Unemployment Benefits Calculator 2025
Calculate your unemployment insurance benefits, weekly benefit amount, and eligibility. Get estimates for all US states including extended benefits and federal programs.
Unemployment Insurance Calculator
Enter your employment and wage information to calculate benefits
Complete Unemployment Benefits Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about unemployment insurance, eligibility requirements, and maximizing your benefits.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must have worked in covered employment during base period
- Earned minimum wages in base period (varies by state)
- Worked sufficient number of weeks or hours
- Base period: First 4 of last 5 completed calendar quarters
- Unemployed through no fault of your own
- Laid off due to lack of work
- Terminated for non-misconduct reasons
- Quit for good cause (limited circumstances)
- Able and available to work
- Actively seeking employment
- Register with state employment service
- Accept suitable work when offered
Benefit Calculation Methods
- Weekly benefit = Highest quarter wages ÷ 26
- Typically 50% of average weekly wage
- Subject to state minimum and maximum limits
- Used by most states including Texas
- Based on average of all base period wages
- Total base period wages ÷ number of weeks
- Usually 50% of average weekly wage
- Used by some northeastern states
- Some states use multiple quarter formulas
- Dependents allowances in some states
- Partial benefit formulas for part-time work
- Extended benefit calculations during high unemployment
Work Search Requirements
- Make minimum number of job contacts per week (varies by state)
- Keep detailed records of job search activities
- Apply for suitable work opportunities
- Participate in reemployment services if required
- Submitting job applications online or in person
- Attending job interviews
- Networking events and job fairs
- Contacting employers directly
- Working with employment agencies
- Participating in job training programs
- Date and method of contact
- Employer name and contact information
- Position applied for
- Result of contact or application
State-by-State Variations
- Maximum weekly benefit: $577 (2025)
- Maximum duration: 26 weeks
- Waiting period: 1 week
- Work search: 3 contacts per week
- Maximum weekly benefit: $450
- Maximum duration: 26 weeks
- Waiting period: 1 week
- Work search: Varies by local office
- Maximum weekly benefit: $504
- Maximum duration: 26 weeks
- Waiting period: 1 week
- Work search: 3 contacts per week
Extended Benefits and Special Programs
Extended Benefits (EB)
- State unemployment rate exceeds 6.5% and is 110% of prior year
- State unemployment rate exceeds 8% regardless of prior year
- Insured unemployment rate triggers (varies by state)
- Additional 13-20 weeks of benefits
- Same weekly benefit amount as regular UI
- Must exhaust regular benefits first
- Subject to same work search requirements
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA)
- Job loss due to foreign trade
- Company production moved overseas
- Increased imports affected employer
- Department of Labor certification required
- Extended unemployment benefits
- Job training and retraining programs
- Job search and relocation allowances
- Health coverage tax credit
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
- Unemployed due to federally declared disaster
- Not eligible for regular unemployment benefits
- Self-employed, farmers, or seasonal workers
- Unable to work due to disaster-related injury
- Up to 26 weeks of benefits
- Weekly amount based on state formula
- Available for limited time after disaster
- Must apply within 30 days of disaster declaration
Short-Time Compensation (STC)
- Employer reduces hours instead of layoffs
- Employees receive partial unemployment benefits
- Maintains employer-employee relationship
- Available in participating states
- Partial benefits for reduced hours
- Maintains health insurance coverage
- Preserves job skills and experience
- Faster return to full employment
Unemployment Benefits FAQ
Your weekly benefit amount is typically 50% of your average weekly wage, calculated from your highest-earning quarter in the base period. Each state has minimum and maximum benefit amounts. For example, Texas has a maximum of $577 per week in 2025.
Regular unemployment benefits typically last 26 weeks in most states. During periods of high unemployment, extended benefits may be available for an additional 13-20 weeks. Some states offer fewer weeks of regular benefits.
The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. For example, if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2023 through December 2023. Some states offer an alternate base period using more recent wages.
Yes, you may be able to work part-time and receive partial unemployment benefits. Most states allow you to earn up to a certain amount (often 25-30% of your weekly benefit) before your benefits are reduced. Any earnings above this threshold typically reduce your benefits dollar-for-dollar.
You must actively search for work and keep records of your job search activities. Requirements vary by state but typically include making 2-3 job contacts per week, registering with the state employment service, and being available for suitable work. You may be required to participate in reemployment services.
Yes, unemployment benefits are considered taxable income for federal tax purposes and in most states. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your benefits or pay them when you file your tax return. You'll receive a Form 1099-G showing the total benefits paid.
It depends on the reason for termination. If you were fired for misconduct, you may be disqualified from receiving benefits. However, if you were terminated for reasons beyond your control (like poor performance, lack of skills, or personality conflicts), you may still be eligible for benefits.
Generally, you're not eligible for benefits if you quit voluntarily. However, you may qualify if you quit for "good cause" such as unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to job duties, or domestic violence. Each state defines "good cause" differently.