Category: Government Rebates and Payments

Minnesota's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) — increased its maximum weekly benefit to $914 in 2026, up from $857 in 2025. Minnesota sets its maximum at 50% of the statewide average weekly wage, adjusted annually. The state's strong labor market and…

Alabama's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) — has the distinction of one of the lowest maximum weekly benefit caps in the United States at $275 per week. While the 26-week duration is in line with most other states, the dollar amount limits how…

Maryland unemployment insurance pays between $50 and $430 per week in 2026, with benefits available for up to 26 weeks. That cap hasn't changed in several years, but a law passed in the 2026 General Assembly session (SB 3) will tie Maryland's maximum benefit to 40% of the state average…

Virginia's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) — is about to get a meaningful boost. For 2026, the current maximum is $430 per week, but that jumps to $478 per week for new claims starting July 5, 2026 thanks to legislation passed earlier this year.…

[Update from approved $900 billion stimulus package] Congressional leaders have now extended rental assistance and eviction moratoriums in the latest $900 billion COVID relief package. This is welcome news for millions of Americans at risk over the next 4 months. In addition to additional stimulus checks, the new stimulus bill…

Mortgage rates are at a record lows fluctuating right around 3%, down from nearly 7% in 2008 - so is it time to refinance your mortgage? With all the uncertainty the pandemic has brought refinancing your mortgage may be a significant financial lever for a lower monthly payment or to…

North Carolina's unemployment insurance program, run by the Division of Employment Security (DES), is one of the most restrictive in the United States. The state cap of $350 per week is low compared to peers, and the 12-week maximum duration is tied with Florida for the shortest in the country.…

Wisconsin's unemployment insurance program, run by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), provides benefits for up to 26 weeks. With a 2026 maximum of $370 per week, the benefit amounts are on the lower end for a Midwest state, but the program's partial unemployment rules and access to complementary state…

Ohio's unemployment insurance program — run by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) — pays benefits for up to 26 weeks, with a meaningful boost for workers who have dependents. The dependent allowance can push the maximum weekly benefit from $624 up to $842, which is a…

The higher average refund amount in 2023 is driven by those expecting a refund filing as soon as they could. While those who owed taxes or were not expecting a refund will wait right up to the tax deadline this year to file their return and pay any taxes owed.…

Have you ever wondered which jobs pay the most? Well the BLS took out some of this guess work and summarized the results into the graph below. While most of us won't ever get into one of these high paying jobs, you can at least aim to get into occupations…

One of the most common questions I get is simply: how do I reach a real person at my state unemployment office? Most state UI agencies push callers toward their website or an automated line first, and getting through to a live agent for a claim-specific issue can take some…

New Jersey's unemployment insurance program — managed by the NJ Division of Unemployment Insurance — provides some of the strongest UI benefits in the country. The maximum weekly benefit rose to $905 for 2026, up from $854 the year before, following the statutory annual adjustment. New Jersey ties its maximum…