Unemployment Benefit Calculator — Weekly Benefit Amount by State

Estimate your weekly state unemployment insurance benefit using 2026 state formulas, caps, and durations.

State

Highest quarter earnings (base period)

Highest of the 4 quarters in your base period (typically the 4 calendar quarters before the quarter you file).

Total base-period earnings

Weeks of qualifying employment

wks

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How to use

1 Enter your highest-quarter base period wages — earnings from one quarter (3 months) of your base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file).
2 Enter your total base period earnings (all 4 quarters of base period combined).
3 Select your state. State formulas and maximum benefits vary widely (WA $1,152 max → MS $235 max).
4 Click Calculate to see estimated weekly benefit amount and total benefit available over the maximum benefit duration.
5 File your claim with your state's UI agency immediately after job loss — most states begin paying after a 1-week waiting period.

2026 Maximum Weekly UI Benefit by State (Selected)

State	Max weekly benefit	Max weeks
Washington	$1,152	26
Massachusetts	$1,105	30
Minnesota	$929	26
New Jersey	$905	26
Connecticut	$781	26
California	$450	26
New York	$504	26
Texas	$605	26
Florida	$275	12
North Carolina	$350	12
Mississippi	$235	26

UI Eligibility Requirements (Most States)

Eligibility varies by state but generally requires:

Separated through no fault — laid off, reduction in force, company closure. Quitting voluntarily or being fired for misconduct typically disqualifies, with state-specific exceptions.
Minimum base period earnings — varies; typically $1,500–$5,000 in the highest quarter.
Available and able to work — actively seeking employment with documented job-search activities.
US authorization to work — citizens, permanent residents, and some visa holders qualify; tourists and undocumented workers do not.

Benefit Calculation Methods

States use one of three formulas: (1) Highest-quarter wages — divide highest quarter by a state-specific divisor (most common). (2) Annual wage — typically 50% of the average weekly wage. (3) Multistep tables — Pennsylvania, Maryland, others use lookup tables. Either way, benefits are usually capped at 50–60% of your prior weekly earnings.

Are UI Benefits Taxable?

Yes — UI benefits are taxable as ordinary income at the federal level. Most states also tax them, with exceptions: AK, FL, NV, NH, PA, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY don't levy state income tax at all; CA, MT, NJ, OR, PA, VA exempt UI specifically. Have 10% federal tax withheld via Form W-4V to avoid a tax bill in April.

When You Don't Qualify

UI doesn't cover: independent contractors (1099 workers), self-employed, gig economy workers (without state PUA expansion), employees who quit voluntarily without good cause, those fired for misconduct, and most workers refusing suitable work. Some states have alternative programs for these situations — check your state's workforce agency.

FAQ

Q How much unemployment will I get per week?

Generally 40-60% of your prior weekly wage, capped at your state's maximum. Examples for $1,000/week prior earnings: Washington ~$640 (capped at $1,152), Texas ~$415, California ~$450 (cap), Florida ~$275 (cap). High earners hit state caps quickly.

Q How long can I collect unemployment?

Most states pay 26 weeks. Massachusetts pays 30. Florida and North Carolina pay just 12 weeks (the shortest). Some states offer extended benefits during periods of high unemployment under federal Extended Benefits or state-specific programs. The federal CARES Act expansions ended September 2021.

Q Can I get unemployment if I quit my job?

Generally no, but exceptions exist for "good cause" quits in most states: documented harassment, unsafe working conditions, employer breaching contract, or relocation following a spouse's military orders. Burden of proof is on you. Quitting because you "didn't like the job" disqualifies in every state.

Q Are unemployment benefits taxable?

Yes — UI benefits are taxable federal ordinary income on Form 1099-G. Most states also tax them. Have 10% federal tax withheld voluntarily via Form W-4V to avoid a surprise tax bill. State income tax: CA, MT, NJ, OR, PA, VA exempt UI specifically; AK/FL/NV/NH/SD/TN/TX/WA/WY have no state income tax at all.

Q How quickly do unemployment payments start?

Most states have a 1-week waiting period before benefits begin (CT, MD, NJ, NY, NV, PA, VA waive this). After your first weekly certification, payments typically issue within 2-3 weeks. Direct deposit is fastest; debit cards are common for those without bank accounts. Some states had pandemic-era backlogs that have since cleared.

Q Do I have to look for work while on unemployment?

Yes in nearly every state. Most require documented job-search activities — typically 3-5 contacts per week, plus weekly certification. Failing to comply can disqualify you retroactively, requiring repayment of benefits. Keep written records of every application, contact, and interview.

Q What is the base period?

The first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your initial UI claim. So if you file in May 2026, base period is January 2025 – December 2025 (Q1-Q4 2025). Wages from your most recent quarter (Jan-Mar 2026) are not counted in the base period — alternative base period rules vary by state.

Q Can gig workers and independent contractors get unemployment?

Generally no — traditional state UI doesn't cover 1099 workers. The pandemic-era Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) covered gig workers but ended September 2021. Some states have explored permanent gig-worker programs but none are nationwide as of 2026. Check your state for alternatives like Disability Insurance or self-employment safety nets.