2024 Maximum Weekly Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Weeks By State

Listed in the table below are the latest maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit/compensation amounts by state. The Unemployment compensation (UC) program is designed to provide benefits to most individuals out of work or in between jobs, through no fault of their own.

Note, the table contains the the maximum regular weekly state unemployment insurance compensation (benefit), including adjustments for dependents where applicable.

In most states the number of dependents you have, prior employment duration and your average maximum weekly wage will impact the unemployment benefits you are eligible to receive.

Please check your respective states unemployment website referenced in the table below for state-specific UI details, benefit eligibility and process to claim/file for benefits.

State unemployment benefit information is constantly changing so if you notice any discrepancies or outdated amounts please leave a comment and I will update the table as appropriate.

Maximum Unemployment Benefits By State

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StateMax. Weekly Benefit AmountAdditional State Unemployment InformationMax Weeks*
Alabama$275AL Unemployment Information26
Alaska$370 (Individual) up to $442 (w/dependents)AK Unemployment Insurance State Website26
Arizona$320AZ Department of Economic Security24
Arkansas$451Arkansas Division of Workforce Services20
California$450CA EDD Unemployment26
Colorado$742CO Department of Labor and Employment26
Connecticut$703 (Individual) up to $778 (w/dependents)CT Department of Labor26
Delaware$400DE Division of Unemployment Insurance
26
District of Columbia$444DC Dept. of Employment Services26
Florida$275FL Dept. of Economic Opportunity Information12
Georgia$365GA Department of Labor Information
14 to 26
Hawaii$765HI Unemployment Insurance State Website26
Idaho$499ID Dept. of Labor26
Illinois$578 (Individual) up to $787 (w/dependents)$542 (Individual) up to $742 (w/dependents)26
Indiana$390IN Department of Workforce Development26
Iowa$481 (Individual) up to $591 (w/dependents)IA Workforce Development
26
Kansas$540KS Department of Labor16
Kentucky$626KY Career Center26
Louisiana$275LA Workforce Commission26
Maine$538.00 (plus $25 per dependent)ME Department of Labor26
Maryland$430 (includes $8 p/dependent allowance)MD Department of Labor - Unemployment Division26
Massachusetts$1033 (+$25 p/dependent)MA Department of Unemployment Assistance30
Michigan$362MI UIA20
Minnesota$857MN Department of Employment and Economic Development26
Mississippi$235MS Department of Employment Security
26
Missouri$320MO Department of Labor and Industrial Relations13
Montana$552MT Department of Labor and Industry28
Nebraska$440NE Department of Labor26
Nevada$469NV Dept. of Employment, Training and Rehab26
New Hampshire$427NH Department of Employment Security26
New Jersey$830NJ Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development Information26
New Mexico$511NM Department of Workforce Solutions 26
New York$504NY Dept. of Labor26
North Carolina$350NC Division of Employment Security12
North Dakota$673ND Job Service26
Ohio$561 (no deps) to $757 (2+ deps)OH Dept. of Job and Family Services
26
Oklahoma$539OK UI Home Page26
Oregon$648OR Employment Department 26
Pennsylvania$605 + $8 max dependent allowancePA Department of Labor & Industry 26
Puerto Rico$240PR Department of Labor & HR26
Rhode Island$586 (Individual) to $867 (w/dependents)RI Dept. of Labor and Training 26
South Carolina$326SC Dept. of Employment & Workforce 20
South Dakota$487SD Department of Labor & Regulation26
Tennessee$275TN Dept. of Labor and Workforce Development26
Texas$577TX Workforce Commission26
Utah$580UT Dept. of Workforce Services26
Vermont$583VT Dept. of Labor26
Virginia$378VA Employment Commission12 to 26
Washington$1019WA Employment Security Department26
West Virginia$424Workforce WV26
Wisconsin$370WI Dept. of Workforce Development26
Wyoming$508WY Unemployment Insurance Home Page26

Maximum Weekly Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts (WBA) by State

*Maximum weeks of coverage are subject to prevailing state unemployment rates, so can fluctuate widely. I have listed the absolute maximum number of weeks and recommend you check the state UI site link in the table to get the current maximum weeks when you apply for benefits. 

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What’s the highest amount you can get from unemployment?

The Federal-State UC program is a partnership based upon federal law, but administered by state employees under state laws. Thus each state designs its own UC program within the guidelines of the federal requirements, which includes setting the benefit amount along with eligibility and disqualification provisions.

So while the highest amount you can get per week in each state is listed in the table above, the actual weekly benefit amount (WBA) will generally be based on your base period income, dependents and other factors per your state unemployment agency’s guidelines. See the table above for pertinent links to more information.

Steps to Filing and Getting Your Unemployment Claim Processed Quickly

  • Filing online via your state’s unemployment website (versus calling or by mail) as soon as possible after losing your job or pay cut is the fastest way to submit an unemployment claim. Particularly in today’s world where call centers are operating at reduced capacity. If you have issues with your claim you will have to likely contact your local State Unemployment Insurance agency. Just be prepared for this to take time.
  • Have details of your former jobs/employers (up to 24 months of history), personal (SSN, address) and banking information ready when filing the claim or talking to an agent at your state UI office. Make sure to give complete and correct information to minimize delays with your claim processing. It generally takes two to four weeks after you file your claim to receive your first first benefit check.
  • You can get paid by check, debit card or direct deposit. To get your payments in the fastest way go with direct deposit and ensure you have your correct and up to date bank routing and account numbers documented.
  • Certify on time (weekly or bi-weekly) to claim your benefits in order to get your unemployment check paid on schedule. One of the main reason people see disruptions is failing to file on time and with the required information. Further, with the new federal programs in place, the unemployment certification requirements could be more onerous so make sure you take time to review your weekly or bi-weekly certification requirements. If you miss several weeks of certification, you may have to file a new claim.

