2026 · Louisiana
Louisiana unemployment benefits
Louisiana pays up to $282 a week for up to 12 weeks, one of the lowest maximums in the country (#48 of 51). Estimate yours below.
Only some states pay a dependent allowance.
An estimate only, your state agency sets your actual benefit. Nothing you enter is stored.
Louisiana's 2026 figures
| Weekly benefit range | $35 - $282 |
| Maximum duration | 12 weeks (12-20, indexed; current 12) |
| Waiting week | Yes, one unpaid week |
| How it's figured | annual wages |
| Taxed by Louisiana? | Yes |
Worked example: a $60,000 earner in Louisiana
On a $60,000 prior wage, the estimate is about $282 a week that hits Louisiana's maximum. Over 12 weeks that's up to $3,384 in total. Louisiana has an unpaid one-week waiting week, so your first payment covers the second week you claim.
Questions about Louisiana unemployment
How much does Louisiana pay in unemployment?
Between $35 and $282 a week in 2026, based on your prior wages (annual wages). The $282 maximum is one of the lowest maximums in the country (#48 of 51).
How long does Louisiana unemployment last?
Up to 12 weeks12-20, indexed; current 12. That's separate from the weekly amount; low earners may qualify for fewer weeks.
Is Louisiana unemployment taxed?
Federally, yes, it's ordinary income (elect 10% withholding on Form W-4V). Louisiana also taxes it on the state return.
Does severance affect my Louisiana unemployment?
Filing timing can matter. Some states delay or reduce unemployment while severance is being paid, and the rule varies. Louisiana's treatment is not modeled here, confirm the timing with Louisiana Workforce Commission before you file, since it is a real-money decision.
File with Louisiana Workforce Commission. This is an estimate, Louisiana Workforce Commission determines your actual benefit.
Your Louisiana layoff toolkit
- Louisiana severance tax the tax on your severance
- Runway calculator how long your money lasts
- Louisiana paycheck calculator your take-home when you're back at work
- Louisiana 1099 tax if you go freelance or contract
An estimate, Louisiana's agency determines your actual benefit. Figures from the verified 2026 dataset, last verified 2026-07-24. Nothing you enter is stored. Not tax or legal advice.