Unemployment Benefits By State – How Much Can You Receive from Unemployment Insurance Benefits?

Each state has unique Unemployment Insurance Benefits. This table shows How Much Unemployment Benefits Pay in each, the number of weeks of benefits, & more
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Each state runs its own unemployment insurance benefits program. Because each state is unique, we created this table of unemployment benefits by state so you can quickly determine how much money you will earn if you claim unemployment benefits, whether or not you will receive additional income if you have dependents, how long you can receive unemployment benefits, and quickly find your state employment office where you can learn more about claiming unemployment benefits.

Table of Contents
  1. Expanded Unemployment Benefits Under the CARES Act
    1. Other Unemployment Insurance Provisions Under the CARES Act:
  2. Unemployment Benefits By State
  3. Unemployment Benefits Eligibility
    1. No-fault Loss of Employment
    2. You Must Be Willing and Able to Work
  4. How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits
  5. Unemployment Benefits Are Taxable

Expanded Unemployment Benefits Under the CARES Act

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act included a section that expanded unemployment benefits by an additional $600 per week on top of states’ benefits. This provision is being rolled out on a state-by-state basis. However, the benefit is retroactive to April 5, 2020.

The additional $600 weekly benefit brings the state and federal unemployment benefits up to an average of the median weekly wage in the United States. However, because the expanded benefits are being offered to everyone on

Other Unemployment Insurance Provisions Under the CARES Act:

The CARES Act improved unemployment benefits in the following ways:

  • It provides an additional $600 per week in benefits and payments through July 31, 2020.
  • It adds an additional 13 weeks of benefits through December 31, 2020. Most states currently offer 26 weeks of unemployment benefits (see the unemployment benefits by state section below).
  • it expands benefits for part-time, seasonal, self-employed, and contract workers (such as those in the gig economy).
  • Offers to reimburse the cost for states that waive the one-week waiting period before paying benefits.

Unemployment Benefits By State

A note about this table: The information in this table is up to date at the time of publication. We regularly review this information for accuracy. However, each state maintains its unemployment insurance program, and details change from time to time. We link to each state’s employment bureau, where you can find the most up-to-date information.

Additionally, this table lists the maximum unemployment insurance benefits you can receive. Not all workers will receive the maximum benefit. Benefits are often based on your previous salary, if or when you previously claimed unemployment compensation, and how long you have worked. Each state may also have additional rules regarding whether or not you are out of work through no fault of your own, whether or not you receive any additional income from employment or side gigs, or whether or not you receive additional income from a pension or retirement benefits.