Your state unemployment website will generally allow you to calculate your estimated state unemployment benefits prior to or when submitting a claim. You will need to have your income/wages earned during the four prior calendar quarters (base year period) and also number of hours worked in some instances for each of these quarters.

Since the wages you earn can vary significantly from quarter to quarter, you may want to consider these differences in deciding when to file your claim. Refer to your local state’s website for specifics on calculations and eligibility.

The final amount of your benefit is determined after the State UI division process your application and validates income and employment duration with your employer(s).

Will I Have to Pay Taxes on My Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment insurance is federally taxable income and must be reported on your IRS federal income tax return.

Your local state unemployment agency will send you form 1099-G to file with your tax return (see due dates). This form is sent in late January and outlines the amount of benefits paid to you during the previous year.

You can also choose to withhold income tax (like you do on a paycheck) during the year when receiving benefits with 10 percent being the maximum generally allowed.

State taxes on unemployment vary by state and many states do not tax unemployment benefits, either by law or because they don’t have a state income tax (e.g. Florida).

But many of these states also have the lowest levels of unemployment benefits. See more in this detailed article on unemployment benefit taxes.

Note that up to $10,200 of unemployment benefits under the expired federally funded enhanced extended benefits (PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC) were deemed as non-taxable.

Can I Get Partial Unemployment Benefits

There will situations when workers keep their job, but face a significant drop in income as their hours worked or paid are reduced. In situations like this they may qualify for partial unemployment benefits.

You will have to check your state unemployment website for details on qualifying for partial unemployment as rules vary. How much you get in terms of unemployment benefits will depend on your earnings for the relevant week you certify.

For example in New York uses a partial unemployment system based on hours worked. Generally you can work up to 7 days per week without losing full unemployment benefits for that week, if you work 30 hours or fewer and earn $504 or less in gross pay excluding earnings from self-employment.

With this change, your benefits will not be reduced for each day you engage in part-time work. Instead, benefits will be reduced in increments based on your total hours of work for the week.

States like PA and CA, offer Partial Unemployment Benefit Credits to offset the impacts of reduced benefits from part time work, but in many higher income states this won’t make much of an impact. 

Claiming Benefits Across Multiple States

If you worked and earned wages in multiple states you may be able to claim benefits from all these states relative to the income you earned.

Generally you should first exhaust benefits from the state where you had the highest income and/or lived for the longest duration in the base year of figuring your claim. After which you can submit claims from the other states up to the maximum weekly benefit.

Retroactive Benefit Payments

You will be able to claim retroactive payments for missed payment weeks during eligible periods of coverage. This was also the case for (now expired) pandemic benefits under the PUA, PEUC, $300 FPUC and $100 MEUC programs.

Each state has different processes for claiming retroactive benefits and you will need to provide evidence for eligibility and re-certify for missed weeks. Just be prepared to wait a few weeks for payments given the manual nature in many states for verifying back payments and completing relevant identify checks.

Unemployment Overpayment Waivers

For a variety of reasons, either due to the claimant filing or state unemployment agency’s processing issues, unemployment benefits can be overpaid.

In this situation claimants may get a letter weeks or months after receiving benefits notifying them that they need to repay overpaid unemployment benefits.

This caused many state agencies to make incorrect payments and then spend months and years afterwards chasing up these payments or issuing waivers to those who would suffer financial hardship from making repayments for overpaid claims (excluding fraudulent claims).

The good news is that in most cases, assuming you were deemed eligible for the unemployment benefit, and you didn’t provide false or incorrect information, state agencies will allow you to apply for a waiver to avoid repaying past unemployment benefit overpayments. You will need to provide certain documentation and evidence of hardship if you were forced to repay funds.

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393 thoughts on “2024 Maximum Weekly Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Weeks By State”

  1. Why isn’t anyone helping us who are supposed to be getting unemployment and not getting any? We are losing everything! We have no advocate. Who is supposed to help us when we can never get through in any way, shape or form, trying multiple times a day? I’m losing everything! I’ve written everyone including legislators, no one responds…..It’s hard to get a job when your credit score is tanking (mine went down 90 points so far, since March 2021) and you cry during interviews…..HELP US PLEASE! Kentucky

    Reply
    • Go on facebook .. there are many unemployment groups on there; that will share ways to get through the “system”.. if you think it is bad in 2021; you should of seen 2020. And, never give anyone a promise to pay them cash when you get your check. Dont give anyone your ss# number, dl, address, etc. To get helped, you post a question for help and many will help you. In michigan, I helped 6 people get through & I was home anyways; so why wouldnt I help someone? There are ways; but it isnt from nationwide random websites, like this. Go on facebook & look up a group in your State.

      Reply
  2. I worked in both PA and WA during the last year and a half. I filed for UC in PA in March (and reported my earnings for both sates in my application), received benefits, exhausted my benefits in September, was automatically switched to the PEUC program, but never received and money from that. When I contacted a representative from the PA UC office, she said that I needed to apply in WA before I was able to receive PEUC money. She didn’t mention anything about a combined wage claim! So I applied in WA, was instructed to file a combined wage claim if I recall correctly, and got paid (to my surprise, I was fully expecting to get denied benefits) Now I’m worried that I accidentally committed fraud by filing in 2 states, even though I was totally honest in both of my applications, and was only following the instructions given to me by the PA UC rep. Does anyone have a similar situation or any insight or suggestions?

    Reply
  3. I have been on unemployment since Nov 2020.

    My eligibility period ends in October 2021.

    I have a remaining balance of $1000 which I will reach in June 2021.

