Best and Worst Unemployment Benefits by State
Workers wait to apply for unemployment benefits in Los Angeles, California.Every state in the United States has a safety net of unemployment insurance to get its residents through tough times. If you become unemployed, which state will help you out the most?
The average maximum weekly benefit amount (WBA) for all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., is $462 per week, with an average total maximum benefit amount of $11,930. Some states offer more. But many offer less.
These are the best and worst states for unemployment benefits, ranked by total maximum benefit amount, with information about where you can file.
Note: Rankings reflect individual benefit amounts. Money for those with dependents is cited where applicable. All numbers are pre-tax.
51. Florida
Capital: Tallahassee
Population: 21.3 million
Main industries: Agriculture, tourism, international trade, aerospace and aviation
Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $275
Maximum weeks: 12
Total maximum benefit amount: $3,330
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
Bottom line: Florida offers the worst unemployment insurance out of every state, with a maximum of $275 per week for only 12 weeks — less than half the amount of time most other states allow.
It’s not easy to get that small amount of relief, either, as Florida is one of the most difficult states for out-of-work people to be approved for unemployment insurance.
One bright spot for people out of work living in Sunshine State is its low unemployment rate.
50. North Carolina
Capital: Raleigh
Population: 10.48 million
Main industries: Aerospace and defense, automotive, information technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, plastics and chemicals, food processing
Unemployment rate: 3.6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $350
Maximum weeks: 12
Total maximum benefit amount: $4,200
State unemployment insurance benefits site: North Carolina Department of Commerce
Bottom line: North Carolina is not all that helpful to people without a job.
While its maximum benefit amount pays more than a handful of other states, North Carolina will only offer unemployment benefits for 12 weeks, meaning the total amount it offers is only $4,200.
To add insult to injury, the minimum amount it offers is $15 per week, or $180 after 12 weeks.
49. Georgia
Capital: Atlanta
Population: 10.52 million
Main industries: Agriculture, energy, automotive, tourism
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $330
Maximum weeks: 14
Total maximum benefit amount: $4,620
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Georgia Department of Labor
Bottom line: Georgia’s slightly lower cost of living isn’t reflected in its unemployment insurance, which is $132 less than the national average.
Georgia only offers this amount for a maximum of 14 weeks, meaning maximum unemployment benefits cap out at $4,620.
48. Mississippi
Capital: Jackson
Population: 2.97 million
Main industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, fishing, gambling, oil and gas
Unemployment rate: 5.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $235
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,110
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Mississippi Department of Employment Security
Bottom line: The worst place for unemployment benefit insurance is Mississippi.
The state offers a rock-bottom maximum rate of $235 per week, spread over 26 weeks, for a total of $6,110. That’s 16 percent of the $1,444 average national weekly wage.
Mississippi’s job market isn’t healthy, either. The state has the second-worst unemployment rate in the nation.
47. Arizona
Capital: Phoenix
Population: 7.17 million
Main industries: Aerospace, defense, ambulatory health care
Unemployment rate: 4.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $240
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,240
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Arizona Department of Economic Security
Bottom line: Arizona offers a paltry amount of $240 per week, although it does have a minimum of $122 per week.
The state is the 44th worst state for unemployment rate. According to About Unemployment, Arizona "does a relatively poor job of helping people find new work" and is not claimant friendly.
46. Missouri
Capital: Jefferson City
Population: 6.13 million
Main industries: Agriculture, forestry, bioscience, advanced manufacturing, health care, mining, defense and aerospace, tourism, service
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $320
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,400
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Missouri Department of Labor
Bottom line: Missouri offers a well-below-average weekly benefit amount of $320 over a maximum of 20 weeks, for a total of $6,400 at most.
A bill to cut the number of weeks from 20 to 13 when unemployment is below 6 percent passed the Missouri House in 2018 but has not yet passed the state’s senate.
45. Louisiana
Capital: Baton Rouge
Population: 4.64 million
Main industries: Tourism, oil and gas, chemicals, fishing, agriculture, food processing, service
Unemployment rate: 5.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $247
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,422
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Louisiana Workforce Commission
Bottom line: Louisiana has one of the worst unemployment benefits of any state in the nation, offering only 4 percent of base period wages or $247 per week, whichever is less.
The maximum amount at this rate is $6,422 paid over six-and-a-half months.
Additionally, the state has an abysmal unemployment rate of 5.3 percent, the third worst in the United States.
