Connecticut Unemployment Weekly Benefit Rate Estimator
Estimate your potential weekly unemployment compensation based on your base period wages.
*Estimates are based on the standard CT formula (Avg of 2 highest quarters / 26). Statutory maximums apply (approx. $721/week as of recent updates).
Understanding the Connecticut Unemployment Rate Calculation
In Connecticut, your unemployment compensation is not determined by a flat "unemployment rate" percentage of your last paycheck. Instead, the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) uses a specific formula based on your Base Period wages to determine your Weekly Benefit Rate (WBR).
How the Weekly Benefit Rate is Calculated
The calculation follows these logical steps:
- Step 1: Determine the Base Period. This is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim.
- Step 2: Identify Highest Earnings. The state looks at your wages across all four quarters of the base period and identifies the two quarters where you earned the most money.
- Step 3: Average and Divide. The total wages from these two highest quarters are summed up and then divided by 26. This effectively averages your weekly earnings during your most profitable six months.
Statutory Minimums and Maximums
Regardless of how high your past earnings were, Connecticut law places a cap on the maximum weekly benefit amount. While this number is adjusted periodically (typically annually in October), recent maximums have been around $703 to $721 per week. Conversely, there is a minimum benefit amount, generally around $15, ensuring that eligible claimants receive at least a nominal amount.
Dependency Allowance
Connecticut is one of the few states that offers a dependency allowance on top of the base unemployment rate.
- You may receive $15 per dependent.
- This is capped at a maximum of 5 dependents ($75 total).
- However, the total dependency allowance cannot exceed 50% of your base Weekly Benefit Rate. If your base rate is low, your dependency allowance may be reduced accordingly.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the rate calculated above, you must meet monetary eligibility requirements. Generally, you must have earned at least 40 times your potential Weekly Benefit Rate during the entire base period. If your total base period wages are insufficient, you may not qualify for benefits even if you have high wages in a single quarter.
Note: This calculator provides an estimation for informational purposes. The official determination is made by the CT Department of Labor upon filing a claim.