Update: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act has expanded unemployment benefits by offering an additional $600 per week for those put out of work by the coronavirus. See below for more information..
Understanding unemployment benefits is crucial for navigating periods of job loss. This guide provides a state-by-state overview, highlights states with the highest unemployment pay, and offers a step-by-step guide on how to file for unemployment benefits. Whether you’re filing for the first time or seeking updated information, this article covers all the essentials.
The fact that I relocated across the country and didn’t have a network to tap into made finding a new job even more difficult.
The good news is that unemployment insurance is there to help you bridge the gap between jobs. Here is what you need to know about unemployment insurance and how to claim unemployment:
Table of Contents
- How to File for Unemployment Benefits
- What is Unemployment Insurance?
- How Much Money Will You Receive for Unemployment Insurance?
- Unemployment Benefits Are Taxable
- Can Seasonal Employees Claim Unemployment Benefits?
- Is it Fair to Cut Unemployment for Seasonal Workers?
- Other Possible Benefits
- Unemployment Benefit Provisions in the 2009 Economic Stimulus Plan
- Unemployment Benefits are There for you
How to File for Unemployment Benefits
Filing for unemployment benefits can seem overwhelming, but following these steps can simplify the process:
- Gather Necessary Information
- Social Security number.
- Employment history (past 18 months).
- Reason for unemployment.
- DD Form 214 if recently separated from the military
- Education level
- Visit Your State’s UI Website
- Each state has an online portal for filing claims. To avoid scams, ensure you are on the official state website. These typically include .gov in the address (example: https://edd.ca.gov/UNEMPLOYMENT).
- Complete the Application
- Provide accurate and honest information.
- Double-check details to avoid delays.
- Certify Weekly or Biweekly
- Most states require ongoing certification to confirm you are actively seeking work.
- Track Your Claim
- Monitor the status of your application and address any issues promptly.
Unemployment Benefits By State
A note about this table: The information in this table is up to date at the time of publication. We regularly review this information for accuracy. However, each state maintains its unemployment insurance program, and details change from time to time. We link to each state’s employment bureau, where you can find the most up-to-date information.
Additionally, this table lists the maximum unemployment insurance benefits you can receive. Not all workers will receive the maximum benefit. Benefits are often based on your previous salary, if or when you previously claimed unemployment compensation, and how long you have worked. Each state may also have additional rules regarding whether or not you are out of work through no fault of your own, whether or not you receive any additional income from employment or side gigs, or whether or not you receive additional income from a pension or retirement benefits.
Here is the state by state break down, as of 2024:
| State | Max Benefits | Employment Agency | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $275.00 | Alabama Department of Labor | 1-866-234-5382 |
| Alaska | $370.00 | Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development | 907-269-4700 |
| Arizona | $240.00 | Arizona Department of Economic Security | 1-877-600-2722 |
| Arkansas | $451.00 | Arkansas Department of Workforce Services | 501-682-2121 |
| California | $450.00 | California Employment Development Department | 1-800-300-5616 |
| Colorado | $700.00 | Colorado Department of Labor and Employment | 303-318-9000 |
| Connecticut | $631.00 | Connecticut Department of Labor | 860-263-6000 |
| Delaware | $400.00 | Delaware Department of Labor | New Castle County: 302-761-6576 Other Areas: 1-800-794-3032 |
| District of Columbia | $444.00 | District of Columbia Department of Employment Services | 202-724-7000 |
| Florida | $275.00 | Florida Department of Economic Opportunity | 1-800-204-2418 |
| Georgia | $365.00 | Georgia Department of Labor | 1-877-709-8185 |
| Hawaii | $648.00 | Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations | Oahu: 808-586-8970 Hilo: 808-974-4086 Kona: 808-322-4822 Maui: 808-984-8400 Kauai: 808-274-3043 |
| Idaho | $448.00 | Idaho Department of Labor | 208-332-8942 |
| Illinois | $484.00 | Illinois Department of Employment Security | 1-800-244-5631 |