44. South Carolina
Capital: Columbia
Population: 5.14 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, health care, automotive, biotechnology, life sciences, aerospace, agriculture
Unemployment rate: 2.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $326
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $6,520
State unemployment insurance benefits site: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
Bottom line: South Carolina has added so many manufacturing jobs that a regional economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond said the biggest problem is the lack of available workers.
But for those who find themselves unemployed in South Carolina, it’s going to be rough. The state only offers $326 of maximum WBA and only for 20 weeks, for a max total of $6,520.
42.(t) Alabama
Capital: Montgomery
Population: 4.88 million
Main industries: Health care, agriculture, manufacturing, service, chemicals, automotive, forestry, information technology
Unemployment rate: 2.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $275
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,150
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Alabama Department of Labor
Bottom line: Alabama doesn’t offer much, with just a maximum weekly benefit amount of $275 and a horribly low minimum of $45 per week.
However, Alabama’s economy has been robust lately and ties with Hawaii and Virginia for having the seventh-lowest unemployment rate in the entire country.
42.(t) Tennessee
Capital: Nashville
Population: 6.82 million
Main industries: Education, entertainment, tourism, agriculture, automotive, health care
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $275
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,150
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Bottom line: Tennessee is one of the worst states for unemployment benefits.
The state only offers a maximum of $275 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks, for a total of $7,150.
On the positive side, the state has a decent unemployment rate.
41. Michigan
Capital: Lansing
Population: 9.98 million
Main industries: Automotive, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, aerospace and defense
Unemployment rate: 3.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $362
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,240
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity
Bottom line: Michigan offers up to $362 in unemployment benefits for 20 weeks, with a minimum of $81 per week.
Michigan ties for 36th place in unemployment while the vast majority of its counties have an average weekly wage below the national average of $1,444.
40. Kansas
Capital: Topeka
Population: 2.91 million
Main industries: Agriculture, health care, manufacturing, transportation, professional and technical services
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $474
Maximum weeks: 16
Total maximum benefit amount: $7,584
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Kansas Department of Labor
Bottom line: Kansas pays $18 more than the $446 national unemployment benefits average, but it’s only allowing up to 16 weeks of unemployment pay because its unemployment rate is lower than 4.5 percent.
The state operates on a sliding scale according to its unemployment rate. If unemployment hits 6 percent, the state will allow up to 26 weeks of benefits.
The maximum amount a claimant can expect to receive under low-unemployment circumstances is $7,584.
39. Kentucky
Capital: Frankfort
Population: 4.46 million
Main industries: Health care, coal, automotive, government, tourism
Unemployment rate: 4.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $552
Maximum weeks: 16
Total maximum benefit amount: $8,832
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Kentucky Career Center
Bottom line: Kentucky operates on a sliding scale of unemployment, with up to 26 weeks offered during times of high unemployment.
Kentucky’s unemployment benefits cap out at $552 per week, much higher than the national average, but it offers 10 fewer weeks than most states.
At 16 weeks of maximum WBA, a person can receive $8,832 (pre-tax). The minimum WBA offered is $39.
38. South Dakota
Capital: Pierre
Population: 882,235
Main industries: Banking and financial services, agriculture, manufacturing, bioscience, retail, service
Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $345
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $8,970
State unemployment insurance benefits site: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Bottom line: South Dakota offers much lower unemployment insurance than North Dakota, and its economy isn’t as strong — although it’s not too bad.
South Dakota ranks at No. 24, tied with Rhode Island, for states with the best unemployment numbers.
For unemployment insurance, the state doesn’t offer much, but that $345 maximum WBA can be paid for up to 26 weeks.
37. Arkansas
Capital: Little Rock
Population: 3 million
Main industries: Ambulatory health care, agriculture, aerospace, transportation, food manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $451
Maximum weeks: 20
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,020
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Arkansas Division of Workforce Services
Bottom line: Arkansas offers a maximum weekly unemployment benefit of $451, which is just slightly below the national average.
Its 20 maximum weeks is slightly less than the 26 weeks offered by most states, but the cost of living in Arkansas is about 15 percent less than the rest of the nation.
35.(t) Alaska
Capital: Juneau
Population: 737,438
Main industries: oil and gas, fishing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $370
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,620
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Alaska Department of Labor
Bottom line: Food and gas in Alaska are more expensive than the national average, according to SmartAsset, but its maximum unemployment income is less than the national average of $462.
With a 6 percent unemployment rate, Alaska has the worst unemployment rate in the nation by a full half percentage point.
