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Estimated Weekly Benefit
$0
Total Potential Benefit
$0
Capped at Max?
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Estimate a rough weekly unemployment benefit based on prior earnings. For general planning only.
$0
Total Potential Benefit
$0
Capped at Max?
-
Divide your highest-earning quarter by roughly 13 weeks to get an average weekly wage, apply your state's wage replacement rate (commonly around 50%), then cap the result at your state's maximum weekly benefit amount.
Weekly Benefit = min((Highest Quarter ÷ 13) × Replacement Rate, State Max)
Unemployment insurance is administered at the state level, with each state setting its own wage replacement percentage, maximum weekly benefit amount, minimum earnings requirements, and maximum number of benefit weeks. This means two people with identical prior earnings in different states can receive meaningfully different weekly benefit amounts, which is why this calculator's output should be treated as a rough planning estimate rather than a precise prediction.
Most states calculate benefits using a "base period," usually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim, and often base the weekly benefit on your highest-earning quarter within that period. This means recent, higher-paying employment generally increases the benefit amount, while a period of reduced hours or lower pay just before filing can lower it.
Every state sets a maximum weekly benefit amount, regardless of how high your prior earnings were. Higher earners often find their calculated benefit (a percentage of their wage) exceeds this cap, meaning their actual replacement rate relative to their prior income ends up being lower than the state's stated formula percentage would suggest.
Beyond the benefit amount calculation, states also require meeting specific eligibility criteria: sufficient prior earnings, an involuntary job loss not due to misconduct (in most states), and ongoing active job search while collecting benefits. Applying promptly through your state's unemployment agency website is the only way to get an authoritative, personalized benefit determination.
Unemployment benefit calculation methods vary by state, but most use a percentage of your earnings during a 'base period' (typically your highest-earning recent quarter), commonly around 50% of average weekly wage, subject to a state-specific maximum weekly benefit amount.
No. This calculator provides a rough, generic estimate for planning purposes only. Actual unemployment benefits are determined by your specific state's formula, your earnings history, and eligibility rules. Check your state's unemployment agency for an official calculation.
Most states offer a maximum of 26 weeks of regular unemployment benefits, though this varies by state and can be extended during periods of high unemployment through federal or state extension programs.
Estimate a severance package with the Severance Calculator, or build a buffer with the Emergency Fund Calculator.
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