| Indiana | $390.00 | Indiana Department of Workforce Development | 1-800-891-6499 |
| Iowa | $605.00 | Iowa Workforce Development | 1-866-239-0843 |
| Kansas | $488.00 | Kansas Department of Labor | 1-800-292-6333 |
| Kentucky | $552.00 | Kentucky Career Center Office of Unemployment Insurance | 502-564-2900 |
| Louisiana | $247.00 | Louisiana Workforce Commission | 1-866-783-5567 |
| Maine | $462.00 | Maine Department of Labor | 1-800-593-7660 |
| Maryland | $430.00 | Maryland Department of Labor | 410-949-0022 |
| Massachusetts | $1,015.00 | Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance | 617-626-6338 |
| Michigan | $362.00 | Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity | 1-866-500-0017 |
| Minnesota | $820.00 | Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development | Twin Cities Area: 651-296-3644 Greater Minnesota: 1-877-898-9090 |
| Mississippi | $235.00 | Mississippi Department of Employment Security | 1-888-844-3577 |
| Missouri | $320.00 | Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations | 1-800-320-2519 |
| Montana | $487.00 | Montana Department of Labor and Industry | 406-444-2545 |
| Nebraska | $440.00 | Nebraska Department of Labor | 1-855-995-8863 |
| Nevada | $469.00 | Nevada Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation | Northern Nevada: 775-684-0350 Southern Nevada: 702-486-0350 Rural Areas and Out of State Callers: 1-888-890-8211 |
| New Hampshire | $427.00 | New Hampshire Department of Employment Security | 1-800-852-3400 |
| New Jersey | $830.00 | New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development | North New Jersey: 201-601-4100 Central New Jersey: 732-761-2020 South New Jersey: 856-507-2340 Out-of-state claims: 1-888-795-6672 |
| New Mexico | $511.00 | New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions | 1-877-664-6984 |
| New York | $504.00 | New York Department of Labor | 1-888-209-8124 |
| North Carolina | $350.00 | North Carolina Department of Commerce | 1-888-737-0259 |
| North Dakota | $618.00 | North Dakota Job Service | 701-328-4995 |
| Ohio | $480.00 | Ohio Department of Job and Family Services | 1-877-644-6562 |
| Oklahoma | $783.00 | Oklahoma Employment Security Commission | 1-800-555-1554 |
| Oregon | $572.00 | Oregon Employment Department | 1-877-345-3484 |
| Pennsylvania | $867.00 | Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry | 1-888-313-7284 |
| Puerto Rico | $190 | Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources | 787-625-7900 |
| Rhode Island | $326.00 | Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training | 401-243-9100 |
| South Carolina | $428.00 | South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce | 1-866-831-1724 |
| South Dakota | $535.00 | South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation | 605-626-3179 |
| Tennessee | $580.00 | Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development | 1-877-813-0950 |
| Texas | $513.00 | Texas Workforce Commission | 1-800-939-6631 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | $645.00 | U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Labor | 340-773-1994 |
| Utah | $378.00 | Utah Department of Workforce Services | Salt Lake and South Davis Counties: 801-526-4400 Weber and North Davis Counties: 801-612-0877 Utah County: 801-375-4067 Other Counties and Out of State: 1-888-848-0688 |
| Vermont | $999.00 | Vermont Department of Labor | 1-888-807-7072 |
| Virginia | $424.00 | Virginia Employment Commission | 1-866-832-2363 |
| Washington | $370.00 | Washington Employment Security Department | 1-800-318-6022 |
| West Virginia | $508.00 | Workforce West Virginia | 1-800-379-1032 |
| Wisconsin | $370.00 | Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development | 1-844-910-3661 |
| Wyoming | $560.00 | Wyoming Department of Workforce Services | 307-473-3789 |
What is Unemployment Insurance?
Federal Unemployment Insurance is a safety net designed to assist workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. Federal Unemployment Insurance is run by your local state government but is funded by federal and state taxes which are paid by employers.
Most states allow you to apply online, in person, or over the phone. However, states are currently overburdened with applications and many are not accepting in-person applications. So your best bet is to try online first. Be patient, as many states are running antiquated systems that are not designed to handle the flood of applications they are receiving.
