Note: The American Rescue Plan Act, signed into law in March 2021 and providing an extension of the $300 weekly federal unemployment insurance supplement (as well as some other new provisions), was ended September 6, 2021. Some states ended the distribution of the supplemental $300 earlier.
To find out when the $300 federal unemployment supplement ended in your state, click here. For information on when work search requirements went back in effect in your state, click here.
How Have Unemployment Benefits Changed?
The coronavirus pandemic and unprecedented public health measures implemented in most states have had a massive impact on the United States economy. Record numbers of Americans have filed for unemployment benefits since the pandemic began. If you are unemployed, you will likely want to know what benefits and support are available to you until you find your next job.
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law, extending sections of previous pandemic-related plans (the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021) and adding some new provisions. The Act provided additional benefits for workers affected by the pandemic.
Beginning in early May 2021, some states announced that they would opt out of pandemic-related unemployment insurance programs early.
Each state has its own unemployment insurance system and will be responsible for administering both state benefits and supplemental federal benefits. We are here to help you understand how the Act affects the benefits you can claim.
Spotlight Changes to Unemployment Benefits Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act
- An additional $300 per week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation payments was added to all unemployment benefits through September 6, 2021 (FPUC)
- Regular state unemployment benefits were extended for up to an additional 29 weeks through September 6, 2021, beyond the 50 weeks of benefits provided for by previous laws, through Pandemic Emergency Unemployment compensation (PEUC)
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for categories of workers excluded from regular benefits (such as the self-employed and gig workers, will be extended for up to an additional 29 weeks beyond the 24 weeks of benefits provided for by previous laws (PUA)
- Six months of free COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) health insurance were available to the unemployed (a benefit estimated to have a monetary value of about $100 per month) (COBRA Subsidy)
- Workers who had at least $5,000 in annual self-employment income but were previously ineligible for regular state unemployment benefits will continue to receive up to $100 per week (MEUC)
FAQs About Unemployment Benefits in the United States
How do I apply for federal unemployment benefits?
You don’t. Even though new federal statutes affect unemployment benefits, each state still manages and administers unemployment benefits, including the $300 in supplemental relief. Find your state unemployment office here.
Be Patient and Persistent
Because so many people are filing, and this is a new program, new unemployment claims across the country are coming in at an unusually high volume. For the first round of stimulus in March 2020, direct deposits began arriving around 2 weeks after the program began, but due to outdated and backed up computer systems, some states were slower to pay them, and even slower to pay through other means. State websites may be slow and phone lines may be tied up. Don’t give up! You may have to try refreshing the web page or continue to call back in order to file your claim.
How much can I get paid in unemployment benefits?
Prior to the enactment of the CARES Act, maximum unemployment benefit levels averaged $437 per week, or about $12 an hour. The benefits that you are entitled to depend on regulations in your state, and factors such as your recent salary history and number of dependents.
What state has the highest unemployment benefits?
The state with the highest maximum payout for unemployment insurance is Massachusetts. The maximum weekly payout is $823. This is 88% higher than the national average in benefit payouts.
How long can I receive unemployment benefits in my state?
Most states allow you to stay on unemployment benefits for an additional 29 weeks, beyond the 50 weeks of benefits provided under the 2020 CARES Act and Consolidated Appropriations Act. This provision was in effect until September 6, 2021. Some states have chosen to end these programs earlier.
What can disqualify me from receiving unemployment benefits?
There are still some reasons you might have your unemployment insurance claim denied. Some common reasons include:
- Voluntarily leaving your job
- Being discharged for misconduct
- Knowingly making false statements to receive benefits
Regulations for benefits vary by state, so make sure you check with your own state’s workforce agency about your state’s guidelines.
