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Finance Calc Kit
Paycheck

Unemployment Benefit Calculator

Calculate estimated weekly unemployment benefit payout, total duration payout, and wage replacement rate.

Income and program settings

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$
%

Estimated weekly benefit (gross)

$450.00

Net weekly: $405.00 | Total gross (26 wks): $11,700.00

Wage replacement rate

50.0%

Total net payout

$10,530.00

Weekly benefit split

  • Net benefit$405.0090.0%
  • Tax withheld$45.0010.0%

Benefit summary

MetricEstimate
Weekly benefit (gross)$450.00
Weekly benefit (net)$405.00
Benefit duration26 weeks
Total payout (gross)$11,700.00
Total payout (net)$10,530.00
Replacement formula used50% of wage
State maximum weekly benefits and duration limits reflect approximate 2025 program rules. Actual eligibility, base periods, and weekly amounts vary by state law and individual work history.
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How unemployment benefits are estimated

Unemployment insurance (UI) replaces part of lost wages when eligible workers lose a job through no fault of their own. Each US state sets its own weekly benefit formula, maximum weekly payment, and benefit duration. This calculator applies a wage replacement percentage, caps the weekly amount, and optionally withholds tax.

UI estimates are planning tools, not official determinations. To compare your paycheck before a layoff, use the hourly wage calculatoror pay raise calculator. Veterans receiving service-connected disability pay can estimate combined ratings and monthly compensation with the VA disability calculator. For broader take-home planning, see the income tax calculator.

Benefit estimation formula

Weekly Benefit=min⁡(Weekly Wage×Replacement Rate,State Maximum)\text{Weekly Benefit} = \min(\text{Weekly Wage} \times \text{Replacement Rate}, \text{State Maximum})
Net Weekly Benefit=Weekly Benefit×(1−Withholding Rate)\text{Net Weekly Benefit} = \text{Weekly Benefit} \times (1 - \text{Withholding Rate})

Total payout equals the weekly benefit multiplied by approved benefit weeks. Wage replacement rate shows how much of your prior paycheck the gross benefit replaces.

Worked example

With a $900 average weekly wage, a 50% replacement rate, and a $500 weekly cap, gross weekly benefit is $450. At 10% withholding, net weekly benefit is $405. Over 26 weeks, gross payout is $11,700 and net payout is $10,530, replacing 50% of prior wages.

Frequently asked questions

Do all states use the same unemployment formula?
No. States differ in base periods, wage indexing, maximum weekly benefits, and duration. Presets in this calculator approximate common state caps for planning, but official state agencies make final determinations.
Are unemployment benefits taxable?
Yes. Unemployment compensation is generally taxable for federal income tax and may be taxable at the state level depending on where you live. Many recipients elect voluntary withholding to avoid a large tax bill at filing time.
What is wage replacement rate?
Replacement rate compares your estimated weekly UI benefit to your prior average weekly wage. A 50% replacement on a $900 wage means about $450 in gross weekly benefits before caps or withholding.
Which year do the preset caps reflect?
State maximum weekly amounts and duration limits in presets reflect approximate 2025 program rules. Legislatures update caps periodically, so verify current figures with your state labor department.

Resources and references

The formulas and methods in this calculator were checked against these independent sources.