35.(t) Wisconsin
Capital: Madison
Population: 5.82 million
Main industries: Agriculture, food processing, aerospace, manufacturing, forestry, biotechnology, energy, insurance
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $370
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,620
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Bottom line: Wisconsin offers unemployment insurance benefits from $131 to $370, which is below the national average.
At those rates at 26 weeks, a claimant will receive $3,406 to $9,620.
34. Virginia
Capital: Richmond
Population: 8.53 million
Main industries: Health care, agriculture, aerospace, mining, military, biotechnology, nanotechnology
Unemployment rate: 2.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $378
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $9,828
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Virginia Employment Commission
Bottom line: Virginia offers a maximum weekly benefit amount that is substantially lower than the national average.
The total maximum an individual or those with dependents can receive in unemployment benefits is $9,828.
However, the state has a healthy employment rate.
33. Indiana
Capital: Indianapolis
Population: 6.73 million
Main industries: Pharmaceuticals, energy, automotive, manufacturing, transportation
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $390
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $10,140
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Indiana Department of Workforce Development
Bottom line: Indian’s lower cost of living is reflected in its lower-than-average amount of weekly unemployment benefits.
Claimants who are eligible for the maximum WBA will receive a total of $10,140.
32. Delaware
Capital: Dover
Population: 967,171
Main industries: Agriculture, fishing, manufacturing, mining
Unemployment rate: 4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $400
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $10,400
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Delaware Department of Labor
Bottom line: Delaware pays out less than the national average in unemployment benefits and has the 10th-worst unemployment rate in the country at 4 percent.
It's considered one of the worst states for unemployment insurance, as Delaware decides how much its unemployed workers will receive depending on how much is in its unemployment tax fund — meaning when times get tough, that pool dries up.
31. Idaho
Capital: Boise
Population: 1.78 million
Main industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, health care, food processing,
Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $410
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $10,660
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Idaho Department of Labor
Bottom line: Idaho’s maximum weekly unemployment insurance caps out at $410 for 26 weeks with a state minimum of 10 weeks and $72.
The maximum amount a person can expect to receive is $10,660, while the lowest is $720.
30. West Virginia
Capital: Charleston
Population: 1.79 million
Main industries: Mining, chemicals, biotech, aerospace, tourism, automotive
Unemployment rate: 5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $424
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,024
State unemployment insurance benefits site: WorkForce West Virginia
Bottom line: West Virginia offers slightly below-average unemployment benefits, and the state suffers from a 5 percent unemployment rate — the fourth-worst in the nation.
It only recently, within the past two years, established an online system for filing claims.
Out-of-work claimants can receive up to $11,024 in unemployment insurance.
29. New Mexico
Capital: Santa Fe
Population: 2 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, defense, tourism, mining, retail
Unemployment rate: 4.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $425
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,050
State unemployment insurance benefits site: New Mexico Workforce Connection
Bottom line: New Mexico has the fifth-highest unemployment rate in the nation with weekly unemployment insurance amounts that are less than the national average of $462.
The minimum amount the state offers is $79 per week, and you can claim up to two dependents for $25 apiece.
27.(t) Nevada
Capital: Carson City
Population: 3.08 million
Main industries: Mining, gambling, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $427
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,102
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
Bottom line: Nevada has an average unemployment rate (it ranks 26) and offers a maximum weekly benefit that is $35 less than the average.
However, the cost of living in Nevada is slightly more expensive, on average, than the national average.
27.(t) New Hampshire
Capital: Concord
Population: 1.35 million
Main industries: Mining, manufacturing, health care, energy, insurance
Unemployment rate: 2.6 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $427
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,102
State unemployment insurance benefits site: New Hampshire Employment Security
Bottom line: New Hampshire is the sixth-best state for unemployment rates, although its unemployment benefits are middling.
The $427 maximum weekly benefit amount over 26 weeks is $35 below the national average.
26. Maryland
Capital: Annapolis
Population: 6 million
Main industries: Aerospace and defense, fishing, manufacturing,
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $430
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,180
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Maryland Department of Labor
Bottom line: Maryland has a moderate unemployment rate and a maximum weekly benefit amount that is $32 below the national average.
The state offers a minimum weekly benefit amount of $50. Eight dollars per up to five dependent children can add to your total, but it can’t exceed $430.
25. Nebraska
Capital: Lincoln
Population: 1.93 million
Main industries: Insurance, agriculture, financial services, health care, military and defense, transportation
Unemployment rate: 2.9 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $440
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,440
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Nebraska Works
Bottom line: Nebraska sets its maximum unemployment benefits each year. The state is 14th best when it comes to national unemployment rates.
