Unemployment Benefits by State: How to File and Top States with the Highest Unemployment Pay

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:

How to File for Unemployment Benefits

Filing for unemployment benefits can seem overwhelming, but following these steps can simplify the process:

1. 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
2. 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).
3. Complete the Application
   • Provide accurate and honest information.
   • Double-check details to avoid delays.
4. Certify Weekly or Biweekly
   • Most states require ongoing certification to confirm you are actively seeking work.
5. 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:

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.

Meet the Author

Ryan Guina

Ryan Guina is The Military Wallet's founder. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over six years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the Tennessee Air...

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