Maximum Unemployment Benefits by State 2020
Maximum Unemployment Benefits by State 2020
Listed below are the latest maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit/compensation amounts by state. The Unemployment compensation program is designed to provide benefits to most individuals out of work or in between jobs, through no fault of their own.
Note, the table below contains the maximum weekly unemployment insurance compensation benefit including adjustments for dependents where applicable. In most cases the number of dependents you have, and average maximum weekly wage will impact the unemployment benefit you are eligible for. Please check the respective state unemployment website in the table below for state specific details, latest numbers, and process to claim the benefits.
See the latest information on the Unemployment Benefits relief package to tackle the Coronavirus Fallout. Most state UI programs include Coronavirus/COVID-19 emergency provisions, like extended benefit coverage (up to 13 more weeks), supplemental payouts (up to $600 p/week), self-employed and independent contractors’ eligibility, and waiving one week waiting periods before filing a claim. Given the rapid rise in claims, please file early and be patient due to the surge in new claims. State Max. Weekly Benefit Amount State Unemployment Insurance Benefits Site Max Weeks*
The Federal-State UC program is a partnership based upon federal law but administered by state employees under state laws. Thus, each state designs its own UC program within the guidelines of the federal requirements, which includes setting the benefit amount along with eligibility and disqualification provisions. There are significant differences between states so please visit the state unemployment for detailed rules and benefit calculation scenarios.
Steps to Filing an Unemployment Claim
– Contact the State Unemployment Insurance agency (links in table above) as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. Go the state UI website to see if you can file electronic claims or to get the location/number of the nearest unemployment office.
– Have details of your former employment available. Make sure to give complete and correct information to ensure no delays with your claim processing. It usually takes two to four weeks after you file your claim to receive your first benefit check.
– Your state unemployment website will generally allow you to calculate your estimated state unemployment benefits prior to or when submitting a claim. You will need to have your income/wages earned during the four prior calendar quarters (base year period) and number of hours worked in some instances for each of these quarters. Since the wages you earn can vary significantly from quarter to quarter, you may want to consider these differences in deciding when to file your claim. See your local state website for specifics on calculations and eligibility.
The final amount of your benefit is determined after the State UI division processes your application and validates income and employment time with your employer (s).
Taxation on Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment insurance is taxable income and must be reported on your IRS federal income tax return. Your local state unemployment agency will send you form 1099-G to file with your tax return (see due dates). This form is sent in late January and outlines the amount of benefits paid to you during the previous year. You can choose to withhold income tax during the year with 10 percent being the maximum generally allowed.
Claiming Benefits Across Multiple States
If you worked and earned wages in multiple states, you may be able to claim benefits from all these states relative to the income you earned. Generally, you should first exhaust benefits from the state where you had the highest income and/or lived for the longest duration in the base year of figuring your claim. After which you can file claims from the other states up to the maximum weekly benefit.