Unemployment Benefits Calculator
Estimate your weekly benefit amount based on your earnings.
Each state has a cap. Default is $450 (Common average).
Estimated Benefits
Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): $0.00
Total Base Period Wages: $0.00
Estimated Maximum Benefit (26 weeks): $0.00
*This is an estimate. Actual amounts are determined by your state's department of labor based on specific eligibility rules.
How to Calculate Unemployment Benefits
Calculating your unemployment benefits involves looking at your "Base Period" earnings. In most states, the base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim.
The Step-by-Step Formula
- Determine the Base Period: Identify your gross earnings for the four quarters used in your state's calculation.
- Identify the High Quarter: Find the quarter in which you earned the most money. Many states use this specific figure to calculate your weekly rate.
- Apply the State Ratio: Most states divide your highest quarter earnings by 26 to find your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA). This represents roughly 50% of your average weekly wage during that high quarter.
- Check State Caps: Compare your calculated WBA against your state's maximum limit. If your calculation is $600 but the state cap is $450, you will receive $450.
Example Calculation
Imagine your earnings over the base period were as follows:
- Q1: $8,000
- Q2: $9,000 (Highest Quarter)
- Q3: $7,500
- Q4: $8,500
If your state uses the high-quarter method: $9,000 / 26 = $346.15 per week.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for benefits calculated above, you generally must meet three criteria:
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (e.g., layoff).
- You must meet minimum earning requirements during your base period.
- You must be able, available, and actively seeking work.