2026 tax year · laid off
Unemployment benefits calculator
What you'll get a week, for how many weeks, and whether it's taxed, the range runs from $235 (Mississippi) to $1,208 (Washington). Pick your state.
Unemployment benefits vary enormously by state, in both the weekly amount and the number of weeks. This estimates your weekly benefit from your prior wage, bounded by your state's own minimum and maximum, and shows the duration, the waiting week, the tax treatment, and the severance-timing note that can cost real money if you claim at the wrong moment. It's an estimate; your state agency runs the exact formula.
Only some states pay a dependent allowance.
An estimate only, your state agency sets your actual benefit. Nothing you enter is stored.
Two states, same $90,000 earner
| State | Weekly (est.) | Weeks | Total potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $865 | 26 | $22,490 |
| Florida | $275 | 12 | $3,300 |
The same earner gets $22,490 of potential benefits in Washington but only $3,300 in Florida, Washington pays up to $1,208 for 26 weeks, Florida caps at $275 for just 12. Where you claim matters as much as what you earned.
Questions
Is unemployment taxable?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income, and you can elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V. Most states tax it too, but a handful (including California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania) do not. The calculator shows your state's treatment, which matters for your runway.
Does severance delay my unemployment?
In some states, yes, severance can delay or reduce benefits while it's being paid; in others it's ignored. The rule varies enough that we flag it rather than compute it. Confirm the timing with your state agency before you file, because when you file is a real-money decision.
Is this my exact benefit?
No, it's a planning estimate (roughly half your average weekly wage, capped at your state's maximum). Your state agency applies the precise formula on your actual wage history. Use their calculator for the official figure and file through their site.
Unemployment by state
Every state has its own weekly maximum, duration, and rules. Your state page has the exact figures and filing link.
Next steps
- Runway how long the benefit stretches your money
- Severance tax
- Health coverage
An estimate, your state agency determines your actual benefit. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere. Not tax or legal advice.