Unemployment Benefits Estimator
Estimate your potential weekly and total unemployment insurance payments.
Please enter a valid amount
Total must be at least the highest quarter
Estimated Weekly Benefit (WBA):
$0.00
Maximum Benefit Duration:
26 Weeks
Total Potential Benefit:
$0.00
Note: You may not meet the 1.5x total earnings requirement in some states.
How Unemployment Benefits are Calculated
Unemployment insurance (UI) is a joint state-federal program that provides cash benefits to eligible workers. While each state sets its own guidelines, the calculation is generally based on your earnings during a specific 12-month timeframe called the "Base Period."
The Base Period typically consists of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. To determine your benefit amount, states usually look at your Highest Quarter Earnings (HQE) within that period.
The General Formula
Most states use one of the following methods to determine your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA):
- High Quarter Method: Your WBA is calculated by dividing your highest quarter earnings by 26 (representing half of a year).
- Percentage Method: You receive a fixed percentage (often 3.8% to 5%) of your total high quarter earnings.
- Capped Limits: Every state has a maximum weekly cap. For example, even if the math suggests $800, if the state cap is $550, you will receive $550.
Eligibility Requirements
Simply having earnings doesn't guarantee benefits. You must typically meet these criteria:
- Earnings Threshold: You must have earned a minimum amount during the base period.
- Multiple Quarter Requirement: Many states require you to have earned wages in at least two of the four quarters.
- The 1.5x Rule: Your total base period earnings often must be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings to ensure you had steady employment.
Example Calculation
Suppose your earnings for the last four quarters were:
- Q1: $10,000
- Q2: $12,000 (Highest Quarter)
- Q3: $9,000
- Q4: $11,000
Your Highest Quarter Earnings = $12,000.
Using the division rule: $12,000 / 26 = $461.54 per week.
If your state has a 26-week maximum duration, your total potential benefit would be $461.54 x 26 = $12,000.04.