BUFFALO, N.Y. — Unemployed New Yorkers will see a significant boost in their weekly unemployment checks starting next week, as the state raises the maximum benefit from $500 to more than $800.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the increase, saying it was made possible after New York paid off a $7 billion federal loan that had been used to keep the state’s unemployment fund afloat during the pandemic.

The new benefits aim to provide greater financial support to those out of work while reflecting the state’s improved economic position.

Starting the week of Oct. 13, New Yorkers will see an increase in their weekly unemployment insurance (UI) payments, with the maximum benefit rising from $504 to $869.

Before the pandemic, the UI Trust Fund had a positive balance of nearly $2.5 billion. Economic

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