Unemployment Benefits Calculator: Your State’s 2026 Weekly Range
Unemployment weekly benefits run from as low as $5 a week in Hawaii’s base rate to as high as $1,152 a week in Washington, because every state sets its own minimum, maximum, and formula.
Select your state below to see the real range for 2026.
Key takeaways:
There is no national unemployment benefit formula. Each state sets its own minimum weekly amount, maximum weekly amount, and number of weeks payable.
The gap between states is enormous: Washington’s 2026 maximum ($1,152/week) is more than 10 times Mississippi’s ($235/week).
Most states calculate your weekly amount from your highest-earning calendar quarter, replacing roughly 40-50% of that quarterly average, then cap it at the state maximum.
This tool shows your state’s real published range. Your state unemployment agency calculates your exact amount from your actual wage records when you file.
Find your state’s 2026 unemployment benefit range
Select your state to see its benefit range.
Minimum weekly benefit
Maximum weekly benefit
Typical maximum duration
Rough estimate from your wage
These are the state’s base published figures, without any dependent allowance some states add. Your exact amount depends on your actual wage history and is calculated by your state unemployment agency.
Most states calculate your weekly amount from your highest-earning quarter, replacing roughly 40-50% of it, then cap the result at the state maximum shown above. That’s what the “rough estimate” figure approximates; your state’s exact formula may work a little differently.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t the figures here include a dependent allowance? Several states add extra weekly dollars for each dependent, shown as a range in DOL’s own report. This tool shows the base figure without that allowance, since it depends on your specific household. Your state’s application will ask about dependents directly.
Does the maximum number of weeks ever change? Yes. Several states tie their maximum weeks to the state’s current unemployment rate, so the number can shift during the year. The figure shown here is each state’s typical maximum as of January 2026; check your state agency for the current figure when you file.
Can I get the exact number before I file? Most state unemployment agencies publish their own official benefit estimator using your real wage records; CareerOneStop’s unemployment benefits finder can point you to your state’s specific site. This tool is for comparing ranges, not filing a claim.
Disclaimer:This tool provides a general estimate for informational purposes only and is not financial or legal advice. Unemployment benefit amounts, formulas, and eligibility rules are set and administered by each state and change over time. Confirm your actual benefit amount with your state’s unemployment agency.
