Best and Worst States for Unemployment Checks
Written by
Sarah Li Cain
Edited by
Amber Barkley
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
No one wants to think about what would happen if they lost their job. The unfortunate truth is that layoffs are common. Or, you could find your hours are cut if companies need to fix their cash flow issues.
Your state will most likely provide some sort of unemployment benefit. The amount you get will vary based on where you live.
Next, find out the five things you need to do immediately if you lose your job.
Best and Worst Unemployment Benefits
One of the main reasons unemployment benefits vary is because states are allowed to set and enforce their own mandates. There are some federal regulations the states need to adhere to, but they’re fairly basic. The amount could vary based on the cost of living from state to state.
According to data gathered from Saving to Invest, the states with the biggest unemployment checks are: Washington, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Colorado — all pay between $800 and over $1,000 per week maximum. Massachusetts pays unemployment benefits for the longest time period: up to 30 weeks.
Mississippi pays the least out of all the states at a maximum of $235 per week, followed by Alabama, Florida and Louisiana at up to $275 weekly, then Arizona and Missouri at up to $320 weekly. However, Florida will only cover up to 12 weeks of unemployment benefits, the least out of the entire country.
Unemployment Benefits in Every State
Here’s a list of how much you could receive each week and the maximum amount of weeks the state will pay out.
| State | Maximum Weekly Benefit | Maximum Number of Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $275 | 26 |
| Alaska | $370-$442 | 26 |
| Arizona | $320 | 24 |
| Arkansas | $451 | 16 |
| California | $450 | 26 |
| Colorado | $809 | 26 |
| Connecticut | $721 | 26 |
| Delaware | $450 | 26 |
| Florida | $275 | 12 |
| Georgia | $365 | 14-26 |
| Hawaii | $796 | 26 |
| Idaho | $568 | 26 |
| Illinois | $578-$787 | 26 |
| Indiana | $390 | 26 |
| Iowa | $602-$739 | 26 |
| Kansas | $612 | 16 |
| Kentucky | $665 | 26 |
| Louisiana | $275 | 26 |
| Maine | $595 (additional $25 per dependent) | 26 |
| Maryland | $430 | 26 |
| Massachusetts | $1,033 (additional $25 per dependent) | 30 |
| Michigan | $362 | 20 |
| Minnesota | $914 | 26 |
| Mississippi | $235 | 26 |
| Missouri | $320 | 13 |
| Montana | $552 | 28 |
| Nebraska | $546 | 26 |
| Nevada | $469 | 26 |
| New Hampshire | $427 | 26 |
| New Jersey | $875 | 26 |
| New Mexico | $511 | 26 |
| New York | $504 | 26 |
| North Carolina | $350 | 12 |
| North Dakota | $748 | 26 |
| Ohio | $561-$757 | 26 |
| Oklahoma | $539 | 26 |
| Oregon | $836 | 26 |
| Pennsylvania | $605 (additional $8 maximum for dependents) | 26 |
| Rhode Island | $723 | 26 |
| South Carolina | $326 | 20 |
| South Dakota | $532 | 26 |
| Tennessee | $325 | 26 |
| Texas | $591 | 26 |
| Utah | $777 | 26 |
| Vermont | $729 | 26 |
| Virginia | $378 | 12-26 |
| Washington | $1,079 | 26 |
| West Virginia | $662 | 26 |
| Wisconsin | $370 | 26 |
| Wyoming | $595 | 26 |
Qualifying for Unemployment Benefits
Most states require that you have lost your job through no fault of your own in order to qualify for unemployment benefits. You may also be required to show proof you’re actively looking for a job. Those who are self-employed generally aren’t eligible for these benefits.
Some states may require you to wait a week or so before filing for benefits. If approved, you may need to wait another week for the benefits to kick in. You may be able to choose being paid via check, direct deposit or a prepaid debit card.
While you’re waiting for benefits, there are a few things you should do with your finances. This may be a good time to dig into your emergency fund, if you have one, and lower some expenses temporarily. If need be, you can use your credit card for some basic expenses until you get your unemployment check, which you should then use to pay off the credit card to avoid interest, if you can.
More From GOBankingRates
