Estimate your potential unemployment benefits based on your state and previous earnings.
Captures your state's base period rule (typically the highest-earning quarter of the last 4-5 quarters), the state's weekly benefit cap, and the maximum benefit duration (typically 26 weeks). Returns weekly amount + total payout window in one screen.
Right after a layoff, when planning a financial bridge between jobs, or when comparing benefit windows across states before relocating.
Most states cap regular unemployment at 26 weeks. A handful (Florida, North Carolina, Missouri) cap at fewer; Massachusetts goes up to 30. Federal extensions (PEUC, EB) are rare outside recessions.
Estimate Only
This calculator provides estimates for educational and planning purposes only. Results are based on general data and may not reflect your specific situation. Tax laws, rates, and regulations change frequently. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor before making financial decisions.
Last updated: 2025-01-10
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Your average weekly earnings before losing your job
Estimated Weekly Benefit
$400
50% of your wage
26 weeks
Total Potential Benefits
$10,400
Same calculator family, applied to Hawaii's rules and rates.
Partially — if you're working reduced hours, enter your part-time weekly wages in the deductions field and the calculator subtracts the state-allowed disregard, then reduces your benefit accordingly. Each state's disregard formula differs; consult your state's labor agency for an exact figure.
Yes — unemployment is federally taxable income. Many states also tax it. You can elect to have 10% withheld federally on Form W-4V; otherwise you'll owe at tax time.
Most states use a base period from your wages reported in that state only. If you've worked in multiple states recently, you may be eligible to combine wages — file in the state where you most recently worked and request a Combined Wage Claim.
Most states have a one-week unpaid waiting period plus a 2-3 week processing time, so the first check typically arrives 3-4 weeks after filing. Continue filing weekly certifications during processing so you don't lose retroactive eligibility.
No — it estimates only. To file, visit your state's labor agency website. Each state has its own portal with its own ID-verification flow; the link sits in the result block of this page once you select a state.
Decide between options when money is involved.