StateMax BenefitsEmployment AgencyPhone Number
Alabama26 weeks
$275/wk max
Alabama Department of Labor334-242-8025
Alaska26 weeks
$370/wk max
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development907-269-4700
Arizona26 weeks
$240/wk max
Arizona Department of Economic Security1-877-600-2722
Arkansas26 weeks
$451/wk max
Arkansas Department of Workforce Services501-682-2121
California26 weeks
$450/wk max
California Employment Development Department1-800-300-5616
Colorado26 weeks
$618/wk max
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment303-318-9000
Connecticut26 weeks
$649/wk max
$749 with dependents
Connecticut Department of Labor860-263-6000
Delaware26 weeks
$400/wk max
Delaware Department of LaborNew Castle County: 302-761-6576
Other Areas: 1-800-794-3032
District of Columbia26 weeks
$444/wk max
District of Columbia Department of Employment Services202-724-7000
Florida12 weeks
$275/wk max
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity1-800-204-2418
Georgia16 weeks
$365/wk max
Georgia Department of Labor1-877-709-8185
Hawaii26 weeks
$648/wk max
Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial RelationsOahu: 808-586-8970
Hilo: 808-974-4086
Kona: 808-322-4822
Maui: 808-984-8400
Kauai: 808-274-3043
Idaho20 weeks
$448/wk max
Idaho Department of Labor208-332-8942
Illinois26 weeks
$484/wk max
$667 with dependents
Illinois Department of Employment Security1-800-244-5631
Indiana26 weeks
$390/wk max
Indiana Department of Workforce Development1-800-891-6499
Iowa26 weeks
$447/wk max
Iowa Workforce Development1-866-239-0843
Kansas16 weeks
$488/wk max
Kansas Department of Labor1-800-292-6333
Kentucky26 weeks
$552/wk max
Kentucky Career Center Office of Unemployment Insurance502-564-2900
Louisiana26 weeks
$247/wk max
Louisiana Workforce Commission1-866-783-5567
Maine26 weeks
$445/wk max
Maine Department of Labor1-800-593-7660
Maryland26 weeks
$430/wk max
Maryland Department of Labor410-949-0022
Massachusetts26 weeks
$823/wk max
$1,234 with dependents
Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance617-626-6338
Michigan20 weeks
$362/wk max
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity1-866-500-0017
Minnesota26 weeks
$740/wk max
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic DevelopmentTwin Cities Area: 651-296-3644
Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090
Mississippi26 weeks
$235/wk max
Mississippi Department of Employment Security1-888-844-3577
Missouri20 weeks
$320/wk max
Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations1-800-320-2519
Montana26 weeks
$552/wk max
Montana Department of Labor and Industry406-444-2545
Nebraska26 weeks
$440/wk max
Nebraska Department of Labor1-855-995-8863
Nevada26 weeks
$469/wk max
Nevada Department of Employment Training and RehabilitationNorthern Nevada: 775-684-0350
Southern Nevada: 702-486-0350
Rural Areas and Out of State Callers: 1-888-890-8211
New Hampshire26 weeks
$427/wk max
New Hampshire Department of Employment Security1-800-852-3400
New Jersey26 weeks
$713/wk max
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce DevelopmentNorth New Jersey: 201-601-4100
Central New Jersey: 732-761-2020
South New Jersey: 856-507-2340
Out-of-state claims: 1-888-795-6672
New Mexico26 weeks
$511/wk max
New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions1-877-664-6984
New York26 weeks
$504/wk max
New York Department of Labor1-888-209-8124
North Carolina12 weeks
$350/wk max
North Carolina Department of Commerce1-888-737-0259
North Dakota26 weeks
$633/wk max
North Dakota Job Service701-328-4995
Ohio26 weeks
$480/wk max
$647 with dependents
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services1-877-644-6562
Oklahoma26 weeks
$539/wk max
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission1-800-555-1554
Oregon26 weeks
$648/wk max
Oregon Employment Department1-877-345-3484
Pennsylvania26 weeks
$572/wk max
$580 with dependents.
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry1-888-313-7284
Puerto Rico26 weeks
$190/wk max
Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources787-625-7900
Rhode Island26 weeks
$586/wk max
$867 with dependents.
Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training401-243-9100
South Carolina20 weeks
$326/wk max
South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce1-866-831-1724
South Dakota26 weeks
$414/wk max
South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation605-626-3179
Tennessee26 weeks
$275/wk max
Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development1-877-813-0950
Texas26 weeks
$521/wk max
Texas Workforce Commission1-800-939-6631
U.S. Virgin Islands26 weeks
$552/wk max
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Labor340-773-1994
Utah26 weeks
$580/wk max
Utah Department of Workforce ServicesSalt Lake and South Davis Counties: 801-526-4400
Weber and North Davis Counties: 801-612-0877
Utah County: 801-375-4067
Other Counties and Out of State: 1-888-848-0688
Vermont26 weeks
$513/wk max
Vermont Department of Labor1-888-807-7072
Virginia26 weeks
$378/wk max
Virginia Employment Commission1-866-832-2363
Washington26 weeks
$790/wk max
Washington Employment Security Department1-800-318-6022
West Virginia26 weeks
$424/wk max
Workforce West Virginia1-800-379-1032
Wisconsin26 weeks
$370/wk max
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development1-844-910-3661
Wyoming26 weeks
$508/wk max
Wyoming Department of Workforce Services307-473-3789

Unemployment Benefits Eligibility

Again, each state has its own rules governing unemployment compensation benefits. The following are general rules that apply to most states. Visit your state’s employment office for more specific information.

No-fault Loss of Employment

Most states require unemployment insurance benefits recipients to be out of work through no fault of their own. There are some exceptions for certain contract workers whose contract has come to an end, or military veterans who have recently left the military. However, some military retirees may be ineligible in some states if they receive a military pension.

Examples of no-fault loss of employment include being laid off, forced business closures such as those we are seeing during the current environment, temporary layoffs or unpaid furloughs, and in some cases, seasonal work.

Some states do not offer unemployment benefits for gig workers, freelancers, self-employed individuals, or in some cases, seasonal workers.

You Must Be Willing and Able to Work

Most states require workers who are receiving unemployment compensation to be willing and able to work as well as actively seeking suitable employment. In this case, most states define suitable employment as comparable if the wages, hours, and/or working conditions are similar to your previous employment levels. The employment should also align with your prior training, education, and experience.

If you are not physically able to work, then you may consider applying for disability benefits instead of unemployment benefits.

How to Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits

You should apply for unemployment compensation as soon as you are unemployed. Most states will make you wait for one week before you are able to apply for unemployment benefits. However, this is currently waived due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Start by starting your personal information, such as your Social Security Number, previous two years of employment history (employer name, location, the position held, etc.), the last date you worked, your wage history, and if applicable, information for your union. You may need additional information, such as your education level, military service history, or other information.

Try Applying online first. Most states allow you to apply online, in-person, or over the phone. However, states are currently overburdened with applications and many are not accepting in-person applications. So your best bet is to try online first. Be patient, as many states are running antiquated systems that are not designed to handle the flood of applications they are receiving.

Once approved, you may be required to meet with an employment counselor at some point. You will also have to certify your attempts to continue your job search. Most states require this on a weekly basis.

Unemployment Benefits Are Taxable

Be aware that unemployment insurance benefits are considered taxable income. However, most states do not automatically withhold any taxes from your unemployment benefits. You may opt to do so, saving you from a large tax bill down the road.


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