    Will my unemployment stop after I have been paid the remaining $1000.00?

    I hear about all these extensions until September 6. What does that mean for me?

    Reply
    • join an unemployment facebook group in your state where you will get your questions answered for YOUR STATE.

      Reply
  4. I file a schedule C and live in Virginia. I filed in April 2020 but was still earning part time money so VA did not pay me any unemployment. In November I had no earnings at all and started getting $158 from Virginia Unemployment. Then I submitted my 2019 schedule C return which they requested and in January 2021
    I started receiving $300 PUA and $158 VA unemployment totaling $458 per week.

    I went to file this past week, April 17 on GOV2go and there was no claim to file. It’s useless trying to call. I don’t understand why everything just stopped. I thought I would be receiving a check until the beginning of September.

    I read your article about BYE but have had no notification from anyone that I need to reapply? Do I? Although it is a year since I filed I only started receiving payments 7 months later. I’m really confused. I can’t even find where to reapply on the Gov2go app.

    Can anyone help? Please!

    Reply
    • Did you attest to all of your weeks in gov2go?
      “PUA claimants are now required to certify that they were totally or partially unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for each week in which benefits were paid. Failure to do so will not only prevent you from claiming future weeks, but may make you ineligible for weeks already paid and require you to repay that money to the VEC.”

      If not go back and do all of your weeks.

      Reply
  5. Is it true that the new Covid19 extension that needs to be signed by POTUS will allow unemployed to receive unemployment benefits over 53 weeks?

    Reply
    • The covid (the federal pandemic unemployment), ENDS sept 6 for the ENTIRE country. 22 states have already ended it. If you live in a state that the state hasnt ended it, like Michigan, CA, NY, etc … the end date will be Sept 6th. It doesnt matter how many weeks it says. Mine says 86 remaining weeks & mine will end Sept 6th in Michigan. If you qualify for Regular Unemployment; then that can continue. But you will not receive the additional $300/week, that is paid under the Federal FEMA Pandemic. You will only receive what is payable under you STATE Unemployment Claim. The max amt ykur State will pay; is above in this article.

      Reply
  6. I was furloughed along with 3 of my co-workers all on the same dates and call back date. IS there a reason why when we all received our 1099s mine was around $3,000.00 less? Please let me know of any possible information because I would like to file and get last year behind me. Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Currently live in AZ. Wife has been laid off due to pandemic and receiving UI benefits. We are going to relocate to TN to try and for employment there. While in TN, until she finds employment, is she still eligible to receive UI from AZ?

    Reply
    • She is, but you have to be careful not to try and claim in both states at the same time as will be found out when filing your tax return.

      Reply
    • No. You have to be available for work. Being out of state is not being available. I was to go on vacation one week during a workshop session with UI and told them I wouldn’t be there and they said in order to collect I had to be available and looking for work.

      Reply
      • Not true. She is available in another State to work. UIA has this answered, if you do a search on this website.

        Reply
  8. I was released from Federal Prison (probation violation) in November 2020 and cannot seem to get a job even though I have electrician helper skills…can I file for unemployment? I know times are tough and having a record hurts me, but I say again “I have skills” and I need to have a place to sleep and food to eat…suggestions? Thanks for your help…(original charge was for selling drugs) I’m sorta at wit’s end with this…

    Reply
    • Hi eric, you can only file for UE if you worked on the books.

      And there are two ways you can collect if you worked on the books. 1) that you have worked (either part or full time) through the required time period to qualify (sometimes its a minimum of 3 quarters – it depends on your state), or 2) you have earned on the books the minimum amount needed to file a claim – regardless of the time you worked (ie, for some states like NY, to get the max UE, you need to earn $26000, and you get the max UE rate for the full claim. You don’t have to work 3 or 4 quarters – 8 to 12 months to have earned that, if you earned 26000 within 2 months on the books, you’ll get UE.)

      Let me also add, that if you have a high paying job and you earn a ridiculous amount of money for a year, all that goes just towards one claim. So if you work furiously for a year, its not really a benefit, like it would be if you worked furiously for a year, waited a few quarters (tally up the timetables), and then worked again, etc. If you plan it, you can make sure you can have back to back eligibility

      Each state is different, but that’s the basics of them all. Most ppl need the time and the $$ earned on the books to qualify, but if you’re making alot of money, you don’t need alot of time working to be eligible for UE – its a little known secret. again, the benefit typically to working a yr and getting paid whatever is it helps you get the max rate of UE.

      Reply
    • Yes you can file definitely contact me to further assist @pariseleana41@gmaiñ.com yes you qualify…start applying ASAP

      Reply
      • I began receiving benefits in July 2020 under PUA. I recieved a exhaustion letter saying my balance is out. On my cert. Week it says Final Payment. When i filed the weekly certification though it said at the end that i should continue to file my weekly certifications. Im confused. Should i now file another claim and if so under which program? I thought PUA weeks were extended thru September 6th. Please help bc
        this is my last week if i need to reapply.

        Reply
    • Yes you can; under PUA, because it is Federal guidelines & outside of the traditional State Unemployment guidelines; designed for those that do not qualify for Regular Unemployment.

      But, you will need to be declined by your State Regular Unemployment first, (in which you do need prior income to file.) Once you are declined by your State Unemployment; then you can file for the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. (PUA)

      Reply
    • Eric, yes you can, but you must be able to document evidence, that you were looking for a job, such as:

      1. Email communication with potential employers
      2. Documented proof you attended a Job Fair
      3. Documented Dates that you signed up for a job search website (like linkedIn etc)

      Anything like this; that you can tangibly prove. They will followup & call the employers.

      Hope that helps you & good luck.

