New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A10304

Introduced
2/20/26  

Caption

Relates to the calculation of a claimant's weekly unemployment insurance benefit

Impact

By aligning the calculation of unemployment benefits with average wages across the state, A10304 seeks to enhance the economic support provided to individuals during periods of unemployment. This amendment would potentially increase benefits for lower-wage earners, allowing them to receive a more substantial level of support that reflects their previous earnings. Additionally, the bill would serve to stabilize the financial well-being of unemployed workers, which may have positive implications for local economies.

Summary

Bill A10304 aims to amend the labor law concerning the calculation of weekly unemployment insurance benefits for claimants in New York. The bill proposes a new formula for determining a claimant's average weekly wage, which would now be based on their average wages in comparison to the state average weekly wage. The changes are intended to provide a more equitable system for distributing unemployment benefits, ensuring that the benefits correspond more closely with a claimant's previous earnings and the economic landscape of the state.

Contention

Discussions around Bill A10304 may center on the implications of adjusting benefit calculations, particularly in terms of fiscal impact on the state’s unemployment insurance fund. Questions may arise regarding how these changes could affect the overall funding and sustainability of the unemployment insurance system. Critics may express concern about the ease of implementing the new formula and the accuracy of state wage averages that will determine benefits, while supporters are likely to advocate for enhanced support for struggling workers in alignment with their prior wages.

Companion Bills

NY S09384

Same As Provides that a claimant's weekly unemployment insurance benefit shall be calculated based on such claimant's average weekly wage compared to the state average weekly wage.

Previously Filed As

NY S09384

Provides that a claimant's weekly unemployment insurance benefit shall be calculated based on such claimant's average weekly wage compared to the state average weekly wage.

NY S09381

Provides that the unemployment insurance minimum weekly benefit amount shall be the greater of two hundred fifty dollars or fifteen percent of the state average weekly wage.

NY A10048

Provides that the unemployment insurance minimum weekly benefit amount shall be the greater of two hundred fifty dollars or fifteen percent of the state average weekly wage.

NY A06168

Increases the unemployment insurance minimum benefit amount to $860 per week.

NY A08936

Provides for unemployment insurance financing reform; defines terms; provides for new calculations for experience rating.

NY S09382

Provides that a claimant eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits shall also be entitled to receive a dependent allowance which shall begin at forty-five dollars and shall increase annually by an amount determined by the department of labor; directs the department of labor to report to the legislature following each calendar quarter certain information about dependent allowances and to make such reports available on its website; provides that a claimant's maximum benefit amount, including such dependent allowance, shall not exceed one hundred percent of such claimant's average weekly wage from their highest-earning calendar quarter.

NY A09555

Provides that unemployment insurance benefits shall not be paid in an amount greater than thirty times the claimant's weekly benefit rate in any benefit year, subject to certain exceptions.

NY A09643

Provides that a claimant eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits shall also be entitled to receive a dependent allowance which shall begin at forty-five dollars and shall increase annually by an amount determined by the department of labor; directs the department of labor to report to the legislature following each calendar quarter certain information about dependent allowances and to make such reports available on its website; provides that a claimant's maximum benefit amount, including such dependent allowance, shall not exceed one hundred percent of such claimant's average weekly wage from their highest-earning calendar quarter.

NY S09383

Provides that unemployment insurance benefits shall not be paid in an amount greater than thirty times the claimant's weekly benefit rate in any benefit year, subject to certain exceptions.

NY S0622

Eliminates the "until June 30, 2025" sunset on the increase in the total amount of earnings a partial-unemployment insurance claimant can receive before being entirely disqualified for unemployment insurance benefits.

Similar Bills

NY S09384

Provides that a claimant's weekly unemployment insurance benefit shall be calculated based on such claimant's average weekly wage compared to the state average weekly wage.

NY S09382

Provides that a claimant eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits shall also be entitled to receive a dependent allowance which shall begin at forty-five dollars and shall increase annually by an amount determined by the department of labor; directs the department of labor to report to the legislature following each calendar quarter certain information about dependent allowances and to make such reports available on its website; provides that a claimant's maximum benefit amount, including such dependent allowance, shall not exceed one hundred percent of such claimant's average weekly wage from their highest-earning calendar quarter.

NY A09643

Provides that a claimant eligible to receive unemployment insurance benefits shall also be entitled to receive a dependent allowance which shall begin at forty-five dollars and shall increase annually by an amount determined by the department of labor; directs the department of labor to report to the legislature following each calendar quarter certain information about dependent allowances and to make such reports available on its website; provides that a claimant's maximum benefit amount, including such dependent allowance, shall not exceed one hundred percent of such claimant's average weekly wage from their highest-earning calendar quarter.

IN SB0162

Department of workforce development.

UT HB0124

Veteran Armed Forces Property Tax Exemption Amendments

NJ A2752

Prohibits homestead property tax rebates and credits and ANCHOR property tax benefits from being paid to property owners who move out of State.

NY S09381

Provides that the unemployment insurance minimum weekly benefit amount shall be the greater of two hundred fifty dollars or fifteen percent of the state average weekly wage.

NY A10048

Provides that the unemployment insurance minimum weekly benefit amount shall be the greater of two hundred fifty dollars or fifteen percent of the state average weekly wage.