Bill > A06168

This bill amends the New York labor law to increase the minimum unemployment insurance weekly benefit amount to $860, regardless of the claimant's earnings during their base period. Currently, the weekly benefit amount is calculated based on a fraction of the remuneration paid during the highest calendar quarter of a worker's base period, with varying calculations depending on the amount earned. The bill modifies existing language to ensure that no matter how a claimant's benefit is calculated (whether they worked in all four quarters, two to three quarters, or have different levels of quarterly earnings), they will receive at least $860 per week. The change will take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law, and it represents a significant increase in the minimum unemployment benefit, which previously ranged from $100 to $420 depending on the year and calculation method. This adjustment aims to provide more financial support to unemployed workers by guaranteeing a higher minimum weekly benefit amount.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6168