Estimate your weekly UI payment rate and total duration by state.
Based on your prior wages and 2026 state formulas.
Most states require 15-20 weeks of work to qualify
Unemployment insurance (UI) benefits replace a portion of wages after job loss. Benefit amounts vary by state — typically replacing 40%–50% of your average weekly wage up to a state maximum. Most states use a base period of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters to calculate your benefit rate.
The weekly benefit amount (WBA) is typically 1/26 of your highest quarter earnings or 47%–60% of your average weekly wage — depending on your state's formula. State maximums range from $235/week (Mississippi) to $1,033/week (Massachusetts). Most states provide benefits for up to 26 weeks, though some states reduce duration when unemployment is low.
To qualify, you must have earned a minimum amount during your base period, be unemployed through no fault of your own (layoff or reduction in force — not voluntary resignation or termination for cause), be able and available to work, and be actively seeking new employment. Self-employed workers and contractors are generally not eligible for regular state UI benefits.
Yes — unemployment benefits are taxable federal income. You will receive a Form 1099-G showing total benefits paid. You can request optional federal tax withholding (10%) directly from your payments to avoid a large bill at filing.