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Unemployment Benefits Calculator

Estimate your weekly benefit amount (WBA) and total unemployment benefits. Select your state and enter high-quarter wages or annual salary — results update instantly for all 50 states and DC.

Updated July 2026 · Free estimate · Verify with your state UI agency

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026

$1,208

Max weekly (WA)

$1,105

Max weekly (MA)

26 weeks

Typical duration

51 covered

Jurisdictions

Most states use base-period wages — often high-quarter ÷ 26, capped between the state min and max. Defaults: California · $15,000 high quarter. Switch state or salary chips to compare.

State & wages

Range $50–$450/wk · California page →

$

Highest-earning quarter in your base period.

$

Uses salary ÷ 4 as high quarter.

California estimate
up to 26 wks

Weekly benefit

$450

per week

Max total

$11,700

26 weeks

State min
$50
Your WBA
$450
State max
$450
Based on high-quarter wages of $15,000. Estimate only — file with California's UI agency for your official amount.
Common formula: high-quarter ÷ 26, then capped between state min and max. Your state may use a different divisor or dependents.

How to use this calculator

1

Pick your state

Each state has its own min/max weekly benefit and duration.

2

Enter wages

Use high-quarter wages, or annual salary (we estimate HQ as salary ÷ 4).

3

See your WBA

Get weekly benefit, max weeks, and total benefits instantly.

Tax reminder: Unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have federal (and sometimes state) tax withheld. Eligibility and base-period rules vary by state.

How unemployment benefit amounts are set

Each state sets its own minimum and maximum weekly benefit and the formula that uses your base-period wages. Many states use a divisor (often 26) applied to your high-quarter wages: your benefit is roughly high-quarter ÷ 26, then rounded down and capped between the state minimum and maximum.

Common formula (many states)
WBA = High-Quarter Wages ÷ 26
Then clamped between state minimum and maximum weekly benefit
Base period

Usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file.

High quarter

The single highest-earning quarter — the key input for many WBA formulas.

State caps

Every state has a min and max WBA. Your amount is capped at the maximum.

Unemployment benefits by state

Maximum weekly benefits and weeks differ significantly by state. Washington ($1,208) and Massachusetts ($1,105) have the highest maximums; Mississippi ($235) and Florida ($275) are among the lowest. Compare all 50 states and DC →

Highest maximum benefits
Washington$1,208/wk26 wks
Massachusetts$1,105/wk30 wks
Rhode Island$931/wk26 wks
Minnesota$914/wk26 wks
Lowest maximum benefits
Mississippi$235/wk26 wks
Florida$275/wk12 wks
Louisiana$275/wk26 wks
Alabama$275/wk26 wks

Eligibility and how to file

You must generally have lost your job through no fault of your own, meet base-period earnings requirements, and be able and available to work. File with your state UI agency as soon as possible after becoming unemployed.

Involuntary job loss

Laid off, company downsizing, or position eliminated. Not quitting voluntarily or being fired for cause.

Base-period earnings

Earned enough during the base period. Requirements vary but often require wages in at least 2 quarters.

Able and available to work

Actively seeking employment and available to start work. Part-time work may be allowed while receiving benefits.

File immediately

File with your state UI agency online, by phone, or in person as soon as you become unemployed. There may be a 1-week waiting period.

Unemployment on $50k, $75k & $100k — CA vs TX vs WA

Estimates use annual salary ÷ 4 as high-quarter wages, then each state's formula and max WBA.

$50,000 salary

unemployment on $50k salary · HQ ≈ $12,500

California$450/wk
$11,700 over 26 wkshits $450 max
Texas$480/wk
$12,480 over 26 wksunder $605 max
Washington$480/wk
$12,480 over 26 wksunder $1,208 max
$75,000 salary

unemployment on $75k salary · HQ ≈ $18,750

California$450/wk
$11,700 over 26 wkshits $450 max
Texas$605/wk
$15,730 over 26 wkshits $605 max
Washington$721/wk
$18,746 over 26 wksunder max
$100,000 salary

unemployment on $100k salary · HQ ≈ $25,000

California$450/wk
$11,700 over 26 wkshits $450 max
Texas$605/wk
$15,730 over 26 wkshits $605 max
Washington$961/wk
$24,986 over 26 wksunder max

Unemployment calculator by state

Open a dedicated page with state-specific ranges, duration, and examples:

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew York StateNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

UI wage replacement rate: how much of your salary does unemployment cover?

UI replaces about 40–50% of prior wages on average nationally — but high earners hit state max caps quickly. (Source: EPI; PIIE.)

Annual salaryWeekly payCA ($450 max)WA ($1,208 max)FL ($275 max)
$40,000$76958%100%36%
$60,000$1,15439%100%24%
$80,000$1,53829%75%18%
$100,000$1,92323%60%14%
$150,000$2,88516%40%10%

The UI tax trap: 10% withholding often isn't enough

UI is fully taxable federal ordinary income in 2026. Elect 10% withholding with Form W-4V — but at a 22% bracket you may still owe more at filing.

UI scenarioTotal UI10% withheldTax @ 22%Shortfall
$300/wk × 20 wks$6,000$600$1,320$720
$500/wk × 26 wks$13,000$1,300$2,860$1,560
$800/wk × 26 wks$20,800$2,080$4,576$2,496

Alternate Base Period (ABP)

The standard base period skips your most recent lag quarter. An ABP uses your four most recently completed quarters — helpful after a raise or job change. Many states apply ABP automatically if you fail the standard period.

Standard base period

Filing in May 2026 → often Jan–Dec 2025. Recent Jan–Apr 2026 wages may be excluded.

Alternate base period

Filing in May 2026 → often Apr 2025–Mar 2026, capturing your most recent complete quarter.

