By state · Benefits · How to apply · How to appeal
Unemployment Insurance.
If you lost your job through no fault of your own, unemployment insurance is yours. Benefits vary dramatically by state — from $235/week (Mississippi) to $1,107/week (Washington). Select your state to see exactly what you can get and how to apply.
Stable
Apply immediately — do not wait
File your claim the same week you lose your job. Most states do not pay benefits for the weeks before your application date. Every week you wait is a week of benefits you will never recover. Processing takes 2–4 weeks — you will not receive money right away, so applying fast matters.
Select your state
Select a state above
Choose your state to see maximum benefit amount, duration, work search requirements, and a direct link to apply.
What disqualifies you from unemployment
These are the most common reasons claims are denied — across every state.
Quit voluntarily
Leaving a job without "good cause" (as defined by your state) disqualifies you. Exceptions may exist for domestic violence, hostile work environment, medical necessity, or relocating for a spouse's military orders.
Fired for misconduct
Termination for serious misconduct (theft, harassment, intentional policy violations) typically disqualifies you. Simple poor performance usually does not.
Refusing suitable work
If you turn down a job offer that's within your skills and at an appropriate wage without good reason, your benefits can be stopped.
Not available or actively seeking work
You must be able to work, available to work, and actively looking. Failing to meet work search requirements each week (logging contacts, applying to jobs) can stop benefits.
Self-employed / independent contractor
Gig workers and contractors typically don't qualify for state UI — they don't pay state unemployment taxes. Some states created PUA-type programs during COVID; most have ended.
Working while collecting without reporting
Earning wages while collecting benefits without reporting them is fraud. Most states allow partial benefits if you work part-time and report earnings.
How your benefit amount is calculated
Most states use a formula based on your wages during a base period.
Base period
Most states use the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters as your base period. Your wages during this period determine your benefit amount. If you didn't work much during the base period, your benefit will be lower — even if you worked recently.
Benefit formula
Typically 40–60% of your average weekly wage during the base period, up to the state maximum. A higher-earning worker will get more per week but will always be capped at the state maximum.
Duration formula
The number of weeks you can collect is typically your total base period wages divided by your weekly benefit amount, capped at the state maximum (usually 12–26 weeks).
Alternate base period
If you don't qualify under the standard base period, ask about an alternate base period using the most recent four quarters. Many states offer this option — it helps people who recently started working.
If your claim is denied — how to appeal
Most denied claims can be appealed and won at a hearing. Do not give up after a denial.
1
Read the denial letter carefully
The denial will state the reason. Common reasons: determined to have quit voluntarily, terminated for misconduct, insufficient wages, or not meeting availability requirements. The reason determines your appeal strategy.
2
File your appeal within the deadline — usually 10–30 days
Every state has an appeal deadline — it's printed on your denial notice. Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to appeal. File your appeal online, by mail, or by fax — use whatever method gives you proof of the filing date.
3
Continue filing weekly certifications while the appeal is pending
Even while appealing, keep filing your weekly claim certifications. If you win the appeal, you will receive back pay for weeks you certified during the appeal — but only if you filed.
4
Prepare for your hearing
Most appeals result in a hearing (often by phone) before an Administrative Law Judge. Gather: your termination letter or documentation, any written communications with your employer, witness names, and a clear statement of facts from your perspective. You can bring an attorney or representative — most legal aid organizations can help.
5
Further appeals
If you lose the first hearing, most states have a Board of Review or similar body for a second appeal. After that, appeals go to state court. The hearing level is where most people succeed — that's where your story can be heard.
Free help with unemployment claims
lawhelp.org — Free legal aid by state (search for employment/unemployment) National Employment Law Project (nelp.org) — Policy and advocacy resources Your state workforce agency — Many have free staff to help with applications 211.org — Can connect you to emergency resources while waiting for benefits
Stay informed
Get updates when unemployment insurance policy changes.
We'll alert you when this program is cut, enrollment opens or closes, or new rules take effect in your state.
Not legal advice. Program rules, income limits, and eligibility requirements change frequently — always verify current rules at the official program website or with a licensed attorney or benefits counselor before making decisions. State programs may differ from federal guidelines. Links to external resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute endorsement.