Bill Summary: A04821

• Establishes an unemployment bridge program to provide monthly wage replacement ($1,200 for total unemployment, $800 for partial unemployment in 2023, adjusted annually) to workers ineligible for traditional unemployment insurance, including domestic workers, day laborers, construction workers, street vendors, self-employed workers, and undocumented immigrants.

• Creates a $500 million unemployment bridge program fund with 15% available for administrative costs; eligible applicants can receive up to 6 monthly payments per program year with retroactive eligibility to first month of job loss.

• Requires applicants to demonstrate residency in New York, identity through specified documentation, and work history (at least 3 months of work earning $4,050 in prior 12 months) through flexible evidence options including pay stubs, bank records, notarized testimony, or tax filings.

• Establishes a Digital Ad Tax (DATA) on companies deriving revenue from digital advertising services in New York, with progressive rates ranging from 2.5% to 10% based on global annual gross revenues, with tax revenues deposited into the unemployment bridge program fund.

• Implements strict confidentiality protections prohibiting disclosure of applicant records to immigration enforcement agencies and establishes navigator programs through nonprofits to assist underserved populations in applying for benefits.