      Reply
  9. Does anyone know if everyone who collects unemployment gets the extra 300.00? I’m on traditional unemployment due to quitting from hurrassment. So it’s not covid related but has been extremely hard to find a job due to covid?

    Reply
    • if you are collecting UE, you’ll get the extras that come from covid.

      YOu may not be laid off because of covid, but you getting reemployed is due to it.

      Reply
  10. The multiple state discussion at the end of this article is simply incorrect. Claims last for one year….you must wait until the end of the year to file a claim in another state. Folks who have worked in multiple states should file a combined wage claim. This transfers your wages from other states to the state you are filing in (must be a state you worked in, or perhaps more accurately a state your employer remitted or should have remitted state unemployment tax to) and combines them. It gets kind of tricky because each state will determine eligibility and the monetary amount a little differently, and you may not be eligible in each state you worked in, but this article does give some nice figures to help folks decide which state to file in. You can always look up each states handbook online, and if you’re really feeling savvy, search the statues. Sometimes folks on the phone can give you the run around and incorrect info.

    Reply
    • yes. I recently renewed my BYE claim , and for NYS what they have online is simply incorrect (unless you want your claim renewed and $$ coming in 2 months later). I got different stories galore, through every step.

      If you are wanting information, call and ask, and then call again and ask. make sure the answer is the same.

      Reply
    • Shit, I worked in both PA and WA during the last year and a half. I filed for UC in PA in March (and reported my earnings for both sates in my application), received benefits, exhausted my benefits in September, was automatically switched to the PEUC program, but never received and money from that. When I contacted a representative from the PA UC office, she said that I needed to apply in WA before I was able to receive PEUC money. She didn’t mention anything about a combined wage claim! So I applied in WA, was instructed to file a combined wage claim if I recall correctly, and got paid (to my surprise, I was fully expecting to get denied benefits) Now I’m worried that I accidentally committed fraud by filing in 2 states, even though I was totally honest in both of my applications, and was only following the instructions given to me by the PA UC rep. Does anyone have a similar situation or any insight or suggestions?
      Thanks!

      Reply
  11. I have “Current Maximum Benefit Amount Balance of $1,900”
    I start claimed in April. which mark the maximum 26 wks period. (Chicago, IL)
    however, how do they calculate extra 13 wks extension?
    will I get it still?
    I’m having ankle surgery on the Oct 15th and won’t able to start any job until January 20 ; the given date by my doctor.
    if I can still get that extension pay period, it will cover my recover time just perfectly.

    where or how can I find out for more.

    Reply
    • You are suppose to be able and ready to work if you are having ankle surgery you are not able to work so they will stop your unemployment and your extension . I hope this information is helpful to you . Best of luck to you

      Reply
      • “Being able & ready to work”, are conditions under regular State UIA guidelines. (Unemployment Insurance Assistance)

        PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance), is under federal guidelines, is paid federally & for those who dont qualify for State guidelines.

        That’s why during this pandemic; the guidelines (temporarily), do not require Job Search requirements; because no one can prove that they were ready & able to work.

        Your answer would be correct, prior to Covid.

        Reply
      • That’s not true, Maureen. You are stating Regular Unemployment Rules. The Pandemic Claims do not follow the Regular Unemployment Rules. (The FEDERAL Pandemic aka FEMA Disaster Claims — when the Federal Govt officially declares a State a “disaster”; those who are filing a federal disaster claim are for those who do not qualify for Regular Unemployment. I wish people would stop quoting Regular Unemployment Rules; when someone is clearly asking about the Pandemic Unemployment Rules; which some States have ended & on Sept 6th; it will officially end for the entire country.

        Reply
    • Orn, it depends on your job.

      They want you to continue to look for work. You can apply online and do video interviews.

      if you are hired, you employer should work with you (hello? discriminating on physical mobility is discrimination!!!!!), until you regain full mobility. You are ready and willing to work. Your employer needs to be able to work with you too!!!

      Reply
  12. NY resident here. Someone told me the total amount of money you are allowed to receive and the number of weeks you are allowed to collect are not necessarily the same and if you hit the money limit before you hit the time limit then you still get cut off. Is this true, and if so, what’s the point of extending the time limit you’re allowed to collect if you still end up hitting the money limit at the same time you normally would? Don’t you still get screwed at the same time regardless?

    Reply
    • ny res here too. incorrect. Well, its also not that cut and dry.

      so if you are starting a new claim you have x-amount of weeks more than your standard 26 claim, and then you hit on the extensions, and then you hit on your BYE (if you are UE more than 12 months), and you renew your original claim and get on more extensions.

      Don’t think of it as money or time running out (either or) – you’ll go through every thing in stages. 26wks plus your rate. Any other extensions + your rate+ federal additions. Before it was something like 26 standard, 13 weeks cares, 7(?) LWA, and some other ones (it gets old fast remembering them). So anyway, don’t tally up you have 50 something weeks and x-amount of thousands of dollars, go by the claim periods and what they are called (find out what makes up the extensions you have), and count them down yourself.

      Reply
  13. I am in Louisiana and have been filling for unemployment since March. We just recently got qualified for the extra $300 per week on top of regular unemployment. So we got back paid $900 from aug. 1 that’s 3 weeks of back pay since the $600 extra was canceled. Not I only received 3 weeks worth. We are not on the 5 th week since the $600 was canceled. I filed this past week of unemployment and only received the regular $247. So where is the extra $300 now? Why did it only pay for 3 weeks??

    Reply
  14. Hello, this is such a great resource – thank you so much. I’m in NJ. Quick question – if your salary is too high (ie – if you reach the max allowable benefit of $713/week) does this mean that you are NOT eligible for the $600 increase that expired at the end of July? And also, if you just filed but stopped working in early July, would you receive the $600 boost as part of the backpay?