While its maximum weekly benefit amount is lower than the national average, living in Nebraska also costs less.
24. District of Columbia
Population: 711,571
Main industries: Federal government, education, tourism
Unemployment rate: 5.2 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $444
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,544
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Department of Employment Services
Bottom line: Washington, D.C., provides slightly below-average national employment insurance, for a maximum total of $11,544.
However, D.C. has the fourth-highest unemployment rate in the country, and its cost of living is significantly higher than the national average.
23. Maine
Capital: Augusta
Population: 1.34 million
Main industries: Health care, retail, tourism, construction, fishing, government
Unemployment rate: 3.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $445
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,570
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Maine Department of Labor
Bottom line: Maine has a WBA almost on par with the national average. Additionally, an extra $10 per dependent can be claimed, which "can total no more than one half of the WBA," according the Maine Department of Labor.
Theoretically, 22 dependents can be claimed for an extra $220, although good luck explaining that one.
22. Iowa
Capital: Des Moines
Population: 3.15 million
Main industries: Insurance, agriculture, food processing, advanced manufacturing, chemical production, construction
Unemployment rate: 2.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $447 (up to $548 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,622 (up to $ 14,248 with dependents)
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Iowa Workforce Development
Bottom line: With a low unemployment rate — Iowa ties for 10th along with three other states — and offers just slightly below the national average in unemployment benefits.
According to Best Places, Iowa’s cost of living is about 16 percent lower than the national average, which makes its unemployment benefits look relatively good.
21. California
Capital: Sacramento
Population: 39.56 million
Main industries: Computer and electronics manufacturing, information technology, agriculture, aerospace, tourism, film
Unemployment rate: 3.9 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $450
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,700
State unemployment insurance benefits site: California’s Employment Development Department
Bottom line: The cost of living in California is so high, the $450 a week in unemployment benefits it offers wouldn’t even cover half the rent in most places.
California might offer close to the average national unemployment benefit rate, but it would be impossible to live on in any metro area in the state.
On the positive side, California has a claimant-friendly unemployment department.
20. Vermont
Capital: Montpelier
Population: 626,299
Main industries: Tourism, agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, health care, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 2.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $458
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $11,908
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Vermont Department of Labor
Bottom line: Vermont is tied with South Carolina for having the second-lowest unemployment rate in the country, so those who are out of work may have an easier time finding a new job than in other states.
Those who are out of work will receive unemployment benefits that are on par with the national average.
At a max WBA of $458 at 26 weeks, Vermont offers $11,908 in total possible benefits.
19. Illinois
Capital: Springfield
Population: 12.67 million
Main industries: Insurance, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and distribution, energy, biotech,
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $471 (up to $645 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,246 (up to 16,770 with dependents)
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Illinois Department of Employment Security
Bottom line: Illinois offers an above-average weekly benefit amount of $471 for individual claimants and up to $645 for claimants with children as dependents.
On rare occasions, workers may see additional help from the government. In 2016, the shutdown of a steel mill that employed over 2,000 workers led to a bill that gave those workers an additional 26 weeks of unemployment insurance.
Of course, you don’t want to count on new bills when it comes to layoffs.
18. Ohio
Capital: Columbus
Population: 11.68 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, insurance, bioscience
Unemployment rate: 4.1 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $480 (up to $647 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,480 (up to $16,822 with dependents)
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Bottom line: Ohio has three dependency classifications used to determine unemployment insurance.
Those without dependents making $960 a week or more can claim $480. Those with one or two dependents making $1,164 a week or higher can claim a max WBA of $582, and those with three or more dependents making $1,294 or more can claim a max WBA of $647.
Overall, Ohio has a better-than-average unemployment insurance program. Those without dependents can receive up to $12,480 and those with three or more dependents can receive up to $16,822 total.
17. Montana
Capital: Helena
Population: 1.06 million
Main industries: Agriculture, forestry, mining, energy, service, government, health care, retail
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $487
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,662
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Montana Works
Bottom line: Montana’s maximum benefit is $487, which is calculated by taking 1 percent of the sum of the two highest wage-earning quarters, or 1.9 percent times your two highest quarters, whichever is greater.
Montana offers up to $12,662 in unemployment insurance.
16. Wyoming
Capital: Cheyenne
Population: 0.57 million
Main industries: Mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, government, transportation and logistics
Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $489
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,714
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Wyoming Workforce Services
Bottom line: Wyoming has not changed its maximum WBA since 2015, although Wyoming Workforce Services says the benefits number can change each year, depending on the average weekly wage in Wyoming.
