How Many Weeks of Unemployment Do I Get?

Question: How Many Weeks of Unemployment Do I Get?

Answer: The amount of weeks of unemployment benefits that unemployed workers are entitled to is complicated, because benefits after state benefits have been used are based on the state unemployment rate. This means that available benefits change when the state unemployment rate changes.

Workers who lose their job through no fault of their own are eligible for regular unemployment benefits (UI) which are provided for a maximum of 26 weeks, depending on your state. Some states, including Michigan, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, provide less.

In addition, Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) provides an 14 additional weeks of benefits - Tier 1.

There are also additional tiers of EUC benefits which provide additional weeks of benefits:

• Tier 2: 14 weeks if the state unemployment rate is 6% or higher
• Tier 3: 9 weeks if the state unemployment rate is 7% or higher
• Tier 4: 10 weeks if the state unemployment rate is 9% or higher

In addition, the Extended Benefits (EB) Program provides an additional 13 to 20 weeks of benefits to workers receiving state unemployment insurance benefits in states with a specific high unemployment rate.

Some states have unemployment calculators or charts you can use to determine how many weeks of unemployment you will receive. Check with your state unemployment office for details.

Related Articles: How to File for Unemployment | Tiers of Extended Unemployment Benefits | How to Calculate Unemployment