Labor & Employment (Unemployment) in New York

passed both · New York · Senate May 29, 2026

S 2076: Requires that notice of initial determination for unemployment benefits be provided

Requires that notice of initial determinations for unemployment benefits be provided to claimants within 30 days of such claimant furnishing all necessary documentation, and if the commissioner is unable to issue a determination within such time frame they shall inform the claimant of the new estimated time frame for the issuance of a determination.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6168: Increases the unemployment insurance minimum benefit amount

This bill raises the minimum weekly unemployment insurance benefit in New York to $860, effective October 2025. It directly affects unemployed workers who qualify for benefits under the state's unemployment insurance program, particularly those with lower earnings. The key provision sets $860 as the new floor for all eligible claimants, replacing previous minimums that ranged from $40 to $100. The change applies to all qualifying claimants meeting the base period requirements, ensuring no one receives less than $860 per week in benefits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

vetoed · New York · Assembly Dec 5, 2025

A 33: Relates to the promotion of employment of people with disabilities

This bill establishes a 16-member task force within New York's Department of Labor to address unemployment among people with disabilities. The task force, including representatives from state agencies, disability organizations, labor, business, and people with disabilities themselves, will study employment barriers and review successful programs. Its key duties include developing strategies to increase competitive integrated employment (meaningful jobs in regular workplaces), ensuring state agencies model inclusive hiring, and making recommendations within two years. The task force must report annually to the governor and legislature, with findings made publicly available online. This directly affects state agencies, employers, and people with disabilities seeking meaningful work opportunities.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment Tags People with Disabilities

passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 2596: Relates to an individual's right to request a hearing regarding an unemployment insurance benefits claim

Relates to an individual's right to request a hearing regarding an unemployment insurance benefits claim; provides such a hearing can be requested if benefits or a written notice of determination denying their claim are not received within thirty days of providing all required information.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4476: Relates to decreasing the length of the suspension period applicable to certain striking workers who seek to obtain unemployment insurance benefits

Relates to decreasing the length of the suspension period applicable to certain individuals who lose their jobs due to a labor dispute, such as a strike, and who seek to obtain unemployment insurance benefits; decreases the suspension period from two consecutive weeks to one week; provides that the waiting period and suspension period shall be served concurrently.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Unemployment

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 17, 2025

S 7461: Relates to disqualification from receiving unemployment benefits when the claimant's employer maintained, refused or failed to cure a health or safety condition that made the environment unsuitable

Relates to disqualification from receiving benefits for separation from employment in cases where the claimant's employer maintained or refused to cure a health or safety condition that made the environment unsuitable.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2595: Relates to providing reforms to the New York state worker adjustment and retraining notification act; repealer

Removes the exclusion of part-time employees from certain definitions relating to employment and expanding the definition of employer; removes certain exclusions for employer notice requirements for the closing of a facility; removes the discretionary reduction of penalties for employers for certain acts or omissions concerning notice requirements for mass layoffs, relocations or employment loss; removes the maximum time period for determining back pay and other liabilities for certain employees who experience employment loss; allows the attorney general to take certain action to assist certain employees in receiving back pay and other liabilities; requires employers to pay severance to employees when there is a plant closing, relocation, or mass layoff.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Unemployment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4644: Allows employees that refuse a coronavirus vaccine to be eligible for unemployment insurance

This bill amends New York's labor law to explicitly allow employees who refuse a coronavirus vaccine to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. It adds language stating that unemployment due to "choosing not to receive a coronavirus vaccine" cannot disqualify someone from benefits, covering both government mandates (like health department orders) and employer vaccine policies. The bill specifically prevents denial of benefits for this reason, including cases where refusal stems from mandatory vaccination requirements by employers or state health authorities. This change modifies existing eligibility rules under sections 591 and 593 of the labor law. The policy directly affects workers who face termination for vaccine refusal under current employer or public health mandates.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5667: Relates to the ability of an individual collecting unemployment to obtain part-time work

This bill allows individuals collecting unemployment benefits to work part-time without losing all their benefits. It directly affects unemployed workers seeking partial-time jobs while maintaining financial support. Key provisions require claimants to report part-time earnings each week, with benefits reduced by 50% of that income. False reporting of earnings may result in penalties under existing unemployment laws. The changes update New York's labor law to accommodate part-time work during unemployment claims.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5726: Relates to employers' obligations to report wages for the purposes of unemployment benefits, the payment of unemployment benefits, and employer penalties for non-compliance

Requires employers to report certain employees' wages for the purposes of unemployment benefits; relates to the payment of unemployment benefits, and employer penalties for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Unemployment

All labor & employment bills