The minimum weekly benefit is $35, while the maximum WBA is $489. A person receiving the minimum weekly benefit for 26 weeks will receive $910, while a person receiving the maximum WBA for 26 weeks will receive $12,714 total.
15. Utah
Capital: Salt Lake City
Population: 3.2 million
Main industries: Banking and financial services, mining, manufacturing, tourism, oil and gas
Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $496
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $12,896
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Department of Workforce Services
Bottom line: Utah offers some above-average unemployment benefits. At $496 for 26 weeks, the Beehive State offers up to $12,896 in unemployment insurance.
The state has a very low unemployment rate, and ties for fourth, along with Colorado, among states with low unemployment.
14. New York
Capital: Albany
Population: 19.45 million
Main industries: Banking and financial services, tourism, retail, health care, professional and technical services, manufacturing, education
Unemployment rate: 3.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $504
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $13,104
State unemployment insurance benefits site: New York Department of Labor
Bottom line: New York offers healthy unemployment benefits, with a minimum weekly amount of $104 and a maximum amount of $504 over 26 weeks. That’s a maximum unemployment benefit of $13,104.
While New York’s unemployment benefits are higher than the national average, how much that helps depends on where you live, as that $504 per week will feel like a pittance in New York City.
13. Texas
Capital: Dallas
Population: 29 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, energy, agriculture, banking and financial services, steel, tourism, entertainment, defense, computer technology, health care
Unemployment rate: 3.5 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $521
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $13,546
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Texas Workforce Commission
Bottom line: Texas offers some pretty good unemployment benefits, with a maximum WBA of $521 per week for 26 weeks.
At that maximum rate and length of time, the Lone Star State offers a total $13,546.
That may not go far in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, but it could be quite helpful in other towns.
12. Oklahoma
Capital: Oklahoma City
Population: 3.95 million
Main industries: Oil and gas, aerospace, bioscience, health care, agriculture
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $539
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $14,014
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
Bottom line: The Sooner State has good unemployment insurance, with a maximum WBA of $539, which is significantly more than the national average.
Oklahoma calculates the amount you receive by approximately 1/23 of your highest quarter base period wages. The minimum WBA is $16, meaning the maximum total unemployment insurance offered is $14,014 and the minimum is $416 over a 26-week period.
11. Pennsylvania
Capital: Harrisburg
Population: 12.8 million
Main industries: Broadcasting and telecommunications, information technology, tourism, industrial machinery, metalworking, chemicals
Unemployment rate: 4.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $572, plus an additional $8 for dependents
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $14,872
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation
Bottom line: The total amount received under Pennsylvania’s unemployment insurance program is very specific.
The state has several charts detailing how much is available depending on your highest quarterly wage, which ranges from $68 to $572. Additionally, dependents can be claimed for up to $8 ($5 for a spouse, $3 for a child).
Individual filers who earned enough to receive the maximum WBA can receive up to $14,872 in Pennsylvania.
10. Rhode Island
Capital: Providence
Population: 1.05 million
Main industries: Insurance, health care, tourism, banking and financial services, education, manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 3.4 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $586 (up to $732 with dependents)
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $15,236 (up to $19,032 with dependents)
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
Bottom line: Rhode Island offers substantially more money when dependents are involved, offering the greater of $15 or 5 percent of Rhode Island’s weekly benefit rate for up to five dependents.
Individuals able to receive the maximum WBA would receive a total of $15,236 over 26 weeks.
9. Colorado
Capital: Denver
Population: 5.69 million
Main industries: Manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, tourism
Unemployment rate: 2.5 percent
Maximum weeks: 26
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $618
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,068
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
Bottom line: Colorado offers one of the best unemployment benefit rates in the country, with a sizable $618 per week — $2,472 per month — making this a possibly livable income.
The maximum total is calculated by taking 50 percent of 1/52nd of wages in the entire base period up to a $618 cap. Others may only receive $561, calculated by 60 percent of 1/26th of wages of the two quarters in the base period in which you earned the most.
Colorado’s low unemployment rate makes it an attractive prospect for job seekers as well.
8. Hawaii
Capital: Honolulu
Population: 1.42 million
Main industries: Tourism, defense, agriculture, manufacturing, service
Unemployment rate: 2.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $630
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,380
State unemployment insurance benefits site: State of Hawaii Unemployment Insurance
Bottom line: Being an island state, most things in Hawaii cost more than the national average.