Once approved, you may be required to meet with an employment counselor at some point. You will also have to certify your attempts to continue your job search. Most states require this on a weekly basis.
How Much Money Will You Receive for Unemployment Insurance?
The amount of money you receive for your weekly unemployment benefit will vary depending on your earning history and the limits of your state. When I filed for unemployment benefits in Texas I received $300 per week. However, this was almost 15 years ago. At the time, the unemployment benefits in Texas were around the national average.
Unemployment Benefits Are Taxable
Pay attention to the income tax question! Unemployment benefits are considered taxable income for federal income taxes. Taxes are not automatically taken out of your check, so if you want to avoid an unexpected surprise when you file taxes the following year, it may be a good idea to have taxes taken out when you receive your benefits. If you choose to have taxes withdrawn, the IRS will automatically withdraw 10% of your unemployment benefits.
Can Seasonal Employees Claim Unemployment Benefits?
Seasonal employees can collect unemployment benefits, with some exclusions or limitations. It varies by state, and you should research the laws and rules in your state to verify the current status and your ability to file for unemployment benefits.
Exclusions: Federal law already prohibits professional athletes from collecting unemployment benefits between seasons, and teachers from collecting unemployment benefits during the summer. After that, the federal law leaves most eligibility rules up to the states.
Some states are moving away from allowing seasonal unemployment benefits. Several years ago, CNN Money reported that some states are limiting the unemployment benefits they pay to seasonal workers.
Until recently, most states allowed seasonal employees to collect unemployment benefits during the months when they were unemployed. For example, school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, janitors, and many other school employees know they will be unemployed during the summer months. This extends into the arts as well; many actors, stagehands, musicians, and similar entertainment professions are routinely out of work between seasons. Other examples of seasonal workers include construction, hospitality and tourism industries, etc.
There are currently 15 states that limit unemployment benefits to seasonal workers, and several more states are considering legislation to limit benefits or have commissioned studies to determine the impact this would have.
Is it Fair to Cut Unemployment for Seasonal Workers?
Before we answer this question, it will be helpful to take a look at what unemployment insurance is, what it is designed to do, and who pays for it. Then we can better answer the question. Let’s start at the source:
Contrary to popular belief, individuals don’t pay unemployment insurance taxes. Employers and the federal government pay into the unemployment system, and the states handle the distributions (which is why they often have a little more say on who is eligible).
Unemployment benefits are more or less a safety net – they exist to help people through tough times when they lose their job. Workers are usually eligible to receive unemployment benefits when they lose their job through no fault of their own (there are some rules regarding eligibility, such as those listed for teachers, professional athletes, and some other cases).
These benefits aren’t designed to replace full-time income (most benefits are capped at a few hundred dollars per week, depending on your income going into unemployment). Instead, they are designed to help people get by until they can find another source of income. There is also a time limit – usually 26 weeks, depending on the state (some states have extensions depending on how high their unemployment rate is).
To continue receiving unemployment insurance benefits, recipients must prove they are actively seeking employment. They usually do this by sending in a list of jobs they have applied to or places where they have submitted their resumes.
Other Possible Benefits
One of the major concerns many people have when they become unemployed is losing their health insurance. Along with unemployment benefits, you may be eligible to claim COBRA insurance coverage through your former employer. Be sure to contact your former employer or health insurance provider for more details.
This article covers health insurance options for unemployed individuals.
Unemployment Benefit Provisions in the 2009 Economic Stimulus Plan
Update: The 2009 economic stimulus plan calls for an increase in unemployment and COBRA benefits. Be sure to visit this article for more information about increases in benefits you may be eligible to receive. Also keep in mind that some of these updates are temporary, and may not be permanently written into law. Be sure to verify how long you will be eligible to receive benefits with your state jobs board.
Unemployment Benefits are There for you
Losing your job is a difficult experience, but thankfully we have unemployment insurance to fall back on. With a positive attitude and a little luck, hopefully, you won’t need to claim unemployment very long.
