NY S08423

Increases the wage base for unemployment insurance contributions gradually from $8,500 to $18,000 by 2019, then ties future increases to 18% of state average annual wage with automatic adjustments based on fund balance conditions starting in 2021.

Raises employer contribution liability threshold from $300 to 1% of average annual wage (approximately $310), and for domestic service from $500 to 1.5% of average annual wage, effective January 1, 2011.

Increases maximum weekly unemployment benefit amounts from $365 to $475 starting January 1, 2011, with phased increases to 50% of average weekly wage by July 2018, and maintains 50% thereafter.

Changes disqualification period for voluntary separation, job refusal, and misconduct from five times to ten times the weekly benefit rate before claimant can receive benefits again.

Adds civil penalty of 25% on overpaid unemployment benefits obtained through false statements, allows county clerk filing of final determinations as judgments, and allows recovery through offset rights.

Lowers shared work program eligibility requirement from five to two full-time employees and repeals wage information penalty provision.