Best and Worst Unemployment Benefits by State

The average maximum weekly benefit amount is $462 per week.

Best and Worst Unemployment Benefits by State

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.