Unemployment Benefits Estimator
Estimate possible unemployment income after a layoff
How much unemployment will I get after a layoff?
Most states replace roughly 40–60% of your prior weekly wages, up to a state maximum that's commonly in the $400–$800/week range. Benefits usually last up to 26 weeks, and a 1–2 week waiting period is typical, so file as soon as you're laid off.
Severance can reduce or delay benefits in some states and not in others — always disclose it when you file. The estimate below is directional; your state agency sets the official amount, duration, and eligibility.
- Estimated time
- 1–2 minutes
- Cost / impact
- Free · verify final amount with your state
- What you need
- Your state, prior annual salary, any severance
Unemployment Benefits Estimator
Rough estimate. Must verify with your state unemployment office.
Who Should Use This Estimator?
Use this to get a rough estimate of your unemployment benefits:
- •You've just been laid off and want to estimate unemployment income
- •You're calculating your financial runway and need benefit estimates
- •You want to understand how severance affects unemployment eligibility
- •You're planning your job search timeline based on expected benefits
How This Estimator Works
Input: State
Unemployment benefits are determined by each state and vary significantly. Your state determines benefit amounts, duration, and eligibility rules.
Input: Prior Annual Salary
Most states calculate benefits as approximately 40–60% of your prior average weekly earnings, with a state maximum (typically $400–$800/week).
Input: Severance (Optional)
Severance may affect unemployment eligibility or benefit amounts in your state. This is a critical factor—some states disqualify you if you received severance.
Calculation
Weekly Benefit ~= Annual Salary ÷ 52 × 0.5, capped at state maximum (~$650)
Monthly Benefit ~= Weekly Benefit × 4.33 weeks
Example Scenario
Scenario: Marketing manager laid off in New York
Weekly earnings: $95,000 ÷ 52 = $1,827
Estimated weekly benefit (~50%): ~$913 (subject to NY max of $645)
Estimated monthly benefit: $645 × 4.33 = ~$2,795/month
⚠️ NY unemployment may be affected by the $25,000 severance. Verify with NY Department of Labor.
State Unemployment Resources
File your claim immediately after layoff. Each state operates independently:
- •Federal: Department of Labor (dol.gov) has state-specific links
- •Find your state: Search "[Your State] unemployment insurance" or "[Your State] UI agency"
- •File online: Most states have online filing systems
- •Call your state UI office: Get exact benefit amounts and eligibility rules
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get unemployment benefits?+
How does severance affect unemployment?+
How long do unemployment benefits last?+
Is unemployment taxable income?+
What if my employer contests my claim?+
Can I work while receiving unemployment?+
Important Disclaimer
This estimator provides rough educational estimates only. Unemployment benefits vary significantly by state, individual circumstances, and time of filing. Always contact your state unemployment office directly to: (1) get accurate benefit amounts, (2) verify eligibility with severance, (3) understand your state's specific rules, and (4) file your official claim. LayoffNext does not provide employment or benefits advice.
Deepak Middha is the founder of LayoffNext and a Chartered Accountant (ICAI, India). A U.S. immigrant with nearly 20 years of experience — and 17 years in hedge fund and private equity administration, including as Vice President of Fund Accounting at NAV Fund Administration Group and Associate Director of Private Equity and Real Estate at SS&C Technologies — he builds free, plain-language layoff tools and guides for employees, H-1B workers, and immigrant families.