How much unemployment insurance will you receive? Estimate your weekly benefit amount and total benefits with this free calculator based on your earnings, with state-specific maximum caps and benefit durations.
Most states base your weekly benefit on your highest quarter earnings in the base period, commonly divided by 26 — roughly a 50% wage replacement. State maximums vary and change frequently; verify with your state's unemployment agency.
This mode applies the common 50% wage replacement rule: weekly benefit = annual income ÷ 52 × 0.50, then capped at your state's maximum weekly benefit.
Inputs: Highest quarter earnings $18,000, California (max weekly $450, 26 weeks).
Calculation: Weekly = $18,000 ÷ 26 = $692.31 → capped at California's $450.00 maximum. Total = $450.00 × 26 = $11,700.00.
Inputs: Highest quarter earnings $15,000, Texas (max weekly $598, 26 weeks).
Calculation: Weekly = $15,000 ÷ 26 = $576.92 → below the $598 cap, so no cap applies. Total = $576.92 × 26 = $14,999.92.
Inputs: Annual income $60,000, Washington (max weekly $1,019, 26 weeks).
Calculation: Weekly = $60,000 ÷ 52 × 0.50 = $576.92 → below the $1,019 cap. Total = $576.92 × 26 = $14,999.92.
Inputs: Annual income $40,000, Florida (max weekly $275, 12 weeks).
Calculation: Weekly = $40,000 ÷ 52 × 0.50 = $384.62 → capped at Florida's $275.00 maximum. Total = $275.00 × 12 = $3,300.00.
Note: These examples use approximate 2025 state figures. Maximums vary by state and change frequently — verify with your state's unemployment agency before relying on an estimate.
Why ÷ 26? A quarter is 13 weeks, so the base period is 4 quarters (52 weeks). Dividing highest quarter earnings by 26 equals roughly 50% of the weekly wage from that quarter — the typical wage replacement target.
Replacement rate: Weekly Benefit × 52 ÷ Annual Income — the share of your pre-tax income your benefits replace.
| State | Max Weekly Benefit | Max Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| California | $450 | 26 |
| New York | $504 | 26 |
| Texas | $598 | 26 |
| Florida | $275 | 12 |
| Massachusetts | $1,030 | 30 |
| Washington | $1,019 | 26 |
| Pennsylvania | $610 | 26 |
| Ohio | $565 | 26 |
| Illinois | $551 | 26 |
| Georgia | $365 | 14 |
⚠️ Maximums vary by state and change frequently; verify with your state's unemployment agency.
Use Highest Quarter Earnings if you know your best quarter's gross wages from the base period (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters). Use Annual Income if you only know your yearly salary.
Enter gross (pre-tax) earnings for the quarter or year, then pick the state where you worked and will file your claim. The calculator applies that state's maximum weekly benefit and duration.
The step-by-step breakdown shows your un-capped amount, whether the state cap applied, and how your total was computed. In Mode A, add your annual income to see the wage replacement rate.
Most states compute your weekly benefit from your highest quarter earnings during the base period — the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. The most common formula divides that quarter's gross wages by 26, which equals roughly 50% of your weekly wage in that quarter. This calculator uses that standard: Weekly = Highest Quarter Earnings ÷ 26.
Your result is then capped at your state's maximum weekly benefit, and multiplied by your state's maximum duration to estimate total benefits. In the annual income mode, the same 50% replacement logic is applied as Annual Income ÷ 52 × 0.50. Since state maximums and durations vary widely — from Florida's $275 for 12 weeks to Massachusetts's $1,030 for 30 weeks — the state you file in makes a big difference to your estimate.
Your benefit is based on your best quarter in the base period — a big bonus or overtime quarter can raise your weekly amount.
Most states pay up to 26 weeks, but durations range from 12 (Florida) to 30 (Massachusetts) in our table.
High earners receive the state maximum, not a percentage of their full pay — the cap is the ceiling for every claim.
The ÷26 formula targets a 50% wage replacement rate, which is why the annual mode uses ÷ 52 × 0.50.
Eligibility. You must have earned enough in the base period (state-specific wage thresholds), be unemployed through no fault of your own (a layoff qualifies; quitting usually does not), and be able and available to work. Benefits are paid by your state's unemployment insurance program, funded by employer taxes.
Your base period timing. Because the base period uses the first four of the last five completed quarters, very recent work may not count yet — a newer claim can sometimes be filed with an alternate base period that includes recent quarters. Part-time work and other income can reduce weekly payments, and most states require active work search with documentation.
Check your state's minimum earnings requirement for the base period — many states require a minimum in your highest quarter and overall.
If you just started a new job, its wages may not be in the base period yet. Ask about an alternate base period when you file.
Most states require a minimum number of job contacts each week — keep a log with dates, employers, and outcomes.
Benefits generally start from your application week, not the layoff date — delaying your claim can cost you money.
Unemployment benefits replace only a portion of your income — often less than half after taxes — so a small financial cushion makes a layoff far less stressful. If you expect a layoff (or want to be ready for one), review your state's claim rules before you need them, and gather the documents you'll need: pay stubs, your separation notice, and 18 months of employment history.
Once your claim is approved, stay compliant: certify every week or two as your state requires, report any earnings, and keep your work-search records. Mistakes here are the most common reason payments are delayed or denied.
Unemployment is taxable income. Elect 10% federal withholding when you file to avoid a surprise tax bill next spring.
Store pay stubs, the separation notice, and work-search logs — you may need them for audits or appeals.
Benefits typically cover far less than your full paycheck — an emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses is the real safety net.
Missed weekly or biweekly certifications are the top reason payments pause. Set a reminder and never skip one.
⚠️ Important Note: This calculator provides estimates for general information only. Actual amounts vary by jurisdiction, provider, and individual circumstances. Consult a qualified professional (attorney, accountant, or licensed advisor) for advice specific to your situation.
State maximums and durations change frequently and vary by claim, base period, and eligibility. Use this tool to plan and compare scenarios, then confirm your numbers with your state's unemployment agency before making financial decisions.