NY A11607

Increases the wage base subject to unemployment insurance contributions annually from $8,500 in 2010 to $18,000 by 2019, then ties future increases to 18 percent of the state's average annual wage with automatic adjustments based on fund balance thresholds.

Raises unemployment insurance contribution thresholds for employer liability from $300 to 1 percent of average annual wage per quarter, and from $500 to 1.5 percent for domestic service workers.

Increases maximum weekly unemployment benefits from $365 to $475 effective January 1, 2011, and gradually increases the maximum benefit rate to 50 percent of average weekly wage by July 2018, then maintains that rate thereafter.

Modifies disqualification requirements by increasing the earnings threshold from 5 times to 10 times a claimant's weekly benefit rate before eligibility resumes following voluntary separation, refusal of employment, or misconduct.

Adds grounds for charging benefits to the general account instead of individual employer accounts for voluntary separations due to domestic violence, family illness or disability, or relocation to accompany spouse's employment change.

Lowers the employee threshold for shared work programs from five to two full-time employees, and introduces civil penalties equal to 25 percent of overpaid benefits for fraudulent claims.