    Reply
    • Not sure about backpaying/backtracking the 600. I read of NY ppl that were able to tap into it in the fall/winter. I will say if you are getting the max ue rate anywhere, you get the 600 regardless. Lucky lucky you with that NJ rate. PA, NJ, CT, MASS have all the luck

      Reply
  15. I am close to reaching my max benefit for UE with the remaining amount stating $100.

    Does that mean my benefits will be over even though I applied for UE March of this year? I live in South Carolina.

    I am in high risk for Covid 19 to return to my job (have Diabetes and my doctor has advised me to keep social distancing.) Do I have to reapply for any UE benefits?

    Reply
  16. Oregon’s maximum has gone up to $673/week for new claims started after June 28, 2020 (at least according to the state site – I’ll be finding out in practice soon).

    Reply
    • Where are you getting this from, their official site still has it as $648 per this quote from their site, “Regular unemployment benefits are generally 1.25 percent of a worker’s earnings over a 12-month period. For
      example, a worker who earned $12.50 per hour, working 40 hours per week for the past year would generally
      receive $325 per week in unemployment benefits. In 2020, regular unemployment benefit payments range from a
      minimum amount of $151 per week to a maximum amount of $648 per week.”

      This does not include the Federal pandemic benefit supplementary payment in effect during 2020.

      Reply
  17. Exhausting your benefits and benefit year ending date are not the same in the state of NY. I would think this is the same any state within the US. If your claim was in NY, you can read rules and UI info on the NYS UI website/ DOL. Some ppl had to reapply for benefits to receive the additional 13 week extention and PUA. For others, the 13 week ext automatically kicked in. For ppl whose benefit year began in Oct, Nov, Dec 2019 the 13 week ext was supposed to be automatic. For some whose ben year began earlier, they had to reapply to get the 13 wk ext & PUA. Ck with your state website and call until you get the correct answer.
    The benefit year ends one year after it begins. Benefits (aka weekly payments) are exhausted at the max of your state (NY 26 weeks) and could be exhausted anywhere within the year depending on if you worked here and there throughout that year, In Ny if you claimed ben 26 weeks in a row, the system then tells you have exhauted ben, but your benefit year has not ended, just the 26 payments. Once your benefit year ends I think speaking to the state UI # or DOL is the way to find out what you are eligible for due to corona virus. Lets pray the fed gove extends UI past the 13 week extension as many ppl were alreaby on UI and can not find jobs Standard UI payments in most states are not enough for most ppl but at least something to buy food and help pay rent or mortgage. The PUA add, $600 was short term so expect the worst in UI benefits as the rest of the ppl have recieved inthe past. This is all very unbearable for many. LEts pray our gov will provide for ppl losing income on all levels for all reasons. working for min wage to 30 per hour for most in high cost of living states is not going to be survivable My heart goes out to everyone, this is unbearable

    Reply
    • ny and exhausted my benefit yr. I heard of ppl following the state recommend to renew online w/ a new claim, had to wait 2 to 3 months to get $$, and their rate was reduced. Due to that first wave around aug/sept/oct, they paved the way for the right way to do it. You call up the state, speak to a level 3, and ask them to remove the hold on your claim. Your rate will stay the same. The only odd thing, is they won’t keep you on the same extension you ended your claim on. I had 4 weeks left on an extension and they rolled me on that 13 week one automatically. Whatever.

      Reply
  18. I Received my Unemployment with the extra $600.00 for last week and I did certifiy for this week and it does not show the extra $600.00 what should I do ?

    Reply
  19. This is great information. I live in Florida and find it fascinating that we are last in the max # of weeks we can collect (12) and in the bottom 5 of weekly payments (275). I have no idea all of the measures they look at to provide such little assistance but for older people like myself who are now out of a job, this is very alarming.

    Reply
    • as a teenager in FL, I was unemployed and was on UE there. It sucked back when I was a kid and it still sucks now. The cheapest rates and the shortest times. And if you are in South Florida, the rent is SUPER HIGH. and did you know, the rental laws for the ppl are the cruelest in the US. You miss that 5 day grace period, your LL can start to evict you on the 6th day, and 7 days later (forget if sunday/weekends are counted are not. Pretty sure saturdays are – just holidays are not), the sheriff can throw your stuff out in the streets. Just like that. NYC on the other hand – it can take 6 months. If anyone is in FL, and has some downtime, I would encourage you to get involved with nonprofits/grounds around evictions. Its a little known secret that is horrifying. SIngle mothers with babies, stuff thrown into the sidewalk. Feeble old seniors whose rent were raised up too high. Junk thrown out into the alleyways. Disgusting what happens to our ppl.

      Reply
  20. I moved to Colorado in November. Before moving I worked 11 months in the state of Indiana. I applied for unemployment in the state of Colorado where I am currently living and working. I was denied unemployment in the state of Colorado because I haven’t lived here long enough. Can I apply for unemployment in the state of Indiana? My unemployment is due to the Covid19.

    Reply
    • You see the Colorado specific page (see menu on top of page or search) where your issue is similar to what others are seeing.

      Reply
  21. I live in Florida and I received all my 600.00 dollars payments up until the week of Memorial Day and I also didn’t receive my 600 this week either is there a number I need to call to figure this out? My friend has continued to receive their payments I was wondering why my payments have stopped

    Reply
    • Here in Florida – it seems to fluctuate, but it will show up eventually. My husband had the same issue. It resolved itself by them paying 2 weeks of the $600 at 1 time and then he got another payment later that week. It now comes every 2 weeks. However, with no extension, it is actually about to end.