Hawaii’s unemployment rate reflects this, as the state offers $630, more than the average, and a full 26 weeks of unemployment insurance.
In theory, its low 2.7 percent unemployment rate means it’s easier to find a job there, too.
7. Connecticut
Capital: Hartford
Population: 3.56 million
Main industries: Insurance, finance, healthcare, bioscience, manufacturing, digital media, tourism
Unemployment rate: 3.7 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $631
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,406
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Connecticut Department of Labor
Bottom line: Connecticut offers a pretty robust unemployment insurance rate, with up to $631 per week, much higher than the national average.
Connecticut’s unemployment benefits are calculated by adding the two highest quarters of earnings together and dividing that by 26.
The Nutmeg State doesn’t have the best job market, though. It’s tied with Wyoming for 34th.
6. North Dakota
Capital: Bismarck
Population: 760,077
Main industries: Oil and gas, agriculture, information technology, advanced manufacturing
Unemployment rate: 2.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $633
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,458
State unemployment insurance benefits site: North Dakota Job Service
Bottom line: Thanks to the Bakken Formation oil boom, North Dakota’s unemployment rate has consistently been one of the lowest in the country for over a decade.
North Dakota has the lowest unemployment rate out of every state, and its maximum WBA is $633 for up to 26 weeks for a max possible total of $16,458.
Towns like Watford City, an area close to the drilling, have settled down and are now able to accommodate the influx of workers, which tripled the town’s population over 10 years.
5. Oregon
Capital: Salem
Population: 4.19 million
Main industries: Computer and electronics manufacturing, machinery, agriculture, forestry, food processing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 3.3 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $648
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $16,848
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Oregon Employment Department
Bottom line: Oregon offers good unemployment insurance, with a total of $16,848 offered under maximum WBA conditions.
The state has a solid unemployment rate with a cost-of-living rate that is about 13 percent higher than the national average.
4. New Jersey
Capital: Trenton
Population: 8.88 million
Main industries: Health care, life science, pharmaceuticals, banking and financial services, advanced manufacturing, transportation, technology
Unemployment rate: 3.8 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $713
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $18,538
State unemployment insurance benefits site: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Bottom line: New Jersey doesn’t have the best unemployment rate, but its unemployment benefits are very good, offering up to $713 over 26 weeks.
That maximum amount is calculated by taking 60 percent of your average weekly wage during your base period (the state has a handy calculator). Three dependents can be claimed. The first adds an additional 7 percent of your base period pay to your weekly benefit amount, while the next two add 4 percent. You can only claim up to three dependents.
At $713 over 26 weeks, New Jersey offers up to $18,538 in unemployment benefits, which is better than most other states.
3. Minnesota
Capital: Saint Paul
Population: 5.63 million
Main industries: Agriculture, manufacturing, energy, data centers, bio science
Unemployment rate: 3.2 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $740
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $19,240
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
Bottom line: Minnesota provides fantastic unemployment benefits, with $740 in maximum benefits offered.
They also are calculated in a straightforward manner: Weekly benefits amount to about half of the average weekly wage of what you were making.
2. Washington
Capital: Olympia
Population: 7.61 million
Main industries: Agriculture, aerospace, forestry, tourism, publishing (software and print), green energy
Unemployment rate: 3.9 percent
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $790
Maximum weeks: 26
Total maximum benefit amount: $20,540
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Washington Employment Security Department
Bottom line: Washington has excellent unemployment benefits, with a maximum WBA of $790 and a minimum WBA of $188.
The maximum total benefits offered by Washington at 26 weeks are $20,540.
The minimum WBA at a maximum of 26 weeks totals $4,888.
1. Massachusetts
Capital: Boston
Population: 6.9 million
Main industries: Banking and financial services, fishing, food processing, education, advanced technology, manufacturing, tourism
Unemployment rate: 2.8 million
Maximum weekly benefit amount: $823
Maximum weeks: 26 (up to 30 in high unemployment)
Total maximum benefit amount: $21,398 (up to $24,690 in high unemployment)
State unemployment insurance benefits site: Massachusetts Department of Unemployment
Bottom line: With a maximum weekly benefit of $823 — $361 more than the national average — Massachusetts is the best state in the country for unemployment benefits.
While Massachusetts offers up to 30 weeks of unemployment insurance, it only does so when there is high unemployment. Under typical conditions, 26 weeks is the norm.
Under typical, low-unemployment conditions, Massachusetts will pay a maximum of $21,398 over 26 weeks. Under high-unemployment conditions and a maximum of 30 weeks, the state will pay $24,690.