calculates benefits based on your past earnings. If your wage history is high enough, you’ll qualify for the new maximum. Early estimates suggest more than half of jobless workers will see at least some increase.Why is Unemployment Going Up Now?
Inflation, rent, food, and utilities have all climbed since the last update in 2019. Advocates say the raise is long overdue — especially as New York State's old $504 cap lagged far behind other states.How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?
Find all the latest class actions you can qualify for by getting notified of new lawsuits as soon as they are open to claims:Do You Need to Apply to Qualify for the Raised Amount?
No application is required. If your claim is active or filed on or after October 13, 2025, the new formula and maximum apply automatically.When Will I See the New Amount?
Any week of unemployment starting October 13, 2025 will reflect the new maximum.Do Lower Earners Get the Full $869?
No. Benefits are tied to past wages. The cap only applies to those with high enough earnings.Will This Affect Federal Taxes?
Unemployment insurance is taxable income federally. The increase does not change that.How Is My Weekly Check Calculated in New York?
New York uses half of your average weekly wage from your highest paid quarter. Average weekly wage equals highest quarter wages divided by 13. Minimum is $150. The cap is $869 for weeks on or after October 13, 2025.| Highest Quarter Wages | Average Weekly Wage (÷ 13) | 50% of AWW | Weekly Check
before Oct 13, 2025 (min $150, max $504) |
Weekly Check
on/after Oct 13, 2025 (min $150, max $869) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,000 | $231 | $115 | $150 | $150 |
| $6,500 | $500 | $250 | $250 | $250 |
| $10,400 | $800 | $400 | $400 | $400 |
| $13,000 | $1,000 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| $20,800 | $1,600 | $800 | $504 | $800 |
| $26,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 | $504 | $869 |
| $30,000 | $2,308 | $1,154 | $504 | $869 |
| $40,000 | $3,077 | $1,538 | $504 | $869 |
| $52,000 | $4,000 | $2,000 | $504 | $869 |
| $70,000 | $5,385 | $2,692 | $504 | $869 |
Formula: Weekly check = 50% of your average weekly wage from your highest quarter. Average weekly wage = highest quarter wages ÷ 13. Minimum $150. Cap is $504 before Oct 13, 2025, and $869 on or after Oct 13, 2025.
Key Takeaways
• Maximum weekly benefit jumps from $504 to $869
• Effective date: October 13, 2025
• First raise since 2019
• Over half of jobless New Yorkers expected to benefit
Sources
• New York State Department of Labor• Governor’s Office of New York
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| Program Summary | |
| Status | Increase approved |
|---|---|
| Effective date | October 13, 2025 |
| Old maximum | $504 per week |
| New maximum | $869 per week |
| Application required | No. Automatic adjustment |
| Who benefits | Workers with qualifying wage history |