State benefit ranges
Washington$1,20826w
Massachusetts$1,10530w
Rhode Island$93126w
Minnesota$91426w
New Jersey$90526w
Illinois$85926w
California$45026w
Florida$27512w
Mississippi$23526w
WBA formula examples
WBA = High-Quarter ÷ 26
$15,000 high quarter$576/wk
$20,000 high quarter$769/wk
$25,000 high quarter$961/wk
Quick facts
File immediately after job loss — don't wait
Benefits are taxable federal income
Actively seek work while claiming
Report any part-time earnings
Waiting period: ~1 week in most states
Maximum 26 weeks in most states

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Base periods, high-quarter wages, state maxes, taxes, ABP, and filing tips

The base period is usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. For example, if you file in January 2026, the base period is often Oct 2024–Sept 2025. Your wages in that period determine eligibility and benefit amount. Many states use your highest-earning quarter (high quarter) in the formula.

High-quarter wages are the total wages you earned in the single highest-earning quarter of your base period. Many states calculate your weekly benefit as your high-quarter wages divided by 26 (or a similar divisor), then cap that amount between the state minimum and maximum weekly benefit.

Estimates using annual salary ÷ 4 as high-quarter wages: At $50,000 — California ~$450/wk ($11,700 over 26 weeks, at the CA max), Texas ~$480/wk ($12,480), Washington ~$480/wk ($12,480). At $75,000 — CA still ~$450/wk (capped), TX ~$605/wk (capped), WA ~$721/wk. At $100,000 — CA ~$450/wk, TX ~$605/wk, WA ~$961/wk. Your state's formula and max weeks may differ — use the calculator above for an exact estimate.

Maximum weekly unemployment benefits vary by state. As of mid-2026, examples include Washington ($1,208), Massachusetts ($1,105), Rhode Island ($931), Minnesota ($914), and New Jersey ($905). States with lower maximums include Mississippi ($235), Alabama ($275), Louisiana ($275), and Florida ($275). Use this calculator and select your state to see its min and max weekly benefit.

Most states offer up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits. Some states offer fewer (e.g. 12–20 weeks) or slightly more (e.g. 28–30 weeks). Duration can also depend on state unemployment rates. This calculator uses each state's typical maximum weeks.

Many states use your high-quarter (highest-earning quarter) wages in the base period: divide that amount by 26 (or your state's divisor), then apply the state's minimum and maximum weekly benefit. This unemployment benefits calculator does that for you—select your state and enter your high-quarter wages or annual salary to get an estimate.

Yes. Unemployment insurance is taxable income for federal income tax. You report it on your tax return and can choose to have tax withheld from your benefits. State tax treatment varies; some states do not tax unemployment benefits.

Each state uses its own formula, eligibility rules, and base-period definition. This calculator uses a common approximation (high-quarter ÷ 26, state min/max). Your state may use a different divisor, alternate base period, or dependents. Always confirm with your state unemployment agency.

UI benefits replace approximately 40–50% of prior wages on average nationally, but the actual percentage depends heavily on your income level and your state's maximum weekly benefit (WBA). Lower-income workers typically get closer to the 50% target. High earners hit the state maximum cap much sooner: earning $100,000/year ($1,923/week) in California, the $450 state max replaces only 23% of prior pay; in Washington, the $1,208 max replaces about 63%. Workers earning under $50,000/year in most states see 45–55% replacement. The national average replacement rate across all UI claims is approximately 40% of prior wages (EPI). Because of the state max cap, the higher your income, the more important it is to have an emergency fund to bridge the gap. Source: Economic Policy Institute — UI Benefit Levels; PIIE; BLS.

Yes — UI benefits are fully taxable ordinary income for federal tax purposes in 2026. The ARPA $10,200 exemption applied only to tax year 2020 and is no longer available. You can elect 10% federal withholding by submitting Form W-4V to your state unemployment agency. However, 10% may not cover your full liability: at a 22% marginal bracket, $500/week × 26 weeks = $13,000 in UI income creates a $2,860 federal tax bill — but only $1,300 is withheld at 10%, leaving a $1,560 shortfall at filing. UI income also increases your MAGI, which can reduce ACA marketplace premium tax credits. State tax treatment varies: California, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Virginia do not tax UI benefits. Source: IRS Publication 525; IRS Form W-4V.

The standard base period covers the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters — meaning your most recent 3–6 months of wages are excluded due to the 'lag quarter.' An Alternate Base Period (ABP) uses your 4 most recently completed quarters, capturing those recent wages. Workers who recently got a raise, changed to a higher-paying job, or returned from leave often qualify for higher benefits — or qualify at all — under the ABP. More than 30 states offer an ABP or automatic fallback. You typically don't need to request it: your state agency will apply the ABP automatically if you don't qualify under the standard base period. States with ABP include CO, MA, ME, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, RI, SC, VT, WA, WI, and others. If your claim was denied for insufficient wages, ask your state agency whether an ABP applies. Source: DOL UI Law Comparisons 2023; NELP.

Typically: Social Security number, driver's license or ID, employment history (employer names, addresses, dates, wages) for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. Some states ask for banking info for direct deposit. Have pay stubs or W-2s ready if the agency needs wage verification.

Often yes, but you must report earnings. Many states reduce your weekly benefit by a portion of part-time wages (sometimes with a small earnings disregard). Failing to report work can lead to overpayments and penalties. Check your state's rules each week when you certify.

It depends on the state. Some states delay or reduce UI while you receive severance allocated to specific weeks; others treat true severance as non-disqualifying. Use our severance pay calculator and confirm with your state UI agency how your package is classified.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Each state uses its own formula, eligibility rules, and base-period definition. Verify with your state's official unemployment insurance program.

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