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 below contains the the maximum regular weekly state unemployment insurance compensation (benefit) including adjustments for dependents where applicable. It does not include federally funded enhanced and supplementary benefit payments which have now expired.
In many states the number of dependents you have 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.
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State unemployment benefit information is constantly changing so if you notice any discrepancies please leave a comment and I will update the table as appropriate.
Maximum Weekly Unemployment Insurance Benefit Amounts (WBA) by State (last updated October 2021)
*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 to get the current maximum weeks when you apply for benefits.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. There are significant differences between states so please visit the state unemployment website for detailed rules and benefit calculation scenarios.
Covered in this Article:
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 taxable income and must be reported on your IRS federal income tax return. This includes the federally funded enhanced extended benefits (PUA, PEUC and $300 FPUC) provided in 2020 and 2021. 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 choose to withhold income tax during the year with 10 percent being the maximum generally allowed.
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 Payments
You will be able to claim retroactive payments for missed payment weeks during eligible periods of coverage. This is also the case for federal benefits under the PUA, PEUC, $300 FPUC and $100 MEUC programs provided during 2020-2021.
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.
Hello Nevada has changed its maximum allowance.
Thanks. I have updated the Nevada maximum unemployment benefit amount to $469 per official government site. Thanks for letting me know.
I filed a claim in NY over a month ago on May 16, 2022. My claim is still pending. I call everyday at 8am all circuits are busy. I emailed 4x no response. I contacted a tax advocate and was told my claim was assigned on 5/23. However, I did not verify my identity which I didn’t know I had to. I verified my identity to change my direct deposit on 6/7. The tax advocate stated now that my identity was verified it was reassigned on 6/10.
What it’s 2022 years ago I waited only 2 weeks. Now according to the tax advocate it may take up to 10 weeks. So it’s ok not to pay bills or rent for 2 months. The state of NY should give workers what they are entitled to and stop playing tactics.
How much is the Beni fits for Idaho en july
I would like to know if Arizona will pay retroactive payments in July when the increase goes into effect
VTS MAX IS NOW 583.00 TYPICALLY CHANGES EACH JULY.
Right you are! Updated table.
Hi Andy,
As of Oct 3, 2021 the maximum benefit in Massachusetts is $974/week.
Thanks Simon. Right you are. I have updated the table.
It’s sickening with the cost of living in nyc we get a 504 max. BULLLL
Washington state max/week is 929.
Thanks Eliza. Confirmed and updated table.
Hi Andy. I trying to figure out how long a Floridian can collect if benefits began in May 2020. With all the government assistance it goes beyond Florida’s 12 months but just how far does it go?
I’ve lost my info to sign on to my gov to go app and I don’t have access to the email I signed up with it now either.. any advice to get a new password for it? Thanks
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