State Unemployment Benefits Calculator
Estimate your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA), maximum duration, and cumulative unemployment compensation under the unique formulas and legal caps of your US state.
State & Wage Profile
Your pre-tax gross earnings from employment over the past 12 months.
California does not tax UI benefits and allows collecting severance simultaneously without penalty.
How it works
1
Select the US state where your wages were reported by your employer.
2
Enter your previous annual gross salary or input quarter-by-quarter wages from your Base Period.
3
Review your projected weekly benefit check, cumulative maximum payout (MBA), and state severance rules.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) calculated?
Most states calculate your WBA by dividing your highest quarter of earnings (HQE) by 25 or 26, or replacing approximately 50% to 60% of your average weekly wage, capped by the state's statutory weekly ceiling.
Are unemployment benefits taxable by the IRS?
Yes. Unemployment compensation is 100% taxable on your federal tax return. You can elect voluntary 10% federal tax withholding via IRS Form W-4V when filing your initial claim. State income tax varies: California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey exempt UI benefits, whereas New York and Illinois tax them.
Can I collect severance pay and unemployment simultaneously?
This varies strictly by state jurisdiction. In California, severance pay does not reduce or delay unemployment benefits. In states like Texas and New York, severance payments allocated over future weeks will postpone your unemployment check until the severance duration expires.
Is this tool free?
Yes. The site is supported by ads, so you never pay or need to create an account.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. The page adapts to your screen and does not require installing any app.