How Much Unemployment
Will You Get?
Your weekly benefit depends on your state and your salary. Use our free estimator to see your number — before you file.
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Before you plan your budget, you need a realistic number. Unemployment benefits vary dramatically by state — from as low as $235/week maximum in Mississippi to over $1,000/week in Massachusetts. Where you live matters as much as what you earned.
Enter your details below to get a personalized estimate
This is an estimate only. Actual amounts depend on your specific wage history and state formula. Always verify with your state’s official unemployment agency.
How States Calculate Your Benefit Amount
Every state uses a formula based on your earnings during a specific period called the “base period” — typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim.
Most states then take a percentage of your highest-earning quarter, or your average weekly wage, and multiply it by a set rate — usually between 40% and 60%. The result is capped at the state’s maximum weekly benefit amount.
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Compare Personal Loan Rates →Weekly Benefit Maximums by State (2026)
The gap between states is enormous. Here are some of the highest and lowest maximums — your state’s cap may limit your benefit regardless of your salary:
| State | Max Weekly Benefit | Max Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $1,033 | 30 weeks |
| Washington | $1,019 | 26 weeks |
| Rhode Island | $1,015 | 26 weeks |
| Minnesota | $857 | 26 weeks |
| New Jersey | $854 | 26 weeks |
| Texas | $563 | 26 weeks |
| New York | $504 | 26 weeks |
| California | $450 | 26 weeks |
| Florida | $275 | 12 weeks |
| Alabama | $275 | 14 weeks |
| Mississippi | $235 | 26 weeks |
What Reduces Your Benefit Amount?
Your full weekly benefit can be reduced if you have other income coming in during the same weeks. Common deductions include part-time work earnings (above a small disregard amount), pension payments from your former employer, and severance pay in some states. Report all income accurately each week — failing to do so can result in overpayment demands and penalties.
Make your benefits go further with a high-yield savings account
While you’re between jobs, keeping your unemployment payments in a high-yield savings account means your money earns interest instead of sitting still. Bankrate compares the best current rates across FDIC-insured accounts.
See Best Savings Rates →Were you denied? Your money is still waiting.
A denial doesn’t mean you don’t qualify. Most appeals are won with the right documentation. See our step-by-step guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most states have a one-week waiting period before your first benefit week is paid. After that, processing typically takes 2–4 weeks for new claims. Payments are usually made by direct deposit or a state-issued debit card. From filing to first payment, expect 3–5 weeks in most states.
Yes — unemployment benefits are fully taxable as ordinary income at the federal level. Most states also tax them. You can choose to have 10% withheld automatically when you file your claim, which avoids a surprise tax bill. If you don’t withhold, set aside roughly 10–22% depending on your tax bracket.
Most states allow you to earn a small amount from part-time work without reducing your benefit — typically around 25–50% of your weekly benefit. Earnings above that threshold reduce your benefit dollar-for-dollar. Always report all earnings each week, even small amounts, to avoid overpayment penalties.
No — the state maximum weekly benefit is a hard cap regardless of your previous salary. If you earned $150,000 a year in Florida, your benefit is still capped at $275 per week. This is exactly why high earners in low-benefit states often need to plan for a significant income gap during unemployment.
Disclaimer: Benefit estimates are approximations based on publicly available state data and may not reflect recent legislative changes. Always verify your specific benefit amount with your state’s official unemployment agency. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.