      Reply
  22. Has the government approved that all states can extend unemployment benefits an additional 13 weeks?
    I thought each state had to request assistance from the government, it’s not automatic extension of benefits for another 13 weeks?

    Reply
  23. if I’m still working part-time and getting 1099 for about $900 a week, do I qualify for PUA in the state of VA? work significantly reduced to COVID. I keep filing my weekly cert on govtogo site, but I see nothing happening. no money funded at all.

    Reply
    • Due to you earning 900.00 per week, it makes you ineligible to my understanding. If your hours have been reduced the guideline is your WBA weekly benefit amount. If your earn more than your WBA they consider that to be excessive earnings. I’m speaking from experience. We may not be in the same state but certain guidelines are across the board. Hope this was helpful

      Reply
      • kayla is right. The only way you’d be eligible is if you worked for state that had a rate higher than 900 wk. And also, you’d need to be under the days to work (3 days or less.)

        Reply
  24. If I am offered hours at my job, but I have pre existing medical conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, obese, over 60 years. Will I qualify for PUA?

    Reply
  25. If I was furloughed down to 20 hrs or less a week, what is the maximum money I could earn a week with my employer and still receive unemployment insurance if I qualify for the maximum rate of $450.00 a week?

    Reply
    • you’d have to ask your state. In NY, as long as you didnt make 504 weekly you can still claim. But you need to have worked 3 days or less (worked 4 days, you are uneligible that week. worked 3 days you’ll get 25% of your weekly rate. Work 2 days you’ll get 50% of your weekly rate. Work 1 day you’ll get 75% of your weekly rate.

      Reply
  26. i live in ks my bennifit amount is only 256.00 a week and ks unenployment has not updated there data base when will this be done and will i get more weekly benniftes ive been waiting for a month to get my letter in the mail to start doing direct deposit i have to pay 900.00 in bills on the first of may and what will my weekly amount be with the corona virus extra money of 600 thanks sharon z

    Reply
  27. i am paying a fine of 2100 for an overpayment in wisconsin.

    It does state that half will be taken (generally).
    I can not seem to find that same info on any other website…..particularly the umemployment website.
    Is there any other info regarding what might happen with the extra 600 if your unemployment is being taken to pay an overpayment? Of course the information you have provided is straight forward. Alot of this info is also found on the website. I just can not seem to find anything regarding overpayment. Other then of course how it works with your regular unemployment payment

    Reply
    • If you qualify for your states unemployment with your reduced income (click TX link in table to get more information) you will also qualify for the extra $600.

      Reply
  28. I got laid off dec16 2018 did not apply for unemployment til sep 2019 in west virgina my benifit ran out in march 2020 will i be eligible for the extension 13 weeks and the 600 dollars

    Reply
  29. Hi, i was in New York state by the year 2019. after January 2020 i moved to Texas state and i lost my job due to this pandemic .when i apply unemployment benefit in Texas, they said you are not qualified , because they calculate based on wage 2019 tax year . Can i apply in New York state?.

    Reply
    • My understanding is that unemployment benefits do not apply in the event of voluntary termination of employment. I don’t know if your involuntary termination in TX will qualify you for compensation from NY, but you should submit a claim to get a definitive answer.

      If you worked in 2019, your NY employer paid unemployment insurance premiums. That should be worth something, even if you changed jobs for a short period. I am not a lawyer.

      If you did not work in 2019, you are probably out of luck.

      Reply
    • Yes, as long as you made money in New York. This benefit quarter is based on employment from 15 months prior to this date. Jan-Dec 2019.

      Reply
    • and you can claim NYS ue, as long as you continue to look for work, keep a log of it. You don’t have to be in the state or look for NY jobs. YOu do need to be in the US tho

      Reply
  30. In Illinois isn’t the weekly dependent amount $185? When I first filed it said I would receive the $185 dependent allowance for my son, then I received my UI letter and it had a zero for dependent allowance? He is 16.

    Reply
  31. Is there any information stating the maximum a person can be making and still be eligible for UI these days? I cut my hours by about 37% in order to care for my son at home. It’s very difficult doing both. But I figured out today that my weekly UI payout + $600 would be more than I’m making working part-time now, so I’m better off not struggling stressfully day to day to work AND take care of my child full-time, and should stop killing myself and cut my hours to 0 until this is over.
    But I don’t know if this still applies, since we’re not in regular times. Normally I’d not be eligible for UI, because I’m still making too much to qualify even at 25 hours a week. But has that changed? And if so, what is the threshold from state to state? I don’t see that info anywhere, and I can’t get an appointment (NJ) to talk to someone for weeks.

    Reply
    • There is no maximum you can make, but there is a maximum weekly benefit. As I wrote in this article you need to have a valid reason for losing your job, as you cannot just quit. COVID-19 reasons are now allowed. Also in most states, including NJ you can still work part time and get UI (and the 600 payment) but there is a deduction based on what you make. Every state is different and adjustments vary. My recommendation is you file a claim online and see what you can get.

      Reply
    • If you cannot recertify on a weekly or biweekly basis (depends on state) that you are still eligible for Unemployment you could lose your UI benefits and the extra stimulus .

      Reply
      • If you have exhausted your unemployment and have not found a job can you get any side from the panademic money if you reapply for your benefit in your state and your base period change

        Reply
        • Well said Sharon…that’s what the majority of the current Unemployed DONT UNDERSTAND!!!! Please listen and don’t stress!!