About Post Author
Samuel A Mathews says
Hello Ryan Guina my name is Samuel Mathews… I’m a composer out of Seattle Washington. I was reading your article about weather the states should allow seasonal workers to recieve unemployment benefits? Well I think they should. Remember Boeing? In the mid 80s to the 90s Boeing would consistently layoff there workers according to the needs of the company. People in Seasonal work positions are more at risk than someone who is not. Most Seasonal workers are not provided the protection that an full time worker would have. Also the myth that workers don’t pay into unemployment insurance… is a lye! If you work for a bus company part-time you pay unemployment under the labor and industry guide lines… most musicians if they are full time musicians half to also pay into unemployment benefits as well. They also pay BNO taxes to the State. Don’t negate that musicians are considered to be self employed… they pay a lot more tax than the average “Jo” … something to consider…
Ryan Guina says
Hi Samuel, Unemployment benefits are paid by employers, so if you are self-employed and pay yourself a salary, you pay unemployment taxes (I am self-employed and pay unemployment taxes for myself, along with a host of other taxes, so I’m familiar with paying a lot of taxes). When I was an employee for a large corporation, they paid unemployment taxes on my behalf.
The above quote is from the IRS, and represents federal taxes. I’m not sure what the requirements are for each state, so I can’t speak specificaly about Washington, or any other state.
The situation about Boeing is not what I am referring to when I talk about seasonal employment – they were being laid off at the behest of the company, it wasn’t a set schedule the employees could plan around each year. The issue many states are taking up is seasonal employees who use unemployment benefits as part of their regular income each year, even when they know they will have a period of unemployment at the same time each year. The example of people who work for school districts, the tourism industry, ot other forms of employment which have defined “seasons” is what they are trying to cut out.
Is it fair that someone can work 9 months out of the year, then have the state support them the other 3 months of the year, and do this year in and year out? At that point, it becomes part of their income plan and they have no incentive to look for another source of income because they know they will be back to work in a few months. That is the issue states are taking up with these changes.
I’m not trying to be argumentative; I see both sides to this. It’s a complicated topic, and one with no easy answers. On the one hand you don’t want people to suffer when they need assistance, but on the other hand, you don’t want to have a built in benefits system that allows people to work 9 months every year, then take 3 months off, and repeat the process for decades.
Lorri says
Here is my dilemma- My husband was unemployed in April of 2008 for a job in May 2008. He was suppose to start his new job on May 27th which was Memorial Day. His new place of employers realized this and when we got home on Friday (after mailing in his ui paperwork saying he DID not work the week prior) they asked him to come in on the Saturday before Memorial so that he could start training and have Memorial day off since they were closed! He did go in to work the Saturday prior to Memorial. We received a bill from UI stating that he worked during the time he said he did not so we paid back the money, and also a fine.
Now he again was laid off by the above mentioned job April 2009, He filed for UI May 1, 2009 by internet and heard nothing. He has called numerous times and gets no one on the phone so we started corresponding through e-mail with them. He asked where our check was and they said that because in 2008 even though he paid his fines, and penalties that he also needed to appeal it. (which we do no remember any such paperwork) but we have been DISQUALIFIED for an additional 5 weeks due to his Fraudulent activity, even though he paid everything back.
My question is how can this be legal? If he did something fradulently shouldnt he be criminally charged? He actually did nothing worng besides going back to work 1 day earlier then he should have. (Sounds criminal to me, someone just going back to work and not taking money from ui)
Ryan says
Lorri, I don’t have an answer for you. Your best bet is to contact an attorney who specializes in labor law or works with these types of cases.
Michele says
I applied for unemployment in October in 2008. I found a new job 9 (0ff the books) within a few weeks and never received a check for the weeks I didn’t work. Now I am unemployed again due to no fault of mine. I work in construction and the building the company was working on, failed inspections and we do not know when we will go back to work. I called and the unemployment file from 08 was still open. I called to claim benefits. The information was taken and I was told to file again the following Sunday. Done. Will I get benefits under the old claim?
Ryan says
Michele: You will need to contact your state unemployment bureau for specific information. Best of luck.