FAQs About Unemployment Benefits by State
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Alabama?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Alabama was $575 a week, or about $14 per hour, through June 19, 2021. After that, the maximum weekly benefit for individuals is $275 a week, or about $7 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Alaska?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Alaska was $670 a week, or about $17 per hour, through June 12, 2021. After that, the maximum weekly benefit for individuals is $370 a week, or about $9 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Arizona?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Arizona was $540 a week, or about $14 per hour, through July 10, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $240 a week, or about $6 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Arkansas?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Arkansas was $751 a week, or about $19 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $451 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in California?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in California was $750 a week, or about $19 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $450 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Colorado?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Colorado was $918 a week, or about $23 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $618 a week, or about $15 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Connecticut?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Connecticut was $949 a week, or about $24 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $649 a week, or about $16 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Delaware?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Delaware was $7,00 a week, or about $18 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $400 a week, or about $10 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in The District of Columbia?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in The District of Columbia was $744 a week, or about $19 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $444 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Florida?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Florida was $575 a week, or about $22 per hour, through June 26, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $275 a week, or about $7 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Georgia?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Georgia was $665 a week, or about $17 per hour, through June 26, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $365 a week, or about $9 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Hawaii?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Hawaii was $948 a week, or about $25 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $648 a week, or about $16 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Idaho?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Idaho was $763 a week, or about $19 per hour, through June 19, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $463 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Illinois?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals was Illinois is $784 a week, or about $20 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $484 a week, or about $12 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Indiana?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals was Indiana is $690 a week, or about $25 per hour through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $390 a week, or about $10 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Iowa?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Iowa was $781 a week, or about $20 per hour, through June 12, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $481 a week, or about $12 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Kansas?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Kansas was $788 a week, or about $20 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $488 a week, or about $12 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Kentucky?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Kentucky was $852 a week, or about $22 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $552 a week, or about $14 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Louisiana?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Louisiana is $547 a week, or about $21 per hour, through July 31, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $247 a week, or about $6 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Maine?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Maine is $745 a week, or about $19 per hour, through September 6, 2021. After that, the maximum weekly benefit for individuals is $445 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Maryland?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Maryland was $730 a week, or about $19 per hour through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $430 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Massachusetts?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals was Massachusetts is $1,123 a week, or about $31 per hour, through September 6, 2021.The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $823 a week, or about $21 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Michigan?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Michigan is $662 a week, or about $17 per hour, through September 6, 2021. After that, the maximum weekly benefit for individuals is $362 a week, or about $9 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Minnesota?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Minnesota was $1,040 a week, or about $27 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $740 a week, or about $19 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Mississippi?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Mississippi was $535 a week, or about $14 per hour, through June 12, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $235 a week, or about $6 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Missouri?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Missouri was $620 a week, or about $23 per hour, through June 12, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $320 a week, or about $8 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Montana?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Montana was $872 a week, or about $29 per hour, through June 27, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $552 a week, or about $14 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Nebraska?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Nebraska was $740 a week, or about $19 per hour, through June 19, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $440 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Nevada?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Nevada was $769 a week, or about $19 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $469 a week, or about $12 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in New Hampshire?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in New Hampshire was $727 a week, or about $18 per hour, through June 19, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $427 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in New Jersey?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in New Jersey was $1,013 a week, or about $26 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $713 a week, or about $18 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in New Mexico?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in New Mexico was $811 a week, or about $21 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $511 a week, or about $13 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in New York?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in New York was $804 a week, or about $20 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $504 a week, or about $13 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in North Carolina?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in North Carolina was $650 a week, or about $16 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $350 a week, or about $9 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in North Dakota?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in North Dakota was $918 a week, or about $23 per hour, through June 19, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $618 a week, or about $15 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Ohio?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Ohio was $798 a week, or about $23 per hour, through June 26, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $498 a week, or about $12 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Oklahoma?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Oklahoma was $839 a week, or about $21 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $539 a week, or about $13 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Oregon?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Oregon was $973 a week, or about $24 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $673 a week, or about $17 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Pennsylvania?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Pennsylvania was $872 a week, or about $22 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $572 a week, or about $14 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Rhode Island?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Rhode Island was $886 a week, or about $30 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $586 a week, or about $15 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in South Carolina?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in South Carolina was $626 a week, or about $16 per hour, through June 30, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $326 a week, or about $8 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in South Dakota?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in South Dakota was $728 a week, or about $18 per hour, through June 26, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $428 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Tennessee?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Tennessee was $575 a week, or about $14 per hour, through July 3, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $275 a week, or about $7 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Texas?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Texas was $835 a week, or about $21 per hour, through June 26, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $535 a week, or about $13 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Utah?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Utah was $880 a week, or about $23 per hour, through June 26, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $580 a week, or about $15 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Vermont?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Vermont was $831 a week, or about $21 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $531 a week, or about $13 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Virginia?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Virginia was $678 a week, or about $17 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $378 a week, or about $9 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Washington?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Washington was $1,144 a week, or about $28 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $844 a week, or about $20 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in West Virginia?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in West Virginia was $724 a week, or about $19 per hour, through June 19, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $424 a week, or about $11 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Wisconsin?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Wisconsin was $670 a week, or about $17 per hour, through September 6, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $370 a week, or about $9 per hour.
How much unemployment benefit can I get in Wyoming?
The maximum unemployment benefit available to individuals in Wyoming was $808 a week, or about $20 per hour, through June 19, 2021. The maximum weekly benefit for individuals is now $508 a week, or about $13 per hour.