  32. I telecommute full time. I live in S.C., and my employer is in MD. What happens if I get laid off due to COVID-19?

    Reply
    • I have exhausted my benefits 12/6/2019 reapplied in the new claim year 2/18/20 I had money in base period.the computer said it was a invalid claim because my benefits came from same employer I spoke to agent she stated because my state was declared a disaster I would be able to get something the letter came now and stated because base period changed I didn’t have enough money I had 13657 in one period and lost 8500 will I be eligible under extension for panademic relief since I can not look for work

      Reply
      • I am in the same exact boat as you! My benefit year ended the end of february 2020 and i refiled March 29, 2020 and they have my base period off by 1 quarter which has lost me 8500 and says im not eleigible! I have not worked since initial claim either however was due to start a new job March 16th and of course has been postponed. I have a 10 month old at home and am sole provider for us and I have been calling unemployment line for 3 straight weeks to get this situated and i FINALLY got thru today and was transferred and the guy answered and HUNG UP!! Now I CANNOT GET BACK THRU and of course it friday. Im so frustrated with this whole process…but crazy how similar our stories are even the time lines. Im hoping that I will be eligible for extension as well and everything that I have read so far suggest yes…but who knows!?

        Reply
        • Under the UI claims there should be a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Application. I exhausted my benefits in December and started working somewhere else and was able to activate my benefits by going through the regular filing then applying for PUA
          I was laid off and I received 3 weeks so far under this Assistance.

        • Apply anyway. If they deny you under the regular UI, you should be eligible under the emergency PUA unemployment given your circumstances. Just be sure to follow the instructions very carefully for the PUA relief as it can be very very confusing.

    • it depends – where do you pay your taxes? I lived in ny and worked for branch out of NV, with the home office in LA. I paid ny taxes so I got NY UE. Now, I am in NJ, working remotely for NY company., paying NJ taxes tho. (I don’t intend to do any services in crapholl nyc). I imagine I will just apply for NJ UE if I lose this job. Luckily, I believe I can still hop on my old (recently extended claim – good till march ’21), and I also have enough on my prior work history to still be eligible for a brand new claim as well in NY.

      Reply
  33. I was on unemployment from 26 weeks from October of 2018 to May of 2019. I was self employed from June of 2019 to December 31, 2019 and received a 1099. I started work as of January1 2020 and will receive a W2 this year.
    I was laid off due to the corona virus in March and filed for unemployment. I got my determination today and I was denied saying that I did not have sufficient wages for my base year. Once the extension of the unemployment benefits go thru will I then qualify for the additional extension on my previous claim?

    Reply
  34. My employer was granted PPP grant, now providing regualr pay. I will loose the extra $600 federal UI protection. Are companies stealing this money from it’s employees for thier own benefit?

    Reply
    • Well he should be using PPP mainly for payroll and I am hoping your regular pay is more than UI + $600. If not, then unfortunately you may be caught in between 2 different programs that won’t directly benefit you

      Reply
  35. I am trying to help my son file he has both employee & self employed income from multiple states!

    He Lived in Alabama but worked in Mississippi- w2 income 1st qtr -Jan-Apr of $3700.

    Lived in Alabama – Worked Alabama – as Sub Contractor 2nd & 3rd qtr May- Sept. 1099 income $17,029.

    Moved Texas – worked Texas W2 income. Temporary Job – 4th Qtr Sept- Dec 10th- . $2110.

    2020 Lives & Works in TEXAS – Sub Contract – Cash income from Jan- March of $1830. – Company working for closed due to lack of business Covid19.

    He tried to file in Texas in January after last temp. W2 employee job ended but they said he didn’t make enough and meet base period & he should file in Mississippi as he made the most qualified employment income there.

    Ive read to do a combined wages claim
    But I don’t know which state to file & what about the Self employment Income in Alabama?

    Any help greatly appreciated

    Reply
  36. Does anyone know if a 1099 worker should file unemployment or for a PPP? It seems like more money under unemployment, but they system is impossible to get through to. In TX.

    Reply
  37. My unemployment benefits (26 weeks) in Louisiana will end after the week of 4/11/20, will they automatically be extended for 13 weeks with the stimulus of 600, or do I need to reapply.

    Reply
    • its automatic. granted, I have only been following ny, but you just need to reach out when you benefit yr ends

      Reply
  38. How about the people that still work! Do we get anything or do we just get the virus so we can bring it home to my family. I’m happy you are helping the people that are on unemployment. I mean after all this is over we will have to pay all that money back in taxes. You need to look out for people that is still working and help them out to

    Reply
    • Agree! Why has no one talked about this? People who didn’t lose their job not only have to work and deal with the virus, but they aren’t compensated enough in the first place. I think they’ll start finding ways to “get fired”. It’s so unfair. The ones working the hardest end up with the least. Of course, it’s impossible to file a claim anyway, who knows when they’ll really be able to help everyone.

      Reply
    • Most unemployment is about 1/2 or less than a person’s regular wages. Even many people getting the $600 plus bump are complaining it isn’t enough. Unemployment taxes are paid by employers every year, not employees. Gig workers and most self-employed don’t pay these taxes. This isn’t an economy problem as I didn’t lose a job in 2001 or 2008-2009, this situation as becasue of arbitrary rulings by state governors on what they deem “essential”. As for, what’s in in for me (great attitude), you get the $1200 stimulus package. If you don’t qualify for it, it means you make enough money and ARE FINE, even if you think you are not.

      Reply
      • Thank you for that comment! I’d much rather have a job than sit on my butt and collect only half of what I used to earn.

        Reply
    • John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address inspired children and adults to see the importance of civic action and public service. His historic words, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country,” challenged every American to contribute in some way to the public good.

