Category: Taxes and Retirement

Oklahoma’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission (OESC) — provides up to $649 per week. That 2026 maximum adjusts periodically; I haven't seen a specific figure confirmed for 2027 yet. One important warning for Oklahoma workers: Oklahoma did NOT expand Medicaid under the ACA until…

North Dakota's unemployment insurance program — managed by Job Service North Dakota (JSND) — provides up to $815 per week. That 2026 maximum adjusts periodically; I haven't seen a specific figure confirmed for 2027 yet. North Dakota also has one of the most generous partial UI earnings disregards in the…

New Mexico's unemployment insurance program — managed by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS) — provides up to $624 per week. That 2026 maximum adjusts periodically; I haven't seen a specific figure confirmed for 2027 yet. New Mexico has one of the higher Medicaid enrollment rates in the…

New Hampshire’s unemployment insurance program — managed by New Hampshire Employment Security (NHES) — provides up to $427 per week. That 2026 maximum adjusts periodically; I haven't seen a specific figure confirmed for 2027 yet. The state has no income tax on wages or benefits — New Hampshire’s long-standing tax…

Nebraska’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL) — provides up to $582 per week. That 2026 maximum adjusts periodically; I haven't seen a specific figure confirmed for 2027 yet. Nebraska expanded Medicaid in 2020 following a voter initiative, which significantly strengthened the safety net…

Montana's unemployment insurance program — managed by the UI Division of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry — provides up to $698 per week with a 28-week duration that's slightly longer than most states. That 2026 maximum adjusts periodically; I haven't seen a specific figure confirmed for 2027 yet.…

Missouri’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Division of Employment Security (DES) — has a maximum of $320 per week, capped at just 20 weeks. Both numbers are locked in for 2026; I haven't seen a legislative proposal that would change either for 2027. Missouri sits alongside Arkansas, Kansas,…

Mississippi’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) — provides just $235 per week. That's the lowest maximum weekly unemployment benefit in the country, and it's held that spot for years — I haven't seen a legislative proposal that would raise it for 2027.…

Maine's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) — provides up to $623 per week. That 2026 maximum adjusts periodically, though I haven't seen a specific increase confirmed for 2027 yet. Maine's 50% earnings disregard for partial benefits is one of the most worker-friendly in…

Louisiana's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) — has a maximum of just $275 per week. Only Mississippi's $235 cap is lower nationally, and Louisiana's cap has barely moved in years — I haven't seen a legislative proposal that would raise it for 2027. For…

Iowa's unemployment insurance program — managed by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) — now pays up to $790 per week for claimants with dependents, following the state's annual increase effective the benefit week of July 5, 2026. Iowa's benefit is above average for the Midwest, and the state's relatively flat cost…

Indiana’s unemployment insurance program — managed by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) — offers up to $390 per week. That 2026 maximum is locked in; I haven’t seen a legislative push to raise it for 2027, even though it’s trailed inflation for years. Indiana has a relatively low maximum…

Idaho's unemployment insurance program — managed by the Idaho Department of Labor (IDOL) — offers up to $624 per week. That 2026 maximum is locked in; I haven't seen a legislative proposal to raise it for 2027. Idaho is a moderate-benefit state, though its partial UI rules make earning part-time…