      Reply
    • I was unemployed for 14 months. I am highly educated and work at a director level. I earn 6 figures, when I work! I have gotten employed again (and don’t really care how long it lasts, because this whole economy, society, ppl, etc are nuts – AND the job I accepted offered me 45,000k less (my co-workers are all making 30k more than me – the standard rate), offered it remotely but the CEO is now telling me – a week in – that he wants me in NYC craphole – not what I agreed to, and he changed my job description – was software engineering-but is now telling me to do secretary work for him…………………………………………………………. so, yea……. what a nice bait and switch.), but will ensure that IF I lose my work, it will be through no fault of my own. Anyway, my point is (despite taking a 45k hit and some geezer wanting me to be part of his harem of office ladies – which I’ve never done – I’m an engineer), that I support everyone on UE. I don’t care if you are a waiter or an executive. If you are 17 or 70, if you paid into it – working on the books – you deserve it. Same if they pass the Universal basic income. People have live. Stop minding other ppl’s business and focus on your own. You can also send curses in my new assholely boss (a wealth management geezer who lobbied his way into a startup) who sprung on me 6 days on the job that he nixxed my remote status and wants me to be his administrative assistant (I was hired as head of software engineering). He is the stupidest I have ever seen too.

      Reply
  39. Are individuals who were already getting unemployment, prior to the Covid pandemic, also eligible to start receiving the extra $600 a week? This virus has made looking for employment extremely difficult, as so many companies have shut down and are not currently hiring; it’s affecting everyone all around. I live in North Carolina, and when I checked my benefits amount, it does not reflect this extra $600 in the amount allotted. It only shows the amount I was approved for by the state based on my wages. Is this something that we will have to apply for separately or should the state start adding it automatically? If so, when does the extra $600 start being released?

    Reply
    • My unemployment benefits (26 weeks) in Louisiana will end after the week of 4/11/20, will they automatically be extended for 13 weeks with the stimulus of 600, or do I need to reapply.

      Reply
    • The weekly benefit amount increase is effective on 3/29/2020. For me, this will be effective today or tomorrow, since I re certified for the previous two weeks! The last day of your benefit period is possibly before 3/29/2020. This is why it has been included yet. Thank you for your question.

      George

      Reply
  40. I’ve exhausted my benefits in 12/2019…I’ve been working hard since Dec. now being laid off do to Covid-19…UI is saying I’ve maxed out my benefits…I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place. Does anyone know if extensions are offered? I’m in a real pickle right now and need help. If anyone has or knows how I can move forward, my family and I would appreciate it.
    TIA

    Reply
    • You may be eligible for the Stimulus package for the $1200 and $500 per child that is under 17.

      For me, as far as UI goes, my benefit year started in September of 2019 and end at the end of August of this year.

      Unfortunately, you more than likely will not be able to reapply for benefits until the month you commenced benefit year last year, which I believe is in November or December of this year, based on your timeline.

      Unfortunately, the benefits will not be paid retroactively. This means the $600 per week will not be able to be obtained. A lot of people ask about that.

      Reply
  41. unfortunate i live in this Florida do i qualifier for the extra weeks for unemployment my benefits run out in two weeks do i get what the corona versus get extra weeks of unemployment more weeks extra benefits .

    Reply
    • I live in CA and I am selfemployed under what part of the EDD do I apply for benifits i.e. unemploymet insurance (U.I) –disability insurance –disaster relief program–etc. I also read in n.y. times dated 4/2/20 that self employed people have to wait 4 weeks to apply for benifits is this true? PLEASE HELP

      Reply
      • It’s crazy. Here in TX, I was told to just apply, (had to do it in the middle of the night), and then wait to get declined because the system doesn’t recognize 1099 employees. Then, they said, I’d be in line to appeal it and get it straightened out. They said it takes 4 weeks to get the answer as to whether its approved or declined. So, I have to wait a month, then get declined, then appeal, and then….How’s that for bureaucracy?! I think all the states are different, but this is really screwed up.
        I wish I knew if PPP is better than unemployment, I think at least those applications are being processed.

        Reply
        • Ppp is literally only for businesses. Not individual workers or workers themselves, it’s for payroll within businesses

        • You don’t apply for PPP. That is not for employees. If you were a 1099 employee you file for PUA.

  42. I worked in NY this past July- October and made most of my income there for the year. I was out of work for a few months and I just started a new job in California in February, I was there a little over a month before all this hit. I filed unemployment in CA over 2 weeks ago, should I be filing in NY instead?

    I don’t have a valid NY drivers license which they say is a requirement to file in NY.

    How do you do a Combined Wage Claim? I’m not sure how that works. Need advice please!!

    Reply
    • I live in New York I’ve been told if unemployment has recently been exhausted we qualify for 13 week extension. But still can’t claim it ! When will this happen?

      Reply
      • Hopefully soon. State UI agencies still updating systems and policies to enact new guidelines under corona stimulus bill

        Reply
  43. Hi
    I was collecting Unemployment in Illinois for the pass 26 weeks it ran out the first week of March. I did get a new job and have been in training since Feb. Will I be able to collect the extended benefits new that I am off work due to the virus. I have been claiming when I was suppose to but trying to reclaim it is not allowing me to telling me that I have exhausted all my funds. How do I get the extenstion.

    Reply
    • I was working part time and caring for 82 year old mother in my home. Had to leave my job, have not worked pass two weeks since mother ill. Would I be eligible for unemployment benefits?

      Reply
      • You maybe as UI is based on a a longer period than 2 weeks, check your state UI site and apply for UI benefits to see what you are eligible for

        Reply
  44. How is SC handling the additional 600 dollars for unemployment benefits? I see that the max to collect is $326. So do you just have to wait until they update there database? Also, will you receive $600 for weeks you were not paid?

    Thanks

    Reply
  45. my unemployment benefits are about to ran out in 2 weeks will i still qualify fot the 13 week extension im in arizona and is there something i have to do to get it or it only quicks in automatically

    Reply

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